Matthew

See the chapter on the original Matthew!

Matthew 6

Matthew 6:9-13YOU must pray, then, this way: ” ‘Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified. Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth. Give us today our bread for this day; and forgive us our debts, as we have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the wicked one.’ ” – Jehovah ends up sanctifying his name before the nations because his people have profaned his name – Isaiah 11:1-10; 24:21-23; 48:1,2; Ezekiel 36:22-28 comments; Daniel 2:44; 12:1; Revelation 21:1-4. Interesting how in the original Matthew, the lord’s prayer is a bit different

Matthew 11

Matthew 11:7-14 – See Elijah link

Matthew 12

Matthew 12:29 “Or how can anyone invade the house of a strong man and seize his movable goods, unless first he binds the strong man?” – This reminds me of Revelation 20:1-3 where “Satan” is “bound … for a thousand years.”

Matthew 13

Matthew 13:40-43 “Therefore, just as weeds are collected and burned with fire, so it will be in the conclusion of the system of things. The Son of man will send forth his angels, and they will collect out from his kingdom all things that cause stumbling and persons who are doing lawlessness, and they will pitch them into the fiery furnace. There is where [their] weeping and the gnashing of [their] teeth will be. At that time the righteous ones will shine as brightly as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let him that has ears listen.” // Jeremiah 8:8-12; Daniel 11:32-35; 12:1-3; Malachi 3:2-4; Revelation 11:15-18

Matthew 13:47-50 “Again the kingdom of the heavens is like a dragnet let down into the sea and gathering up [fish] of every kind. When it got full they hauled it up onto the beach and, sitting down, they collected the fine ones into vessels, but the unsuitable they threw away. That is how it will be in the conclusion of the system of things: the angels will go out and separate the wicked from among the righteous and will cast them into the fiery furnace. There is where [their] weeping and the gnashing of [their] teeth will be.” // This is a bit different then what is mentioned in verses 40-43. In verses 40-43 it is talking about ones in his kingdom, here these represent ones of the earth – All those who do not repent and submit will be destroyed. – Compare Jeremiah 25:27-31; Psalms 12:2; Daniel 2:44; Revelation 19:11-16

Matthew 16

Matthew 16:19 “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of the heavens, and whatever you may bind on earth will be the thing bound in the heavens, and whatever you may loose on earth will be the thing loosed in the heavens.” // Compare Acts chapter 10 where it is made evident that God’s people can be of the nations along with the Jews.

Matthew 17

Matthew 17:1-13 – See Elijah page

Matthew 18:15-20 (WEB): 15 “If your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained back your brother. 16 But if he doesn’t listen, take one or two more with you, that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. Deuteronomy 19:15 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the assembly. If he refuses to hear the assembly also, let him be to you as a Gentile or a tax collector. 18 Most certainly I tell you, whatever things you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven, and whatever things you release on earth will have been released in heaven. 19 Again, assuredly I tell you, that if two of you will agree on earth concerning anything that they will ask, it will be done for them by my Father who is in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the middle of them.”

This is often misinterpreted to think that it takes more than one person to have Jesus’ presence. But that is not the case. The context shows that this passage is about resolving conflict among spiritual brothers. It reflects Deuteronomy 19:15-19. Keep in mind that John 5:22-23 states that God (Yahweh) gave his Son (Yeshua) the authority to judge. It does not mean that it takes more than one person to have Jesus’ backing.

Deuteronomy 19:15-19 (WEB): 15 One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin that he sins. At the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall a matter be established16 If an unrighteous witness rises up against any man to testify against him of wrongdoing, 17 then both the men, between whom the controversy is, shall stand before Yahweh, before the priests and the judges who shall be in those days; 18 and the judges shall make diligent inquisition; and behold, if the witness is a false witness, and has testified falsely against his brother, 19 then you shall do to him as he had thought to do to his brother. So you shall remove the evil from among you.

John 5:22-23 (WEB): 22 For the Father judges no one, but he has given all judgment to the Son, 23 that all may honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He who doesn’t honor the Son doesn’t honor the Father who sent him.

Matthew 19

Matthew 19:3-9 – See Marriage

Matthew 22

Matthew 22:2-14 “The kingdom of the heavens has become like a man, a king, that made a marriage feast for his son. And he sent forth his slaves to call those invited to the marriage feast, but they were unwilling to come. Again he sent forth other slaves, saying, ‘Tell those invited: “Look! I have prepared my dinner, my bulls and fattened animals are slaughtered, and all things are ready. Come to the marriage feast.” ‘ (vs.5) But unconcerned they went off, one to his own field, another to his commercial business; but the rest, laying hold of his slaves, treated them insolently and killed them. (vs.7) “But the king grew wrathful, and sent his armies and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. then he said to his slaves, ‘The marriage feast indeed is ready, but those invited were not worthy. therefore go to the roads leading out of the city, and anyone YOU find invite to the marriage feast.’ Accordingly those slaves went out to the roads and gathered together all they found, both wicked and good; and the room for the wedding ceremonies was filled with those reclining at the table. (vs.11) “When the king came in to inspect the guests he caught sight there of a man not clothed with a marriage garment. So he said to him, ‘Fellow, how did you get in here not having on  a marriage garment?’ He was rendered speechless. Then the king said to his servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot and throw him out into the darkness outside. There is where [his] weeping and the gnashing of [his] teeth will be.’ (vs.14) “For there are many invited, but few chosen.” // We certainly can see that many of who were chosen to be God’s people throughout the ages had or have decided to not serve him properly – which is not good enough. They have treated him with disrespect by avoiding to look into what he really says in his holy writings and they pursue their own selfish courses. It is also interesting to see the one not clothed with a marriage garment – thus indicating he thought he should be there but he did not clothe himself with righteousness. See Matthew 25:30, 41-46; Daniel 11:34; Revelation 7:9,10

Matthew 24

Matthew 24:3-5 “While he was sitting upon the Mount of Olives, the disciples approached him privately, saying: “Tell us, When will these things be, and what will be the sign of your presence and of the conclusion of the system of things?” (vs.4) “And in answer Jesus said to them: “Look out that nobody misleads YOU; for many will come on the basis of my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many.” // It is interesting that Jesus first of all tells them to look out for ones who mislead. We can see that there are a great many who have been misled by men’s doctrine that is not supported upon the scriptures. Also, of course, to look out for false “Christs”. // Matthew 24:3: “..presence..” – See Matthew 24:39 comments.

Matthew 24:6-8 “You are going to hear of wars and reports of wars; see that YOU are not terrified. For these things must take place, but the end is not yet. (vs.7) “For nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be food shortages and earthquakes in one place after another. All these things are a beginning of pangs of distress.” // This seems to fit in with struggles between the kings of the north and south mentioned in Daniel. This would make sense because Daniel tells of distressing times for both periods of God’s people – Especially Daniel chapters 7,8, and 11. These events can be both physical and literal.

Matthew 24:9 “Then people will deliver YOU up to tribulation and will kill YOU, and YOU will be objects of hatred by all the nations on account of my name.” // This happens in two time periods – See Revelation 11:3 comments about the “two witnesses.” Many will think that they are doing a good thing in God’s eyes but their actions are more based upon greed then a sincere desire to do what is right – Compare Matthew 25:31-46

Matthew 24:10 “Then, also, many will be stumbled and will betray one another and will hate one another.” // Compare Isaiah 3:4; Jeremiah 13:14; Daniel 11:33-35; 12:10

Matthew 24:11,12 “And many false prophets will arise and mislead many; and because of the increasing of lawlessness the love of the greater number will cool off.” // This “lawlessness” can refer to those acting wickedly against true worship by upholding false doctrines and acting against those who strive for Yahweh’s truth. Jesus and his disciples experienced some of this lawlessness by many of the crooked spiritual shepherds of the time. Compare Isaiah 3:8; 9:13-17; 10:16-22; Jeremiah 9:2,3; Daniel 11:33-35; Revelation 11:2,3; 2 Timothy 3:1-7

Matthew 24:13 “But he that has endured to the end is the one that will be saved.” // Compare with Daniel 12:12; Revelation 14:12,13; Matthew 24:22

Matthew 24:14 “And this good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.” // The word “preached” can also be translated “be heralded.” (Ref. footnote) – This actually is fully accomplished by an angel flying in mid-heaven – Compare Isaiah 66:19,20; Revelation 14:6,7 comments.

Matthew 24:15-22 “Therefore, when YOU catch sight of the disgusting thing that causes desolation, as spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in a holy place, (let the reader use discernment,) then let those in Judea begin fleeing to the mountains. Let the man on the housetop not come down to take the goods out of his house; and let the man in the field not return to the house to pick up his outer garment. Woe to the pregnant women and those suckling a baby in those days! Keep praying that YOUR flight may not occur in wintertime, nor on the sabbath day; for then there will be great tribulation such as has not occurred since the world’s beginning until now, no, nor will occur again. In fact, unless those days were cut short, no flesh would be saved; but on account of the chosen ones those days will be cut short.” // Here we see Jesus’ reference to Daniel and the literal city of Jerusalem. Daniel speaks of two different occasions of Jerusalem’s demise. One has occurred in the first century, the other will occur soon. – Compare comments for Daniel chapters 7,8, and 11. In verse 22 it makes mentions “on account of the chosen ones” – Compare Isaiah 64:5-12; 65:8,9; Lamentations; Malachi 4:5,6

Matthew 24:23-27 “Then if anyone says to YOU, ‘Look! Here is the Christ,’ or, ‘There!’ do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will give great signs and wonders so as to mislead, if possible, even the chosen ones. Look! I have forewarned YOU. Therefore, if people say to YOU, ‘Look! He is in the wilderness,’ do not go out; ‘Look! He is in the inner chambers,’ do not believe it. For just as the lightning comes out of eastern parts and shines over to western parts, so the presence of the Son of man will be.” // This goes to show that there will be no question at all when Jesus arrives in power – It will be obvious to all. // Regarding the phrase about “the lightning”, compare Daniel 7:13

Matthew 24:28 “Wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together.” // Compare Amos 8:11 with Revelation 8:1

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Special comment (12/26/2018):

Matthew 24:23-28 (WEB);

23 “Then if any man tells you, ‘Behold, here is the Christ,’ or, ‘There,’ don’t believe it. 24 For there will arise false Christ’s, and false prophets, and they will show great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the chosen ones.

25 “Behold, I have told you beforehand. 26 If therefore they tell you, ‘Behold, he is in the wilderness,’ don’t go out; ‘Behold, he is in the inner rooms,’ don’t believe it. 27 For as the lightning flashes from the east, and is seen even to the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 28 For wherever the carcass is, there is where the vultures gather together.

This is a somber warning from Jesus. During the approximate 3.5 year time period of tribulation of “Daniel’s people,” there will be attempts to kill them. Perhaps by persuading them that Jesus arrived in a certain location. Their attempts may seem believable, to many. However, Jesus reminds his followers that when he comes, no one one earth will escape noticing the event. It will be a truly amazing event! His followers WILL NOT have to be told. ALL WILL KNOW. So don’t fall victim to a trap that may take your life! Be careful! – See What happens when Christ Comes

The tribulation for God’s people will be just about over when the great tribulation of the nations begins, as shown in Matthew 24:29+. The nations find themselves unknowingly pitted against Yahweh and his chosen one. This is Armageddon. It is a set of circumstances. Psalms 2 describes it simply. The nations either submit to Yahweh’s Son or perish.

Psalms 2 (WEB);

Why do the nations rage,
    and the peoples plot a vain thing?
The kings of the earth take a stand,
    and the rulers take counsel together,
    against Yahweh, and against his Anointed,[a] saying,
“Let’s break their bonds apart,
    and cast their cords from us.”
He who sits in the heavens will laugh.
    The Lord will have them in derision.
Then he will speak to them in his anger,
    and terrify them in his wrath:
“Yet I have set my King on my holy hill of Zion.”
    I will tell of the decree.
Yahweh said to me, “You are my son.
    Today I have become your father.
Ask of me, and I will give the nations for your inheritance,
    the uttermost parts of the earth for your possession.
You shall break them with a rod of iron.
    You shall dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”
10 Now therefore be wise, you kings.
    Be instructed, you judges of the earth.
11 Serve Yahweh with fear,
    and rejoice with trembling.
12 Give sincere homage to the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish on the way,
    for his wrath will soon be kindled.
    Blessed are all those who take refuge in him.

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Matthew 24:29-31Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then the sign of the Son of man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will beat themselves in lamentation, and they will see the Son of man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he will send forth his angels with a great trumpet sound, and they will gather his chosen ones together from the four winds, from one extremity of the heavens to their other extremity.” // This is most likely the approximate 45 day period – compare Daniel 12:11,12; Revelation 11:11-13 comments

Matthew 24:32-35 “Now learn from the fig tree as an illustration this point: Just as soon as its young branch grows tender and it puts forth leaves, YOU know that summer is near. Likewise also YOU, when YOU see all these things, know that he is near at the doors. Truly I say to YOU that this generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will by no means pass away.” // Notice the phrase “he is near at the doors” denotes just before Michael stands up – Daniel 12:1; Revelation 11:14,15 However, the term “this generation” would refer to those “two witnesses” who experience the tribulation periods. One of those “two witnesses” existed in Jesus day. – See Revelation 6:11 comments

Matthew 24:36Concerning that day and hour nobody knows, neither the angels of the heavens nor the Son, but only the Father.” // Jesus never did give his disciples a date when Jerusalem would be destroyed – Just a sign to look out for. And that sign was based upon scriptures in Daniel – And so it is for us today – See the book of Daniel chapters 7,8, and 11

Matthew 24:37-42 “For just as the days of Noah were, so the presence of the Son of man will be. For as they were in those days before the flood, eating and drinking, men marrying and women being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark; and they took no note until the flood came and swept them all away, so the presence of the Son of man will be. Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken along and the other be abandoned; two women will be grinding at the hand mill: one will be taken along and the other be abandoned. Keep on the watch, therefore, because YOU do not know on what day YOUR Lord is coming.” // This phrase “taken along” is interesting. It gives us the example of Noah. Noah entered the ark and was saved although he did not become a spirit but he was protected. Lot is also a similar example. The exact “day and hour” is not known. I believe that this is referring to the time periods mentioned which start at an unknown date (at the time of Jesus speaking) – This date is not given as a calendar date but rather as a “sign” – See Timeline. However, he is coming very soon once one truly “observes” (understands) the scroll of Revelation – See Revelation 22:7,20 comments

Matthew 24:37 “For just as the days of Noah were, so the presence of the Son of man will be.” // This is the same Greek word as found at Matthew 24:3 and 24:39.

Matthew 24:39 “…so the presence of the Son of man will be.” // This word “presence” seems to be able to be rendered either “presence” or “coming.” It has been assigned the Greek word number 3952 by the ABINGDON’S STRONG’S EXHAUSTIVE CONCORDANCE OF THE BIBLE and is “parousia” partly defined as: “…phys. aspect: – coming, presence“. The book Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words defines it as: “parousia (…, 3952), lit., “a presence,” para, “with,” and ousia, “being” (from eimi, “to be“), denotes both an “arrival” and a consequent “presence with.” For instance, in a papyrus letter a lady speaks of the necessity of her parousia in a place in order to attend to matters relating to her property there.” (Highlights mine) // From these examples, I have to recommend that the word “presence” as mentioned in Matthew 24:39 be referring to “the flood came and swept them all away” because it is a “separating work” where people either lived or died. This happens upon Jesus’ arrival to judge in power. This word (3952) is the same as the Greek word translated “presence” in Matthew 24:37 and Matthew 24:3. I prefer to think of the word “coming” in all these instances where the Greek word “parousia” is used in the book of Matthew and I would reference them to Daniel 12:1 along with a brief definition (This is because I do not know of an English word to fit well). – Daniel 12:1 is where Michael is described as “will stand up” – (The Hebrew word number assigned is 5975 for “stand” and is defined as : “..a prim. root; to stand, in various relations (lit. and fig., intrans. and trans.): – abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be [over], place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, + serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with- ) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry.”). Another reason I prefer to view these passages this way is because it does not confuse prophesy as easily for the reader who probably does not understand the usage of “parousia” in these instances. // I do understand that there are differences in translations and I am not a “translator” by trade. However, I believe the main goal of proper translating is to put forth the most accurate and current meaning without confusion.

Simply put, it means coming and arrival to take action. Jesus helped explain it for us, as recorded in Luke.

Matthew 24:43-44 “But know one thing, that if the householder had known in what watch the thief was coming, he would have kept awake and not allowed his house to be broken into. On this account YOU too prove yourselves ready, because at an hour that YOU do not think to be it, the Son of man is coming.” // How could it be that God’s people would not expect his coming? Well if they all have left true worship – although they would deny it at the time – that is reason enough – Compare Jeremiah 9:2,3; 23:11,12; Ezekiel 13:8-23

Matthew 24:45-47 “Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics, to give them their food at the proper time? Happy is that slave if his master on arriving finds him doing so. Truly I say to YOU, He will appoint him over all his belongings.” // It ends up that the slave who provides spiritual guidance based upon God’s word possibly before and during this distressing time for God’s people is the true faithful and discreet slave for this time period. I believe the key words here are “really” and “proper time”. // This could have a relationship with the “Elijah” of our day – See Elijah link.

Matthew 24:48-51 “But if ever that evil slave should say in his heart, ‘My master is delaying,’ and should start to beat his fellow slaves and should eat and drink with confirmed drunkards, the master of that slave will come on a day that he does not expect and in an hour that he does not know, and will punish him with the greatest severity and will assign him his part with the hypocrites. There is where [his] weeping and the gnashing of [his] teeth will be.” // There are those who will desire to stick with their old corrupt ways of worship. I believe these ones will be of those mentioned at Revelation 19:19-21. Compare Daniel 11:32

Matthew 25

Matthew 25:31-46When the Son of man arrives in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit down on his glorious throne. And all the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another, just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will put the sheep on his right hand but the goats on his left. (vs.34) “Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, YOU who have been blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for YOU from the founding of the world. For I became hungry and YOU gave me something to eat; I got thirsty and YOU gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and YOU received me hospitably; naked, and YOU clothed me. I fell sick and YOU looked after me. I was in prison and YOU came to me.’ Then the righteous ones will answer him with the words, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty, and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and receive you hospitably or naked, and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to you?’ And in reply the king will say to them, ‘Truly I say to YOU, To the extent that YOU did it to one of the least of these my brothers, YOU did it to me.’ (vs.41) “Then he will say, in turn, to those on his left, ‘Be on YOUR way from me, YOU who have been cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his angels. For I became hungry, but YOU gave me nothing to eat, and I got thirsty, but YOU gave me nothing to drink. I was a stranger, but YOU did not receive me hospitably; naked, but YOU did not clothe me; sick and in prison, but YOU did not look after me.’ Then they also will answer with the words, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and did not minister to you?’ Then he will answer them with the words, ‘Truly I say to YOU. To the extent that YOU did not do it to one of these least ones, YOU did not do it to me.’ And these will depart into everlasting cutting-off, but the righteous ones into everlasting life.”

  1.  This happens after Michael stands up (Daniel 12:1).
  2. This shows that those who helped Jesus’ brothers on the earth would be rewarded. In this time period, Jesus’ brothers undergo tribulation for the approximate 3.5 times (years) – However, those who did not, “depart into everlasting cutting-off”. This is the case even though both groups called Jesus “Lord.” It is important to see that those who did not help, did not help because they did not want to. Their actions or lack of show their heart conditions.

Matthew 25:40 – See Revelation 17:14