Albert Barnes Commentary Matthew 18

Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? By the kingdom of heaven they meant the kingdom which they supposed he was about to set up—his kingdom as the Messiah. They asked the question because they supposed, in accordance with the common expectation of the Jews, that he was about to set up a temporal kingdom of great splendor; and they wished to know who should have the principal offices and posts of honor and profit.

This was among them a frequent subject of inquiry and controversy. Mark 9:34 informs us that they had had a dispute on this subject on the way. Jesus, he says, inquired of them what they had been disputing about. Luke 9:47 says that Jesus perceived the thought of their heart;—an act implying omniscience, for none can search the heart but God (Jeremiah 17:10).

The disciples, conscious that the subject of their dispute was known, requested Jesus to decide it (Matthew 18:1). They were at first silent through shame (Mark 9:34), but perceiving that the subject of their dispute was known, they came, as Matthew states, and referred the matter to him for his opinion.

Except you be converted. The word "converted" means changed, or turned. It means to change or turn from one habit of life, or set of opinions, to another (James 5:19; Luke 22:32). See also Matthew 7:6; Matthew 16:23; Luke 7:9, and elsewhere, where the same word is used in the original.

It is sometimes referred to that great change called the new birth, or regeneration (Psalms 51:13; Isaiah 9:5; Acts 3:19), but not always. It is a general word, meaning any change. The word regeneration denotes a particular change—the passing from death to life. The phrase "except you be converted" does not necessarily imply that they were not Christians before, or had not been born again.

It means that their opinions and feelings about the kingdom of the Messiah must be changed. They had supposed that he was to be a temporal Prince. They expected that he would reign as other kings did. They supposed he would have his great officers of state, as other monarchs had.

And they were ambitiously inquiring who should hold the highest offices. Jesus told them they were wrong in their views and expectations. No such things would take place. From these notions they must be turned, changed, or converted, or they could have no part in his kingdom. These ideas did not fit at all the nature of his kingdom.

And become as little children. Children are, to a great extent, destitute of ambition, pride, and haughtiness. They are characteristically humble and teachable. By requiring his disciples to be like them, he did not intend to express any opinion about the native moral character of children, but simply that in these respects they should become like them.

They should lay aside their ambitious views, and pride, and be willing to occupy their proper station—a very lowly one. Mark 9:35 says that Jesus, before he placed the little child in the midst of them, told them that if any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. That is, he shall be the most distinguished Christian who is the most humble, and who is willing to be esteemed least, and last of all. To esteem ourselves as God esteems us, is humility. And it cannot be degrading to think of ourselves as we are. But pride, or an attempt to be thought of more importance than we are, is foolish, wicked, and degrading.

The same is greatest, and so on. That is, he will be the most eminent Christian; will have most of the true spirit of religion.

And whoso shall receive one such little child. That is, whoever receives and loves one with a spirit like this child—one who is humble, meek, unambitious, or a real Christian.

In my name. As a follower of me, or because he is attached to me. Whoever receives one who possesses my spirit, and who, because he has that spirit, loves him, also loves me. The word "receive" means to approve, love, or treat with kindness, and to aid in time of need. .

Mark 9:38 and Luke 9:49 add a conversation that took place on this occasion, which Matthew omitted. John told him that they had seen one casting out devils in his name, and they forbade him because he did not follow with them. Jesus replied that he should not have been forbidden, for no one who could work a miracle in his name could readily speak evil of him.

That is, though he did not attend them, though he had not joined their society, yet he could not really be opposed to him. Indeed, they should have remembered that the power to work a miracle must always come from the same source—that is, God. They should also have remembered that he who had the ability given to him to work a miracle, and who did it in the name of Christ, must be a real friend to him. It is probable from this that the power of working miracles in the name of Christ was given to many who did not attend his ministry.

Whoso shall offend. That is, to cause to fall, or to sin; or who places anything in their way to hinder their piety or happiness. .

These little ones. That is, Christians, manifesting the spirit of little children (1 John 2:1, 12, 18, 28).

It were better for him that a millstone, etc. Mills anciently were either turned by hand , or by beasts, chiefly by mules. These were of the larger kind, and the original words denote that it was this kind that was intended.

This was one mode of capital punishment practiced by the Greeks, Syrians, Romans, and by some other surrounding nations. The meaning is, it would be better for him to die before he had committed the sin.

To injure, or to cause to sin, the feeblest Christian will be regarded as a most serious offense and will be punished accordingly.