Albert Barnes Commentary Matthew 18:28-29

"But that servant went out, and found one of his fellow-servants, who owed him a hundred shillings: and he laid hold on him, and took [him] by the throat, saying, Pay what thou owest. So his fellow-servant fell down and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee." — Matthew 18:28-29 (ASV)

He found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence. The Penny was a Roman coin, worth about fourteen cents [seven pence] of our money. Consequently, this debt was about fourteen dollars [three pounds three shillings]—a very small sum compared with what had been forgiven to the first servant.

Perhaps our Savior, by this, meant to teach that the offenses that our fellow men commit against us are very small and insignificant compared with our offenses against God. Since God has forgiven us so much, we ought to forgive each other the small offenses that are committed.

Took him by the throat. He took him in a violent and rough manner; he half-choked or throttled him. This was all the more criminal and base, as he himself had been so kindly treated and dealt with so mildly by his Lord.

Besought. Entreated, pleaded with him.