Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 13:45

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is a merchant seeking goodly pearls:" — Matthew 13:45 (ASV)

Like a merchant seeking fine pearls — Here again, the illustration would have resonated with the fishermen of Galilee. The whims of luxury in the Roman empire had given a prominence to pearls as an article of commerce that they had never had before and have probably never had since. Pearls, rather than emeralds and sapphires, were the typical example of the most costly adornments (Matthew 7:6; 1 Timothy 2:9). The story of Cleopatra, and the fact that opening a new pearl market was one of the alleged motives that led Emperor Claudius to invade Britain, are indications of the value placed on the "fine pearls" of the parable. A merchant seeking them—either on the shores of the Mediterranean or brought by caravans from the Persian Gulf or the Indian Ocean—must have been a familiar sight to the fishermen of Capernaum.

In its spiritual meaning, the parable naturally has much in common with the preceding one. However, there is a marked and suggestive difference: the "search" is presupposed. The man has been seeking the "fine pearls" of wisdom, holiness, and truth, and has found them in at least some of their lesser forms. Then he is led to the higher knowledge of communion with the life of Christ, and for that, he is content to give up all that he had previously prized most highly.

This was the experience of St. Paul, as recorded in the New Testament, when he counted all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord (Philippians 3:8). In later days, this was also the story of Justin Martyr and Augustine. In our own time, this has been the experience of many noble and true-hearted seekers of truth and holiness. This will always be the story of those who are faithful in a very little and who, willing to do the will of God, shall know of the doctrine whether it be of God (John 7:17).