Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 22:30

"For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as angels in heaven." — Matthew 22:30 (ASV)

They neither marry, nor are given in marriage. In Luke’s account (Luke 20:34–35), our Lord emphasizes the contrast in this regard between the children of this world and the children of the resurrection. His words teach that the specific relationships on which marriage is based in this life will be completely absent in the resurrection life. They also suggest an answer to the yearning questions that arise in our minds as we ponder what lies behind the veil.

We ask, will the holiest of earthly ties not continue there? Will the husband and wife who have loved each other until death parted them be no more to each other than anyone else who is counted worthy to obtain that life? Will there be no individual recognition, no continuation of the love founded upon the memories of the past?

The answer to all such questions is found in dwelling on the “power of God.” The old relationships may continue under new conditions. Things that are incompatible here may be found to coexist there. The saintly wife of two saintly husbands may love both with an angelic, and therefore pure and unimpaired, affection.

The contrast between our Lord’s teaching and the sensual paradise of Muhammad, or Swedenborg’s dream of a marriage state perpetuated under its earthly conditions, is so obvious it hardly needs to be mentioned.