Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 25

Then shall the kingdom of heaven... — The three parables of this chapter appear here in close sequence to the great discourse of Matthew 24, serving as its natural conclusion. On the other hand, no trace that such parables were spoken then appears in either Mark or Luke, and their absence is a phenomenon that calls for explanation. What seems most probable is that the strictly apocalyptic part of the discourse was frequently impressed upon the minds of the disciples through oral teaching as the destruction of Jerusalem drew near. It was then reproduced in writing—with the variations in detail that are incidental to such a process—as a complete document. It was reserved for Matthew, who was eager to collect parables here as elsewhere, to add the teaching that actually followed.

The parables have a common aim: to impress upon the disciples the necessity of both watchfulness and good works. However, as we will see, each parable has its own distinct scope.

Be likened unto ten virgins — Enough has been said about the general meaning of the wedding feast's symbolism in the notes on Matthew 22:2. Here, as there, we must remember that while the bride is the Church in her collective unity, the contrasting characters of the Church's members are represented here by the virgins, just as they were represented there by the invited guests. For this reason, the bride herself is probably not introduced as part of the parable's imagery. As for the framework of the parable, the stage of the marriage rites brought before us is the bridegroom's return to his own home with the bride, after the betrothal has been completed at the house of the bride's father. Jewish custom required the bridesmaids to wait at the bridegroom’s house to receive him and the bride, and as this was commonly after sunset, they were provided with lamps or torches.

Which took their lamps — Better, torches, as the word is translated in John 18:3. These were made of tow, steeped in oil, and fastened to the end of sticks.

Five of them were wise—The word used here is the same as in Matthew 24:45; see the note on that verse.

Took no oil with them — In the interpretation of the parable, the lamp or torch is obviously the outward life of holiness by which the disciple of Christ lets his light shine before men (Matthew 5:16). The “oil” is the divine grace or, more specifically, the gift of the Holy Spirit, without which the torch first burns dimly and then expires. The foolish virgins neglected to seek that supply, either from the Great Giver or through the human means by which He graciously imparts it.

While the bridegroom tarried — Strictly speaking, the time described here includes the entire interval between our Lord’s Ascension and His final Advent. However, according to the principle of “springing and germinant accomplishments,” which we have recognized as applying to this whole subject, we can also see in it something that corresponds to any period in the history of a church, or even in the life of any church member, when things go smoothly and according to routine.

At such a time, even the wise and good tend to slumber, and the crisis—which is for them, if not for the world at large, like the bridegroom’s coming—takes them by surprise. But they have what the foolish do not: the reserved strength of steadfast faith and divine help to fall back on.

It is worth noting that the “delay” in this case is followed by a less glaring form of evil than that in Matthew 24:48. Not reckless and brutal greed, but simple apathy and neglect is the fault noted for condemnation.

Slumbered and slept — The first word implies the “nodding” that indicates the first approach of drowsiness, while the second implies continuous sleeping.

At midnight—The hour was obviously later than the virgins had expected, and in this, we may see a subtle suggestion of a similar delay in the coming of the true Bridegroom. The “cry” would be that of the bridegroom’s companions or the crowd that mingled with them.

In the interpretation of the parable, we see more than just a reference to the final Advent. The cry also corresponds to the stir and thrill that announce any coming crisis in the history of the Church or its people.