Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 7:7

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:" — Matthew 7:7 (ASV)

Ask, and it shall be given—The transition is again abrupt, suggesting that some links are missing. The underlying sequence of thought seems to be this: one might say, “If the work of reforming ourselves and others is so difficult, how can we dare to undertake it? Where will we find the courage and wisdom we need?” The answer is found in prayer for those gifts.

Here, once more, the words are absolute and unqualified, yet they are clearly limited by implied conditions. It is assumed, first, that we ask for good gifts—for “bread” and not a “stone,” for a “fish” and not a “serpent.” Second, we must ask as Christ has taught us, in His name and according to His Spirit. Otherwise, we may ask and not receive, because we ask amiss.

The three words imply distinct degrees of intensity. There is the “asking” in the spoken words of prayer; the “seeking” in the efforts and labors that are acted prayers; and the “knocking” at the gate with the urgent persistence that claims admission into our Father’s house.