Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 18:21

"Then came Peter and said to him, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? until seven times?" — Matthew 18:21 (ASV)

He thought he had opened his mouth very wide when he said that.

Peter’s question was timely, providing a further opportunity for our Lord to elaborate on the removal of offenses. Peter took it for granted that he should forgive; he only wished to know how far he ought to extend this forgiveness. Doubtless, he thought that he had shown great generosity when he suggested forgiving up to seven times. He probably felt that he would need great grace to reach even that point in patiently enduring his brother’s sinning against him.

It is true Peter did not go far enough, but do we go even that far? Are not some who profess faith very mindful of small grievances? Do many of us have enough grace even for a sevenfold forgiveness?