Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 22:14

"For many are called, but few chosen." — Matthew 22:14 (ASV)

Many are called. The limit lies not there. We preach no restricted Gospel. All who hear that Gospel are called, but it does not come with power to every heart, but few are chosen. The result goes to show that, one way and another, the mass miss the wedding feast, and a few choice spirits find it, by the choice of God’s grace.

These words, of course, relate to the whole parable. Those who were “called” included the rejectors of the King’s invitation, who, by their refusal, proved that they were not “chosen.” Even among those who accepted the invitation, there was one who was not “chosen,” for he insulted the King in his own palace and showed his enmity by his disobedience to the royal requirements. There were, however, “chosen” ones, and sufficient to fill the festal hall of the great King and to render due honor to the wedding of his Son. Blessed are all those who shall sit down at the marriage supper of the Lamb! May the writer and all his readers be among that chosen company and forever adore the distinguishing grace of God which has so highly favored them!

All who hear the gospel are called, but the call does not come with equal power to every heart. And with some, the power with which it comes is not that which saves; it only convinces the intellect, so that an outward homage is paid to the Word, and the inward obedience of the soul is not rendered to the Lord. God grant that each of us may have on the wedding garment when the King comes in to see the guests!