John Calvin Commentary Matthew 22:14

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

For many are called, but few are chosen. The object of the parable is pointed out by the conclusion that few are chosen, though many are called; from which we infer that we should not attempt an ingenious explanation of every minute clause.

But recently, Christ did not threaten that the greater part would be thrown out but mentioned one man only; and now we learn from him that out of a large number, few will be retained.

And certainly, though in the present day a more numerous body of men is collected into the Church by the Gospel than was formerly collected by the Law, it is but a small portion of them whose faith is demonstrated by newness of life.

Let us not flatter ourselves with the empty title of faith, but let everyone seriously examine himself, so that at the final review he may be pronounced to be one of the lawful guests. For, as Paul reminds us that the vessels in the Lord’s house are not all of the same kind, so let every one that calleth on the name of the Lord depart from iniquity (2 Timothy 2:19, 20).

I enter no further, at present, into the question about the eternal election of God; for the words of Christ mean nothing more than this, that the external profession of faith is not a sufficient proof that God will acknowledge as his people all who appear to have accepted his invitation.²⁹³

²⁹³ “Tous ceux qui semblent s’estre rangez sous son enseigne;” — “all those who appear to have ranked themselves under his banner.”;” — “all those who appear to have ranked themselves under his banner.”