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In that hour the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who then is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?"

Verse Takeaways

1

A Worldly Mindset

Commentators unanimously explain that the disciples were not asking about heavenly rewards in the afterlife. They were operating under the common expectation of a physical, political kingdom on earth. Their question, "Who is greatest?" was about who would get the top government jobs, honors, and power in Jesus's new administration, revealing a profound misunderstanding of His mission.

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Book Overview

Matthew

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Commentaries

9

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

On Matthew 18:1

18th Century

Theologian

Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? By the kingdom of heaven they meant the kingdom which they supposed he was about to…

AT Robertson

AT Robertson

On Matthew 18:1

Who then is greatest (τις αρα μειζων εστιν). The αρα seems to point back to the taxcollection incident when Jesus had claimed exem…

Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon

On Matthew 18:1

19th Century

Preacher

He spoke of His abasement, they thought of their own advancement, and that “at the same time.” How different at the same moment the Teacher and the…

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Expositor's Bible Commentary

Expositor's Bible Commentary

On Matthew 18:1

This fourth discourse, like the previous three, is bracketed by remarks suggesting that it was delivered on the occasion specified (7:28–29). When …

John Calvin

John Calvin

On Matthew 18:1

16th Century

Theologian

At that time the disciples came to Jesus. It is evident from the other two Evangelists that the disciples did not come to Christ of their …

John Gill

John Gill

On Matthew 18:1

17th Century

Pastor

At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus
When the receivers of the half shekel had spoke to Peter about his ma…

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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On Matthew 18:1–6

17th Century

Minister

Christ spoke many words of his sufferings, but only one of his glory; yet the disciples focus on that, and overlook the others. Many love to hear a…

Thomas Aquinas

Thomas Aquinas

On Matthew 18:1–11

13th Century

Philosopher

Above, the Lord showed the glory to come in His transfiguration; here He deals with the route for attaining that glory.

This is divided into…