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Verse Takeaways
1
A Test of the Heart
Commentators agree Jesus' command wasn't a universal rule for all believers, but a specific test for this man. Christ knew the man's wealth was his idol, the one thing he loved more than God. The command was designed to reveal this divided loyalty and show the man that his obedience to the law was incomplete, testing if he truly loved God with all his heart and his neighbor as himself.
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Book Overview
Matthew
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Commentaries
8
Albert Barnes
On Matthew 19:21
18th Century
Theologian
If thou wilt be perfect. The word perfect means complete in all its parts—finished, having no part lacking. Thus, a watc…
AT Robertson
On Matthew 19:21
If thou wouldest be perfect (ε θελεις τελειος εινα). Condition of the first class, determined as fulfilled. Jesus assumes that the…
Charles Spurgeon
On Matthew 19:21
19th Century
Preacher
Our Lord brings him to the test of the first table of the law: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart.” If he did this, he w…
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Expositor's Bible Commentary
On Matthew 19:21
Jesus answers the question in v.21. His basic thrust is not “Sell your possessions and give to the poor,” but “Come, follow me.” What Jesus suggest…
John Gill
On Matthew 19:21
17th Century
Pastor
Jesus said unto him, if you will be perfect
Wanting nothing, completely righteous, according to the tenor of the cov…
Matthew Henry
On Matthew 19:16–22
17th Century
Minister
Christ knew that covetousness was the sin which most easily beset this young man. Although he had obtained honestly what he possessed, he still cou…
Thomas Aquinas
On Matthew 19:1–30
13th Century
Philosopher
In this passage, it was shown how one comes to eternal life by the common way. Here, He teaches how one comes by the way of perfection. This way of…