Verse of the Day
Author Spotlight
Loading featured author...
Report Issue
See a formatting issue or error?
Let us know →
Verse Takeaways
1
Actions Over Words
Commentators agree that the parable's central point is the superiority of repentant action over empty promises. Jesus forces the religious leaders to admit that the son who initially refused but later obeyed did the father's will. This condemns their own behavior, as they professed righteousness but rejected God's messengers, John the Baptist and Jesus himself.
See 3 Verse Takeaways
Book Overview
Matthew
Author
Audience
Composition
Teaching Highlights
Outline
+ 5 more
See Overview
Commentaries
8
Albert Barnes
On Matthew 21:28–32
18th Century
Theologian
But what think ye? This was a way of speaking designed to direct them particularly to what He was saying, so that they might be self-convi…
AT Robertson
On Matthew 21:31
Go before you (προαγουσιν). "In front of you" (Weymouth). The publicans and harlots march ahead of the ecclesiastics into the king…
Charles Spurgeon
On Matthew 21:28–32
19th Century
Preacher
Those poor fallen women and degraded tax-gatherers practically said by their conduct, "We will not serve the Lord." Their past evil life had been a…
Go Ad-Free
Go ad-free and create your own bookmark library
Expositor's Bible Commentary
On Matthew 21:31
In this parable, the older son says no, but repents and goes; the second son says yes, but does nothing. Who performs the Father’s will? The first.…
John Gill
On Matthew 21:31
17th Century
Pastor
Whether of them twain did the will of his father ?
&c.] This is the question put by Christ, upon the preceding parab…
Matthew Henry
On Matthew 21:28–32
17th Century
Minister
Parables that give reproof speak plainly to the offenders and judge them out of their own mouths. The parable of the two sons sent to work in the v…
Thomas Aquinas
On Matthew 21:23–46
13th Century
Philosopher
Here, they reprehend by questioning. And firstly, the questioning is related; and secondly, the refutation is related, where it is said,