SEV Biblia, Chapter 19:30
Mas muchos primeros sern postreros, y postreros primeros.
Clarke's Bible Commentary - Matthew 19:30
Verse 30. But many that are first, &c.] The Jews, who have been the first and most distinguished people of God, will in general reject the Gospel of my grace, and be consequently rejected by me. The Gentiles, who have had no name among the living, shall be brought to the knowledge of the truth, and become the first, the chief, and most exalted people of God. That this prediction of our Lord has been literally fulfilled, the present state of the Christian and Jewish Churches sufficiently proves. To illustrate this fully, and to demonstrate that the Jews and Gentiles were now put on an equal footing by the Gospel, our Lord speaks the following parable, which has been unhappily divided from its connection by making it the beginning of a new chapter.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 30. But many that are first shall be last , etc.] This may refer unto, or be occasioned by, either the young ruler; signifying that he, and others like him, who were superior in riches and honour, were first in this world, of the first rank and figure, should be the last in the world to come: and the last shall be first ; the apostles, who were last in this world, being poor, mean, and abject, should be the first in the other: or to the Scribes and Pharisees, who were in the chief place, and highest esteem, in the Jewish church, and yet least in the kingdom of heaven; when, on the other hand, the publicans and sinners, who were in the lowest class, and in least esteem, went first into it: or to the case of persecution, when some, who seem most forward to endure it at a distance, when it comes nearer, are most backward to it; whilst others, who were most fearful of it, and ready to shrink at the thoughts of it, most cheerfully bear it: or to the apostles themselves, one of which, who was now first, Judas, should be last; and the apostle Paul, who was last of all, as one born out of due time, should be first: or to Jews and Gentiles, intimating, that the Jews, who were first in outward privileges, would be rejected of God for their unbelief, and contempt of the Messiah; and the Gentiles, who were last called, should be first, or chief, in embracing the Messiah, professing his Gospel, and supporting his interest. This sentence is confirmed, and illustrated, by a parable, in the following chapter.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 23-30 - Though Christ spoke so strongly, few that have riches do not trust in them. How few that are poor are not tempted to envy! But men' earnestness in this matter is like their toiling to build a high wal to shut themselves and their children out of heaven. It should be satisfaction to those who are in a low condition, that they are no exposed to the temptations of a high and prosperous condition. If the live more hardly in this world than the rich, yet, if they get mor easily to a better world, they have no reason to complain. Christ' words show that it is hard for a rich man to be a good Christian, an to be saved. The way to heaven is a narrow way to all, and the gat that leads into it, a strait gate; particularly so to rich people. Mor duties are expected from them than from others, and more sins easil beset them. It is hard not to be charmed with a smiling world. Ric people have a great account to make up for their opportunities abov others. It is utterly impossible for a man that sets his heart upon his riches, to get to heaven. Christ used an expression, denoting difficulty altogether unconquerable by the power of man. Nothing les than the almighty grace of God will enable a rich man to get over thi difficulty. Who then can be saved? If riches hinder rich people, ar not pride and sinful lusts found in those not rich, and as dangerous to them? Who can be saved? say the disciples. None, saith Christ, by an created power. The beginning, progress, and perfecting the work of salvation, depend wholly on the almighty power of God, to which all things are possible. Not that rich people can be saved in their worldliness, but that they should be saved from it. Peter said, We have forsaken all. Alas! it was but a poor all, only a few boats and nets yet observe how Peter speaks, as if it had been some mighty thing. We are too apt to make the most of our services and sufferings, ou expenses and losses, for Christ. However, Christ does not upbraid them though it was but little that they had forsaken, yet it was their all and as dear to them as if it had been more. Christ took it kindly tha they left it to follow him; he accepts according to what a man hath Our Lord's promise to the apostles is, that when the Son of man shal sit on the throne of his glory, he will make all things new, and the shall sit with him in judgement on those who will be judged accordin to their doctrine. This sets forth the honour, dignity, and authorit of their office and ministry. Our Lord added, that every one who ha forsaken possessions or comforts, for his sake and the gospel, would be recompensed at last. May God give us faith to rest our hope on this his promise; then we shall be ready for every service or sacrifice. Ou Saviour, in the last verse, does away a mistake of some. The heavenl inheritance is not given as earthly ones are, but according to God' pleasure. Let us not trust in promising appearances or outwar profession. Others may, for aught we know, become eminent in faith an holiness __________________________________________________________________
Greek Textus Receptus
πολλοι 4183 A-NPM δε 1161 CONJ εσονται 2071 5704 V-FXI-3P πρωτοι 4413 A-NPM εσχατοι 2078 A-NPM και 2532 CONJ εσχατοι 2078 A-NPM πρωτοι 4413 A-NPM
Robertson's NT Word Studies
19:30 {The last first and the first last} (hoi escatoi prwtoi kai hoi prwtoi escatoi). this paradoxical enigma is probably in the nature of a rebuke to Peter and refers to ranks in the kingdom. There are many other possible applications. The following parable illustrates it.
