Clarke's Bible Commentary - Matthew 22:14
Verse 14. Many are called, &c.] This verse is wanting in one of Colbert's MSS., marked 33 in Griesbach. See the note on Matthew xx. 16. Many are called by the preaching of the Gospel into the outward communion of the Church of Christ; but few, comparatively, are chosen to dwell with God In glory, because they do not come to the master of the feast for a marriage garment-for that holiness without which none can see the Lord. This is an allusion to the Roman custom of raising their militia; all were mustered, but only those were chosen to serve, who were found proper. See the note on chap. xx. 16. Reader! examine thy soul, and make sure work for eternity!
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-14 - The provision made for perishing souls in the gospel, is represented by a royal feast made by a king, with eastern liberality, on the marriag of his son. Our merciful God has not only provided food, but a roya feast, for the perishing souls of his rebellious creatures. There is enough and to spare, of every thing that can add to our present comfor and everlasting happiness, in the salvation of his Son Jesus Christ The guests first invited were the Jews. When the prophets of the Ol Testament prevailed not, nor John the Baptist, nor Christ himself, wh told them the kingdom of God was at hand, the apostles and ministers of the gospel were sent, after Christ's resurrection, to tell them it wa come, and to persuade them to accept the offer. The reason why sinner come not to Christ and salvation by him, is, not because they cannot but because they will not. Making light of Christ, and of the grea salvation wrought out by him, is the damning sin of the world. The were careless. Multitudes perish for ever through mere carelessness who show no direct aversion, but are careless as to their souls. Als the business and profit of worldly employments hinder many in closin with the Saviour. Both farmers and merchants must be diligent; but whatever we have of the world in our hands, our care must be to keep i out of our hearts, lest it come between us and Christ. The utter rui coming upon the Jewish church and nation, is here represented Persecution of Christ's faithful ministers fills up the measure of guilt of any people. The offer of Christ and salvation to the Gentile was not expected; it was such a surprise as it would be to wayfarin men, to be invited to a royal wedding-feast. The design of the gospe is to gather souls to Christ; all the children of God scattered abroad Joh 10:16; 11:52. The case of hypocrites is represented by the gues that had not on a wedding-garment. It concerns all to prepare for the scrutiny; and those, and those only, who put on the Lord Jesus, wh have a Christian temper of mind, who live by faith in Christ, and to whom he is all in all, have the wedding-garment. The impute righteousness of Christ, and the sanctification of the Spirit, are bot alike necessary. No man has the wedding-garment by nature, or can for it for himself. The day is coming, when hypocrites will be called to account for all their presumptuous intruding into gospel ordinances and usurpation of gospel privileges. Take him away. Those that wal unworthy of Christianity, forfeit all the happiness they presumptuousl claimed. Our Saviour here passes out of the parable into that which i teaches. Hypocrites go by the light of the gospel itself down to utte darkness. Many are called to the wedding-feast, that is, to salvation but few have the wedding-garment, the righteousness of Christ, the sanctification of the Spirit. Then let us examine ourselves whether we are in the faith, and seek to be approved by the King.
Greek Textus Receptus
πολλοι 4183 A-NPM γαρ 1063 CONJ εισιν 1526 5748 V-PXI-3P κλητοι 2822 A-NPM ολιγοι 3641 A-NPM δε 1161 CONJ εκλεκτοι 1588 A-NPM
Robertson's NT Word Studies
22:14 {For many are called, but few chosen} (polloi gar eisin kletoi oligoi de eklektoi). this crisp saying of Christ occurs in various connections. He evidently repeated many of his sayings many times as every teacher does. There is a distinction between the called (kletoi) and the chosen (eklektoi) called out from the called.
