Matthew 20:11

11 And receiving it they murmured against the master of the house,

Matthew 20:11 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 20:11

And when they had received it
The external privileges of the Gospel dispensation, an inheritance among them that are sanctified, and a right unto it, on the foot of free grace,

they murmured against the good man of the house;
who had been so kind and liberal, to those who came last into the vineyard, and had done no injury to them, but gave them a full reward. So the Jews that first believed in Christ, were at first uneasy at the Gospel being preached to the Gentiles, at the calling of them, and their partaking of the same privileges in a Gospel church state with them, without submitting to the ceremonies of the law, as they had done; just as the Pharisees, in Christ's time, murmured against him; for receiving sinners, and eating with them: though in the latter day, the envy of Ephraim shall depart, and in the ultimate glory there will be no murmuring at each other's happiness.

Matthew 20:11 In-Context

9 When therefore they were come that came about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.
10 But when the first also came, they thought that they should receive more: And they also received every man a penny.
11 And receiving it they murmured against the master of the house,
12 Saying: These last have worked but one hour. and thou hast made them equal to us, that have borne the burden of the day and the heats.
13 But he answering said to one of them: friend, I do thee no wrong: didst thou not agree with me for a penny?
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