Matthew 20:16

16 So the last shall be the first, and the first the last; for many be called, but few be chosen [for many be called, but few chosen].

Matthew 20:16 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 20:16

So the last shall be first, and the first last
As he had asserted in ( Matthew 19:30 ) and which is clearly illustrated by this parable, as it may be applied to Jews or Gentiles, or to nominal and real Christians:

for many be called;
externally, under the ministration of the Gospel, as the Jews in general were, by Christ and his apostles; but

few chosen;
in Christ from all eternity, both to grace and glory; and in consequence, and as an evidence of it, but few among the Jews; as also in the Gentile world, comparatively speaking: and even but a few of those that are outwardly called, are inwardly and effectually called by the powerful grace of God, out of darkness into marvellous light, into the grace and liberty of the Gospel, into communion with Christ, and to the obtaining his kingdom and glory, according to the eternal purpose of God. It is a saying of R. Simeon ben Jochai ^F4

``I have seen the children of the world to come (elsewhere ^F5 it is, of the chamber), (Nyjewm Nhw) , "and they are few".''

Though he vainly thought, that if those few were but two, they were himself and his son.

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FOOTNOTES:

F4 T. Hieros. Beracot, fol. 13. 4.
F5 T. Bab. Succa, fol. 45. 2. & Sanhedrim, fol. 97. 2.

Matthew 20:16 In-Context

14 Take thou that that is thine, and go; for I will give to this last man, as to thee. [+Take that that is thine, and go; forsooth I will give also to this the last, as and to thee.]

15 Whether it is not leaveful to me to do that that I will? Whether thine eye is wicked, for I am good?

16 So the last shall be the first, and the first the last; for many be called, but few be chosen [for many be called, but few chosen].

17 And Jesus went up to Jerusalem, and took his twelve disciples in private, and said to them, [And Jesus, ascending up to Jerusalem, took his twelve disciples in private, and said to them,]

18 Lo! we go up to Jerusalem, and man's Son shall be betaken to princes of priests, and to scribes; and they shall condemn him to death.