Matthew 22:6

6 And the rest, laying hold of his bondmen, ill-treated and slew [them].

Matthew 22:6 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 22:6

And the remnant took his servants
They that went to their several worldly callings and occupations of life, troubled themselves no further about the Messiah, his doctrines and ordinances; but others of them were more spiteful and injurious: they not only slighted the message, and took no notice of the invitation, but also abused the messengers; some of the servants they laid hold upon, and put them in the common prison, and detained them there a while; as they did the apostles quickly after our Lord's ascension, particularly Peter and John: and entreated them spitefully;
gave them very hard words, and reproachful language; menacing and threatening them what they would do to them, if they did not forbear preaching in the name of Jesus; though they were not intimidated hereby, but rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame on such an account; and even their malice and wickedness proceeded so far, as to take away the lives of some of them: and slew them:
thus they stoned Stephen to death, the first martyr for Christ; and killed James, the brother of John, with the sword; which last, though he was put to death by Herod, yet with the consent and approval of the Jews.

Matthew 22:6 In-Context

4 Again he sent other bondmen, saying, Say to the persons invited, Behold, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and my fatted beasts are killed, and all things ready; come to the wedding feast.

5 But they made light of it, and went, one to his own land, and another to his commerce.

6 And the rest, laying hold of his bondmen, ill-treated and slew [them].

7 And [when] the king [heard of it he] was wroth, and having sent his forces, destroyed those murderers and burned their city.

8 Then he says to his bondmen, The wedding feast is ready, but those invited were not worthy;