Matteo 18:5

5 E chiunque riceve un cotal piccolo fanciullo nel nome mio, riceve me.

Matteo 18:5 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 18:5

And whoso shall receive one such little child
Which is to be understood, not literally but metaphorically; meaning not such an one in age, but one, as the Syriac renders it, (and aylj Kya) , "that is as this child": like unto it for modesty and humility; one, that is as that, free from pride, ambition, and envy. Christ's sense is, that whoever receives his disciples, that are meek and lowly, into their houses, or into their hearts and affections; that receives their ministry and message, embraces the Gospel preached by them with readiness and cheerfulness, with faith and love,

in my name;
on his account, because they are his disciples, believe in him, preach his Gospel, and, as being sent by, and representing him,

receiveth me:
it is so taken by Christ, as if he was personally present, and personally received, and had all the favours shown to his, done to himself in person; yea, such receive Christ in the ministry of the word, he being the sum and substance of it. This is said to encourage modesty and humility; and intimates, that proud and haughty persons will not be received as the disciples and followers of the meek and lowly Jesus; and to encourage persons to receive such that are modest and humble, since the respect shown to them, is all one as if shown to him.

Matteo 18:5 In-Context

3 In verità io vi dico: Se non mutate e non diventate come i piccoli fanciulli, non entrerete punto nel regno de’ cieli.

4 Chi pertanto si abbasserà come questo piccolo fanciullo, è lui il maggiore nel regno de’ cieli.

5 E chiunque riceve un cotal piccolo fanciullo nel nome mio, riceve me.

6 Ma chi avrà scandalizzato uno di questi piccoli che credono in me, meglio per lui sarebbe che gli fosse appesa al collo una macina da mulino e fosse sommerso nel fondo del mare.

7 Guai al mondo per gli scandali! Poiché, ben è necessario che avvengan degli scandali; ma guai all’uomo per cui lo scandalo avviene!