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MATTHEW 19:30 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
Matt 19:29Matt 20
But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.
But many who are first will be last, and the last first. The reversal principle closes the chapter and will be illustrated by the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard that opens chapter 20. The first-will-be-last reversal is the kingdom's consistent pattern: the rich young man who came first (with all his commandment-keeping and his wealth) will be last; the disciples who seem to have given up everything will be first. The disciples who are asking about what they will receive (verse 27) should not assume that their sacrifice automatically ranks them at the top of the kingdom's hierarchy.

Church Fathers on Matthew 19:30

Peter had heard the word of Christ when He said, 'If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell all that thou hast.' Then he observed that the young man had departed sorrowful, and considered the difficulty of riches entering into the kingdom of heaven; and thereupon he put this question confidently as one who had achieved no easy matter. For though what he with his brother had left behind them were but little things, yet were they not esteemed as little with God, who considered that…

Origen · 3rd century

What was this 'all,' O blessed Peter? The reeds, your net, and boat. But this he says, not to call to mind his own magnanimity, but in order to propose the case of the multitude of poor. A poor man might have said, If I have nought, I cannot become perfect. Peter therefore puts this question that you, poor man, may learn that you are in nothing behind. For he had already received the kingdom of heaven, and therefore secure of what was already there, he now asks for the whole…

Chrysostom · 4th century · Hom., lxiv

Because to forsake is not enough, he adds that which makes perfection, 'and have followed thee.' We have done what thou commandedst us, what reward wilt thou then give us? What shall we have?'

Jerome · 4th century
Read all 26 entries in the readerCatena Aurea · St. Thomas Aquinas, tr. J. H. Newman · public domain
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Matthew 19:30 — Community Reflections | HolyStudy