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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW

CHAPTER NINETEEN:
DIVORCE, SINGLENESS, AND RICH DIFFICULTIES

[“The Rich Last, the Poor First”]
(Key word: Kingdom)

Matthew 19:1-2 – From Galilee to Judah

|| Luke 9:51

MT19:1 And it occurred after Jesus had completed these words he departed Galilee and came into the area of Judea 1126 on the other side of the Jordan river. 1127

1126	Came into the area of Judea: The last chapter of Messiah’s life begins as he approaches Jerusalem. The prophet Daniel links Messiah’s end with the city of Jerusalem (Daniel 9:24-27).

1127	Jordan river: Where he began his ministry over three years before.

MT19:2 Large crowds followed Jesus 1128 as he cured them there.

1128	Large crowds followed Jesus: News of this scene reaching the Jewish hierarchy must have cause much concern. The Roman occupiers could not ignore thousands of people following one man toward Jerusalem.

Matthew 19:3-9 – Grounds for Divorce

|| Mark 10:1-12

MT19:3 And now Pharisees approached Jesus to tempt him, 1129 asking, “Is it permissible to divorce 1130 a woman for any cause?” 1131

1129	To tempt him: See Matthew 16:1 where they first test him.

1130

Is it permissible to divorce: One wonders why the Pharisees ask this question as a test of Jesus. It is possible that because there was considerable disagreement on this subject among the Jews, they had found a perplexing question very difficult to answer without offending someone (Shammai versus Hillel schools of thought). We are very interested in how Jesus will handle this. Will he compromise? Will he rationalize an answer favorable to all? The question may also be rendered: RSV: Is it lawful. “Divorce” in Hebrew carries several meanings: Deuteronomy 22:19, “send away”; Leviticus 22:13, “drive out”; Deuteronomy 24:1, 3 “a bill of divorcement” means literally in Hebrew, “a book of cutting off.” Regarding Jewish divorce see Josephus (Jewish Antiquities, XV, 259 [vii, 10]; 4. 8. 23). Note that in Malachi 2:16 Yehowah says, “I hate divorce.”

1131

For any cause: The problem resulted from the Jewish interpretation of Deuteronomy 24:1-4. Jewish men could divorce for almost any reason. This could include, according to at least one rabbi, that if a man found a more desirable and lovely woman. Note, however, that the Law did not provide for a woman divorcing her husband. On this compare the notes on Matthew 19:9.

MT19:4 Jesus responded to their question by saying, “Did you never read 1132 that the One who created male and female 1133 [Genesis 1:26, 27] from the Beginning 1134 made them

1132	Did you never read: This introduction has a degree of cutting sarcasm to it: these are pompous and arrogant teachers of the Law who have studied the Torah completely. Jesus is not unaware of their hidden agenda.

1133	The One who created male and female: Jesus means Yehowah in the designation “the One.” He alludes to Genesis 1:26, 27.

1134	Beginning: Jesus uses the word in relation to the creation of humankind. It is the Greek ARCHES.

MT19:5 and He said: 1135 ‘On account of this a man will leave behind his father and mother and he will stick 1136 to his woman; and the two will become one flesh’? [Genesis 2:24]

1135	He said: Jesus nowhere hints that he believed this One to be himself as Jehovah. We also may draw the conclusion that Jesus believed the account of Genesis. Jesus here quotes Genesis 2:24.

1136	Stick: Or, KJV: cleave; RSV: joined. The Greek is KOLLETHESETAI. It is drawn from the root KOLLA which means to “glue.”

MT19:6 So, they are no longer two but one 1137 flesh. Therefore, whatever The God 1138 has yoked together, 1139 let no person divide them.” 1140

1137

No longer two but one: Or, NEB: it follows that they are no longer two individuals; PME: no longer two separate people, but one. We must make a note that this word “one” is taken by Trinitarians in some mystical form as if it proves their doctrine. On this issue research the text Genesis 2:24 in Nazarene Commentary as well as the Hebrew echad.

1138	The God: The Greek is HO THEOS as it is in most cases of designating the Father of Jesus, Yehowah. Research the Greek HO THEOS.

1139

Yoked together: Or, KJV: joined together. Marriage is the “yoking” of two different people. The word conveys the idea of two equal beasts of burden under the same yoke (Numbers 19:2; Deuteronomy 21:3; 1 Samuel 6:7). The Law forbade yoking animals of different strength. The Greek word-group, ZYGOS, ZEUGOS has the thought of a yoke and are rooted in ZEUGNYMI meaning “yoke; couple; join; bind; unite together.” The Greek ZEUGOS may include “a pair” or “yoke” as in Luke 2:24; 14:19, a “pair of turtledoves.” Birds such as these mate for life.

1140	Let no person divide them: Or, KJV: put asunder; TCNT: must not separate. The main “person” or “man” here would be the husband.

MT19:7 Now the Pharisees asked him, “So why does Moses command a paper of dismissal and divorce?” 1141 [Deuteronomy 24:1-4]

1141	A paper of dismissal and divorce: A reference to Deuteronomy 24:1-4. Or, KJV: a writing of divorcement; KNX: a writ of separation; TCNT: serve his wife with a notice of separation.

MT19:8 Jesus answered them, “Moses conceded the divorcing of your women because of your hardheartedness. 1142 But it was not so in the Beginning.

1142	Because of your hardheartedness: The Nazarene gives the reason for divorce: the hard hearts of males. Or, KJV: the hardness of your hearts; NEB: because you were so unteachable; WMS: because of your moral perversity; PME: because you knew so little of the meaning of love.

MT19:9 I tell you this: that whoever divorces his woman 1143 not for the reason of sexual immorality 1144 and marries another, 1145 commits adultery.”

1143

Whoever divorces his woman: This verse has come in for considerable debate and discussion because Matthew, Mark and Luke read each differently. Only Mark 10:12 adds, “…and if ever a woman, after divorcing her husband, marries another, she commits adultery.” This liberated women to seek their own divorce. However, the grounds for divorce remain the same in both cases.

1144

The reason of sexual immorality: Jesus gives only one reason. The Greek here is PORNEIA and is worthy of considerable research. The word is also rendered: RHM: unfaithfulness; RSV: unchastity; GDSP: her unfaithfulness. The root of PORNEIA is from “to buy” as in the purchase price of a prostitute and so “fornication” first became synonymous with “prostitution.” (Genesis 38:24; Exodus 34:16; Hosea 1:2; Leviticus 19:29) The word occurs about 65 times in the Bible. Most often in Hosea (17) and secondly in 1 Corinthians (11). In the Christian Bible fornication is incest (1 Corinthians 5:1), adultery (1 Thessalonians 4:3), a sin against one’s own body (1 Corinthians 6:18), “unnatural” sex (Jude 7). Paul alludes to Numbers 25:1+ and the fornication of Israelite men with Moabite women, possibly temple harlots as religious worship is associated. B. F. Westcott, Saint Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians (1906, p. 76) defines PORNEIA: “This is a general term for all unlawful intercourse, (I) adultery: Hos. 2:2, 4 (LXX); Matt. 5:32; 19:9; (2) unlawful marriage, 1 Cor. 5:1; (3) fornication, the common sense as here [Eph 5:3].” Bauer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (revised by F. W. Gingrich and F. Danker, 1979, p. 693) defines PORNEIA as “prostitution, unchastity, fornication, of every kind of unlawful sexual intercourse.” “Fornication” is generally related to adultery, rape, and prostitution (Genesis 34:1, 2, 6, 7, 31; Genesis 38:24-26; Genesis 39:7-9). The question may be raised whether sexual intercourse between two consenting persons who intend to marry is “fornication.” Some would state that it is. However, we are unable to find a single case where sex between engaged persons is considered “fornication.” Virtually every occurrence of “fornication” is limited to rape, adultery, incest, or prostitution. Indeed, the word “prostitution” could replace “fornication” in the Prophet Hosea and most of the cases elsewhere. While adulterous persons were stoned under the Law, couples (engaged or not) who had sexual intercourse were not stoned but required to marry, the male giving up divorce rights and required to pay a fine to the father of the woman (Exodus 22:16, 17; Deuteronomy 22:28, 29). Since “fornication” is strongly prohibited to Christians it is necessary that each disciple research fornication, read and meditate on these verses and their related principles.

1145

Marries another: If one divorces and does not remarry adultery is not committed. Compare Mark 10:11, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her.” Luke 16:18, “Everyone that divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and he that marries a woman divorced from a husband commits adultery.”

Matthew 19:10-12 – Celibacy

MT19:10 Now the disciples of Jesus asked him, “If this is the case with a husband and his wife – it should be recommended not to marry at all!” 1146

1146

It should be recommended not to marry at all: Or, KJV: it is not good to marry; NEB: it is better to refrain from marriage; ASV: not expedient to marry; KNX: better not to marry at all; WMS: there is no advantage in getting married; PME: not worth getting married; NW: it is not advisable to marry. We smile at the suggestion of these Jewish disciples of Jesus: if a man cannot divorce his wife for any reason it is just better not to get married. Perhaps we see that ingrained “hardness of heart” present in the Israelite men?

MT19:11 Jesus told them, “Everyone cannot make room for what you are suggesting, 1147 but only those who have the gift. 1148

1147

For what you are suggesting: Or, KJV: all men cannot receive the saying; RHM: not all find room for the word; KNX: that conclusion cannot be taken in by everybody; RIEU: accept the ruling; BER: not all people understand this saying; WMS: it is not every man who has the capacity to carry out this saying; MOF: this truth is not practicable for everyone. The disciples may have alluded to rabbinical sayings: “Among those whose life is not life is the man ruled by his wife.” “If a man has a bad wife, it is his religious duty to divorce her.”

1148

Those who have the gift: Or, KJV: those to whom it is given; KNX: only by those who have the gift; RIEU: only those that hear the call; WMS: to whom the capacity has been gift; WEY: upon whom the grace has been bestowed. Some persons are born with either the desire for sex or intimate relationships. Some by observation have judged that there is little in marriage to recommend it over a life of celibate liberty. Others have developed the “gift” by rigorous control of themselves.

MT19:12 For there are eunuchs 1149 born so from their mother’s womb; 1150 and there are eunuchs made eunuchs 1151 by humans; and, there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs 1152 because of the Realm of Heaven. 1153 Let the person who is able to make room for it, make room for it.” 1154

1149

Eunuchs: The Greek is EUNOUCHOI and refers to a castrated male. The word is formed by “bed” + “have/hold” and is rooted in a castrated male guardian over a harem (Esther 2:3, 12-15; 4:4-6, 9). A eunuch was not allowed under the Law (Deuteronomy 23:1). However, consider Acts 8:26-39 as possibly the fulfillment of Isaiah 56:4, 5.

1150

Born so from their mother’s womb: Or NOR: some men have always been unsuited for marriage, having been born that way; NEB: incapable of marriage; TCNT: disabled for marriage. Though this could mean some physical disability modern science has probably established that some DNA tends to have much less sex-drive.

1151	Eunuchs made eunuchs: It is interesting that here it is eunuchs who make other eunuchs – likely because they were in charge of such castration. One wonders if such men had a choice in these matters?

1152	Have made themselves eunuchs: A literal reading of this has caused men such as Origen to castrate themselves.

1153

Because of the Realm of Heaven: It is the view of most that Jesus here encourages celibacy for those who have the gift and for the right reasons: service related to the Church. Paul recommends celibacy for those who have control (1 Corinthians 7:32, 38). Marriage is not forbidden save by apostates (1 Timothy 4:3). However, Paul clearly encourages Christians not to be driven by sexual impulses: “When their sexual impulses have come between them and the Christ, they want to marry, having a judgment because they have disregarded their first [expression of] faith.” (1 Timothy 5:11, 12 NW) Note how he continues: “I desire the younger widows to marry, to bear children, to manage a household.” (1 Timothy 5:14 NW)

1154

Let the person who is able to make room for it, make room for it: Or, KJV: he that is able to receive it, let him receive it; KNX: take this in, you whose hearts are large enough for it; RIEU let him that can, obey the call; BER: whoever is able to get practical hold of it, let him get hold; MOF: let anyone practice it for whom it is practicable. Note these words are directed to men who are willing to give up marriage and children for their service within the Realm of Heaven. Those considering marriage do well to think the matter out soberly. In the Western world over half of all marriages fail and half of the “successful” are locked into a life of lovelessness and serious dissatisfaction.

Matthew 19:13-15 – Kingdom Belongs to Child-like

|| Mark 10:13-16; Luke 9:47; 18:15-17

MT19:13 Then little boys 1155 were brought to Jesus so that he might pray and lay his hands upon them. 1156 But, the disciples rebuked [the parents]. 1157

1155	Little boys: The Greek is PAIDIA. Our imagination is captured by the wide shining eyes fill with wonderment at the man from Nazareth. Do we behold warm endearing smiles on our Lord’s face?

1156

Pray and lay his hands upon them: Or, BAS: put his hands on them in blessing. Surely the parents expected a blessing so that these little boys may become serious teachers of the Law? The gesture of “laying hands upon” is elsewhere in the Bible something of an official appointment. Research hands or laying on of hands.

1157

Disciples rebuked [the parents]: Or, NEB: the disciples scolded them; BER: the disciples held them back; MON: disciples interfered; TCNT: found fault with those who had brought them; NOR: spoke sharply to them; PME: frowned on the parents’ action. We feel for the disciples in their protectiveness. In their determination that their Lord’s time be spent wisely. He was just too busy for this sort of thing. They do not realize that these little boys are the future leaders and teachers of the nation of Israel. Modern elders can learn much from this: share your time with those without a vote or voice. A few minutes here and there may influence a young one beyond your imagination. We can identify a Christ-like elder by the time he spends with children, the sick and the elderly.

MT19:14 However, Jesus told the disciples, “Leave the little boys alone and do not try to hinder them from approaching me – the Realm of Heaven is for such [like] these.” 1158

1158

The Realm of Heaven is for such [like] these: Or, KJV: for of such is the kingdom of heaven; ASV: for to such belongeth the kingdom; MON: for it is to the childlike that the kingdom of heaven belongs. See notes on Matthew 18:13. The self-centered and arrogant need not apply for membership in the Kingdom.

MT19:15 Then after Jesus laid his hands upon the little boys he departed.

Matthew 19:16-24 – Difficulty of Rich Entering the Kingdom

|| Mark 10:17-25; Luke 18:18-25

MT19:16 And, look! a [young] person 1159 approached Jesus, asking, “Teacher, what good shall I do 1160 so that I might have everlasting life?” 1161

1159	A [young] person: Revealed in verse 20.

1160

Teacher, what good shall I do: Mark 10:17 adds, “… a certain man ran up and fell upon his knees before him and put the question to him: ‘Good Teacher, what must I do…’” He addresses Jesus as “Good Teacher.” Luke 18:18 adds, “… a certain (religious) ruler.” Therefore, a young rabbi. The Received Text (KJV) has, “Good Teacher.”

1161	Everlasting life: The Greek is ZOEN AIONION. Or, KJV: eternal life; RHM: life age-abiding; TCNT: immortal life; BECK: everlasting life. See word studies else where by researching AION or everlasting life.

MT19:17 Jesus told him, “Why do you ask me about some ‘good’? 1162 [Only] One is ‘good’. 1163 But if you wish to enter Life, 1164 observe the commandments.” 1165

1162

Why do you ask me about some ‘good’: This response has resulted in much commentary. If Jesus were “God” one wonders why he would resist a title with the word “good” in it. The Lesson of Eden is that only Yehowah can determine what is ‘good’ and this is not the responsibility of Messiah. Research the word good or AGATHOS (from which the name Agatha comes). Note that the Nazarene’s response is to point to the Ten Commandments and the Law. He does not originate his own philosophy.

1163

[Only] One is ‘good’: Or, KJV: none is good but one, that is, God; ASV: One there is who is good; KNX: God is good, and he only; WMS: there is only one who is perfectly good; ABUV: One is the Good. The subject is absolute or ultimate Good. No one would argue that Jesus was no a “good man.” Note John 7:12. Compare also how others are described as “good.” (2 Samuel 18:27; Proverbs 14:14) Jesus recognizes there are good people (Matthew 12:35; Luke 6:45; Romans 5:7). Surely Jesus refers to his Father, Yehowah.

1164	To enter Life: It may be argued that “Life” here is something like John 5:24 and 1 John 3:14. Thus “Life” means the new Life within the Realm of Heaven – the Church. Others will limit it to that future Life though both may be include.

1165

Observe the commandments: It is possible Jesus speaks to a young Jewish rabbi. Note the commandments Jesus lists. It will startle some what he has omitted in a list of his own choosing: the Name and the Sabbath. Jesus goes on to quote Exodus 20:13-16 then skipping back to Exodus 20:12. He also quotes what he calls late the Second Greatest Commandment: Leviticus 19:18.

MT19:18 This person answered, “Which [commandments]?” Jesus responded: “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false testimony,’ MT19:19 ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” [Exodus 20:13-16] MT19:20 The young man told Jesus, “I have guarded myself regarding all of these. 1166 What more am I lacking?” 1167

1166	I have guarded myself regarding all of these: The KJV version adds: “… from my youth up.” Or, ASV: all these things have I observed; WEY: carefully obeyed.

1167	What more am I lacking: Or, NEB: where do I still fall short; BER: how do I still fall behind; WEY: what more is required. One wonders if there is some self-righteous hypocrisy here. However, Paul himself claims such rigorous righteousness or obedience to the law (Philippians 3:6).

MT19:21 Jesus said to him, “If you wish perfection 1168 leave and sell your belongings 1169 and give to the poor 1170 – then you will have treasure in heaven – and [then] come be my follower.” 1171

1168	If you wish perfection: Or, KNX: if thou hast a mind to be perfect; NEB: if you wish to go the whole way; NASB: to be complete. To the Nazarene spiritual perfection will involve charity. See notes on Matthew 5:48.

1169	Leave and sell your belongings: Or, RHM: withdraw! sell thy substance; go and sell your possessions. Note how in Luke 12:32, 33 Jesus tells his “little flock” the same thing. Note their response in Acts 2:44, 45; Acts 4:34-37.

1170

Give to the poor: The man could divest himself of his possessions in any manner of ways: giving it to his family, hiding investments. Jesus gives no hint that he expects the man to contribute to him though never was there a poorer man on earth (2 Corinthians 8:9). The young rabbi must say goodbye to all his belongings – strip himself from material attachment and desire.

1171	And [then] come be my follower: Note he must do this before becoming a follower or disciple of Jesus. It is possible “follower” means a member of the Nazarene’s private entourage of apostles.

MT19:22 But having heard this statement the young man departed very depressed, 1172 for he had many possessions. 1173

1172

The young man departed very depressed: Or, KJV: he went away sorrowful; NASB: he went away grieved; KNX: sad of heart; RIEU: in gloom; WMS: in deep distress; PME: crestfallen. We watch our Lord’s eyes as he follows the young man as he leaves and we note a slight expression of pity. We would like to know the future of this young rabbi. Did he follow later, become an angry opposer screaming for crucifixion, or merely indifferent. We wonder at his death what thoughts he must have had.

1173	Many possessions: Or, NASB: owned much property; NEB: a man of great wealth; BECK: very rich.

MT19:23 Now Jesus told his disciples, “I tell you this truth: Rich people will only enter the Realm of Heaven with great difficulty. 1174

1174

Rich people will only enter the Realm of Heaven with great difficulty: Perhaps of all the teachings of the Nazarene this is the one most disliked by western capitalist society. While the world struggles to be rich Jesus warns of the great difficulty in such conflicting lifestyles and ideals. Compare the notes on Matthew 5:42 and Matthew 6:25. Or, KJV: a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven; ASV: it is hard for a rich man; MON: a rich man will find it difficult. Though the celestial realm of God is the final goal, Jesus makes it clear that it will be very hard for a rich person to become a Christian and gain membership in the Realm of Profession. Note Paul’s counsel to the rich at 1 Timothy 6:17-19. Throughout the Gospel Age there have been wealthy Christians who gave all to help others, while others used their riches to forward the Gospel message. Research the words rich and riches. In Bible terms “rich” means having a surplus (Mark 12:44; 2 Corinthians 8:14).

MT19:24 In addition I tell you this: It is easier for a camel to enter through a needle’s eye 1175 than for rich people to enter the Realm of Heaven.”

1175

Camel to enter through a needle’s eye: The Lamsa translation of the Aramaic has this ‘a rope through the needle’s eye.’ Some understand it is the difficulty a camel has in crawling through a very narrow gate to enter a city. It must get on its knees and move forward with difficulty. The Nazarene does not say it is impossible nor does he rule it out altogether. He just says it will be difficult for a rich person to give attention to discipleship while torn over riches. The conflict between love and greed is the struggle between self and others.

Matthew 19:25-26 – Who Can be Saved?

|| Mark 10:26, 27; Luke 18:26, 27

MT19:25 But having heard this the disciples were considerably shocked 1176 and so asked: “Then who in reality can be saved?” 1177

1176	Considerably shocked: Or, KJV: exceedingly amazed; RHM: greatest astonishment; KNX: great bewilderment; GDSP: completely astounded. One would think from a human standpoint that if a rich man could not succeed (someone with the wherewithal) then who could?

1177	Saved: We must remember here this is the view of the disciples. We must not create a doctrinal idea based on the limited understanding of immature Christians. Jesus has used “Life” and “Realm of Heaven.” The young rabbi has used the phrase “everlasting life.” None of this may be on the mark.

MT19:26 Jesus studied them carefully, 1178 and then answered, “From a human standpoint this is impossible; 1179 but, any thing is possible for God!” 1180

1178	Jesus studied them carefully: Or, KJV: Jesus beheld them; KNX: Jesus fastened his eyes on them; NEB: looked them in e face; RHM: looking intently. We long to behold this penetrating gaze as the Nazarene proceeds to state an important truth.

1179	From a human standpoint this is impossible: Or, KJV: with man this is impossible; KNX: such a thing is impossible to man’s powers; PME: humanly speaking it is impossible.

1180	Any thing is possible for God: The inference is this: it is not impossible for a rich man to be saved but it would require a miracle from God.

Matthew 19:27-29 – We Have Left Everything for You!

|| Mark 10:28-30; Luke 18:28-30

MT19:27 Then Peter responded to Jesus, “Look! We [apostles] have left everything behind 1181 and followed you! Truthfully, what will there be for us?” 1182

1181

We [apostles] have left everything behind: Or, KJV: we have forsaken all; KNX: and what of us who have forsaken all; BECK: we gave up everything. We must ponder this emotional outburst by Peter as if he need assure his Master. Jesus had told the young rabbi to sell everything and give to the poor. Had Peter and the others actually done that? We know they “left” their fishing boats with family, but had they sold all? Note that after the death of Jesus the apostles have returned to their fishing business. Indeed, the Risen Lord must ask Peter what he loved most: Jesus or the fishing business (John 21:3-19). We may suspect Peter and the others had not done as Luke 12:32, 33 directed the “little flock.” However, observe that in the Book of Acts all the disciples have sold everything as Jesus directed and then distributed to the needy (Acts 2-4).

1182	Truthfully, what will there be for us: Or, KNX: what is left for us; RIEU: what shall we get by that; WEY: what then shall be our reward; PME: what is that going to be worth to us. The idea is probably: “what will be our lot?”

MT19:28 But, Jesus told them, “I tell you [apostles] this truth: In the New Genesis 1183 [Job 14:14 LXX] – when the Son of Humankind is gloriously enthroned [Daniel 7:13, 14] [for the Judgment] 1184 – those who have followed me 1185 will also sit upon twelve thrones judging 1186 the twelve tribes of Israel. 1187

1183

In the New Genesis: The Greek is PALIN(=again)GENESIA(=genesis). Or, KJV: regeneration; RSV: new world; KNX: new birth; RIEU: when the world is born anew; NEB: in the world that is to be; MON New Creation; WMS: new order of life; BER: new age; AMP: birth of the world. We know the Nazarene originally spoke these words in Hebrew (Aramaic) and Matthew later translated these words into Greek. In the Jewish Greek Septuagint of the second century BC a very similar phrase is found in Job 14:14, PALIN GENOMAI. This whole verse is rendered in Bagster’s: “I will wait until I exist again.” Translations based on the Hebrew text read: KJV: till my change come; NJB: for my relief to come; ASV: till my release should come. In this same context the root for the word “resurrection” also occurs: ANASTE (“rise again”) and the root to “memorial tomb” (or, memorium) – MNEIAN (“remember me”) (Job 14:12, 13). The context is surely that of the resurrection and the after-life. Based on this the “new genesis” may refer to the resurrection in general and specifically that time when Messiah and his associate judges (1 Corinthians 6:2; Revelation 20:4) judge all resurrected mankind (Revelation 20:5, 12-14; Acts 24:15). A similar phrase occurs in Peter’s writings: “Blessed be The God… who gave us a new genesis (ANA[=again]GENESAS[=genesis]) a living hope by means of the resurrection of Jesus.” (1 Peter 1:3) Judging from 1 Peter 1:23 this seems limited to that “new birth” following the justification of the saint (James 1:18; John 3:3-5).

1184

When the Son of Humankind is gloriously enthroned [for the Judgment]: This is an interpretive paraphrase. Similar language occurs in Matthew 25:31 but there the King comes with his angels (and without his Saints), for this is the parousia-Judgment. Compare Daniel 12:2; John 5:29; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 John 2:28; 1 John 4:17. We feel this phrase has a prophetic context related to the Thousand Years or thereafter (Revelation 20:4-6, 12-14; 1 Corinthians 6:2; Acts 17:31; Luke 22:30).

1185	Those who have followed me: Read and prayerfully meditate upon 1 Peter 2:21 and Revelation 14:4.

1186

Sit upon twelve thrones judging: Though there are more than twelve judges (1 Corinthians 6:2; Revelation 20:4) the Nazarene here concentrates on his “little flock” – his apostles (Luke 12:32). Note the foundation stones of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:12-14. There can be no question the original “twelve” (including Matthias) hold a paramount position in the Father’s Kingdom.

1187

Twelve tribes of Israel: We feel this refers to the many millions of Israelites and Jews during: a) the Thousand Year judgment (Isaiah 65:17-23); and, b) the last judgment at the general resurrection of all humankind (Acts 17:31; 24:15; Isaiah 26:19 LXX; Revelation 20:5, 12-14; compare Romans 2:12-16; Hebrews 6:2; 9:27; 1 Corinthians 15:20-24).

MT19:29 Everyone who leaves behind 1188 houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother, children, or fields 1189 because of my name 1190 will receive many times more: 1191 he will inherit everlasting life. 1192

1188	Everyone who leaves behind: Or, KJV: every one that hath forsaken; ASV: hath left. Jesus exemplified this and his apostles thereafter. Compare also Paul’s example (Philippians 3:8, 13).

1189	Houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother, children, or fields: Mark 10:29 adds, “… houses… for the sake of the good news.” Luke 18:29 adds, “… wife…” Luke 18:30 adds, “… get many times more in this period of time.”

1190	Because of my name: We note this is the name of Jesus and not his Father, Yehowah.

1191	Will receive many times more: Or, KJV: receive an hundredfold; RIEU: shall be many times repaid; BER: shall be refunded a hundred times.

1192	Everlasting life: See notes else where on the phrase ageless life or everlasting life.

Matthew 19:30 – First Last – Last First

|| Mark 10:31; Luke 13:30

MT19:30 “But, many of those ‘first’ will be those last, and those ‘last’ will be first.” 1193

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Those ‘last’ will be first: This is the moral of all that went before. There were those (like the rich young rabbi) in Israel who would seem in the premier, foremost or chief position to be saved, inherit life, or enter the Realm of Heaven. Human reason would conclude the educated rabbis, scribes, and priests would be in the best place to receive the Messiah with the resultant blessings. On the other hand, most would assume that ignorant fisherman would be the last ones to be the judges of mankind in the New Genesis. Compare the notes on Matthew 20:16 and Luke 13:29, 30. Those esteemed judges of Israel would – in the New Genesis – end up being judged by these humble disciples. Who could have guessed such an outcome?