Matthew 18:1

At the same time. [Humility, Reconciliation, and Forgiveness, Matt. 18:1-35 = Mark 9:33-50 = Luke 9:46-50. Major comment: Matthew and Mark. See Retirement from Public Ministry.] The instruction here recorded by Matthew was given on the same day that the incident concerning the Temple tax took place (see DA 434, 435). For the circumstances of this occasion and for events immediately preceding see on ch. 17:24. The argument among the disciples that led up to the instruction here given had occurred during the recent journey through Galilee (see Mark 9:30; DA 432), and apparently came to a climax at the time the group entered Capernaum. Evidently Jesus’ recent reference to going again to Jerusalem (see Matt. 16:21), from which they had been absent for nearly a year and a half (see on John 7:2), had revived in the disciples’ hearts the mistaken hope (see on Matt. 16:21; Luke 4:19) that Jesus would now set up His kingdom (see on Matt. 14:22).

Apparently the entire discourse of ch. 18 was given at one time. As in the case of the Sermon on the Mount (see on ch. 5:2), each of the various gospel writers includes portions not mentioned by the others. Except for minor variations (see Mark 9:38 — 41, 49, 50), Mark’s account is somewhat similar to that of Matthew. Where both Matthew and Mark report the discourse, the account of Mark tends to be slightly more complete and full than that of Matthew. But Matthew has a lengthy section (see ch. 18:10-35) that neither Mark nor Luke has. Luke has a very brief account of the discourse, though elsewhere he reports a number of parallel teachings of Jesus that were given at other times. Matthew’s account is therefore the most complete. The entire discourse may well be entitled “How to Deal With Differences of Opinion and Disputes That Arise in the Church.” The great problem that made the discourse necessary was a serious clash of personalities among the Twelve, one that it was necessary to solve if the unity of the group was to be preserved. Concerning the importance of unity among believers see on John 17:11, 22, 23.

Came the disciples. On their return to Capernaum the disciples had sought to conceal their spirit of rivalry from Jesus (see DA 432). He read their thoughts, but said nothing to them at the time. Now, a little after their return, an opportunity arose for taking the matter up with them. At first sight Matthew and Mark seem to differ as to how the matter came up at this time. Matthew states that the disciples initiated the discussion, whereas Mark reports that Jesus did so (see Mark 9:33). However, the two accounts may be harmonized thus: While Peter was away fishing for the tribute money (see on Matt. 17:27), Jesus took the matter up with the 11 disciples who remained with Him, probably in Peter’s home (see on ch. 17:24), but they were reluctant to discuss it. After Peter’s return one of the Twelve ventured to ask Jesus the very question they had been discussing among themselves in secret. See DA 434, 435.

Who? Literally, “Who then?” It seems most probable that the word “then” (Gr. ara) connects this question with Christ’s previous question during the absence of Peter. Some six months later James and John, through their mother, appealed to Jesus for preeminence in His kingdom (see on ch. 20:20). Following the triumphal entry into Jerusalem and Jesus’ assertion of lordship over the Temple, the question of pre-eminence in the kingdom again arose, on the very night of Jesus’ betrayal (see on Luke 22:24). The disciples saw themselves as the highest officers of the realm. Rank in the kingdom of their imagination occupied first place in their thoughts, even to the exclusion of what Jesus told them of His sufferings and death. Preconceived opinion effectively insulated their minds against truth.

Kingdom of heaven. Concerning the true nature of Christ’s kingdom see on chs. 4:17; 5:2. Concerning the false ideas entertained by the Jews on this subject see on Luke 4:19.