Matthew 23:15

Woe. See on v. 13.

To make one proselyte. Concerning the extensive influence of the Jews and their religion in the Roman Empire during the time of Christ see pp. 61,62. Ancient records reveal the fact that there were countless thousands of converts to the Jewish faith. Some of these became Jews and ordered their lives in harmony with all the ceremonial requirements of Judaism. They were first fully instructed, then baptized, and required to offer sacrifice at the Temple in Jerusalem. All males were circumcised as a sign of accepting the Abrahamic covenant (see on Gen. 17:10-12). A far greater number believed in the true God and worshiped Him, but without participating in the rites of Judaism. These were known as “proselytes of the gate,” or “God fearers.”

Twofold more. An enthusiastic convert became, if possible, even more bigoted than the Pharisees. To be a “child of hell” means to be fitted for “hell” (Gr. geenna, see on ch. 5:22) and destined, accordingly, for it. In contrast, to be “children of the kingdom” means to be of a character fit for the kingdom, and thus destined for it.