Bible Commentaries
Matthew 25

Verse 1

shall

This part of the Olivet discourse goes beyond the "sign" questions of the disciples Matthew 24:3 and presents our Lord's return in three aspects:

(1) As testing profession, Matthew 25:1-13

(2) as testing service, Matthew 25:14-30;

(3) as testing the Gentile nations, Matthew 25:31-46.

virgins

The kingdom of heaven here is the sphere of profession, as in Matthew 13:0. All alike have lamps, but two facts fix the real status of the foolish virgins: They "took no oil," and the Lord said, "I know you not." Oil is the symbol of the Holy Spirit, and "If any man have not the spirit of Christ, he is none of his" Romans 8:9

Nor could the Lord say to any believer, however unspiritual, "I know you not."

heaven

(See Scofield "Romans 8:9- :")

Verse 13

Son of man

Also Matthew 24:31. (See Scofield "Matthew 24:31- :") .

Verse 14

the kingdom of heaven is

Omit the italicised words, "the kingdom of heaven is".

Verse 21

Well done

The Lord's commendation may be earned by the weakest of His servants; it is given for faithful service.

Verse 23

Well done

The same commendation is gained by the servant with two talents as by him with five; he was equally faithful though his gift was less.

Verse 31

Son of man (See Scofield " :-") .

angels (See Scofield " :-")

Verse 32

And before him

This judgment is to be distinguished from the judgment of the great white throne. Here there is no resurrection; the persons judged are living nations; no books are opened; three classes are present, sheep, goats, and brethren; the time is at the return of Christ (Matthew 25:31); and the scene is on the earth. All these particulars are in contrast with Revelation 20:11-15.

The test in this judgment is the treatment accorded by the nations to those whom Christ here call "my brethren." These "brethren" are the Jewish Remnant who will have preached the Gospel of the kingdom to all nations during the tribulation. See "Remnant" Isaiah 1:9; Romans 11:5.

The test in Revelation 20:11-15 is the possession of eternal life. See, for the other six judgments: (See Scofield "Revelation 20:11-66.20.15- :") 1 Corinthians 11:31" See Scofield "1 Corinthians 11:31- :" See Scofield "1 Corinthians 11:31- :" See Scofield "1 Corinthians 11:31- :" See Scofield "1 Corinthians 11:31- :"

Verse 34

kingdom

(See Scofield " :-") .

Verse 37

righteous

(See Scofield " :-")

Verse 41

angels

(See Scofield " :-")

Verse 46

into everlasting

Judgments (the seven). Luke 14:14; 2 Samuel 7:14; Revelation 20:12. "Eternal" and "everlasting" are the same word.