spirits by this world of sense. There are more worlds than one; a present visible world, and a future
unseen world; and let every one compare this world and that world, and give the preference in his
thoughts and cares to that which deserves them. Believers shall obtain the resurrection from the
dead, that is the blessed resurrection. What shall be the happy state of the inhabitants of that world,
we cannot express or conceive, 1Co 2:9. Those that are entered into the joy of their Lord, are entirely
taken up therewith; when there is perfection of holiness there will be no occasion for preservatives
from sin. And when God called himself the God of these patriarchs, he meant that he was a God
all-sufficient to them, Ge 17:1, their exceeding great Reward, Ge 15:1. He never did that for them
in this world, which answered the full extent of his undertaking; therefore there must be another
life, in which he will do that for them, which will completely fulfil the promise.
Verses 39–47
The scribes commended the reply Christ made to the Sadducees about the resurrection, but they
were silenced by a question concerning the Messiah. Christ, as God, was David's Lord; but Christ,
as man, was David's son. The scribes would receive the severest judgement for defrauding the poor
widows, and for their abuse of religion, particularly of prayer, which they used as a pretence for
carrying on worldly and wicked plans. Dissembled piety is double sin. Then let us beg of God to
keep us from pride, ambition, covetousness, and every evil thing; and to teach us to seek that honour
which comes from him alone.
Chapter 21
Chapter Outline
Christ commends a poor widow. (1–4)
His prophecy. (5–28)
Christ exhorts to watchfulness. (29–38)Verses 1–4
From the offering of this poor widow, learn that what we rightly give for the relief of the poor,
and the support of God's worship, is given unto God; and our Saviour sees with pleasure whatever
we have in our hearts to give for the relief of his members, or for his service. Blessed Lord! the
poorest of thy servants have two mites, they have a soul and a body; persuade and enable us to
offer both unto thee; how happy shall we be in thine accepting of them!
Verses 5–28
With much curiosity those about Christ ask as to the time when the great desolation should be.
He answers with clearness and fulness, as far as was necessary to teach them their duty; for all
knowledge is desirable as far as it is in order to practice. Though spiritual judgements are the most