So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many are called, but few chosen.
All Commentaries on Matthew 20:16 Go To Matthew 20
Remigius of Rheims
AD 533
To establish the truth of this saying, “There are many first that shall belast, and last first,” the Lord subjoins a similitude.
A denarius was a coin anciently equal to ten sesterces, and bearing the king's image. Well therefore does the denarius represent the reward of the keeping of the decalogue. And that, “Having agreed with them for a denarius a day,” is well said, to show that every man labours in the field of the holy Church in hope of the future reward.
Or, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself is the master of the household, and also the steward, like as He is the door, and also the keeper of the door. For He Himself will come to judgment, to render to each man according to that he has done. He therefore calls His labourers, and renders to them their wages, so that when they shall be gathered together in the judgment, each man shall receive according to his works.
By this one to whom his answer is given, may be understood all the believing Jews, whom he calls friends because of their faith.
That is, take thy reward, and enter into glory. “I will give to this last, "that is, to the gentile people, according to their deserts, as to thee.
By the eye is understood his purpose. The Jews had an evil eye, that is, anevil purpose, seeing they were grieved at the salvation of the Gentiles. Whereto this parable pointed, He shows by adding, “So the first shall be last, and the last first;” and so the Jews of the head are become the tail, and we of the tail are become the head.
