Matthew 8:11

OLD TESTAMENTNEW TESTAMENT

And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.

Verse 10 Read Chapter 8 Verse 12

Augustine of Hippo

AD 430

Note how what you have heard in the Gospel as something to come has by now already happened. Jesus commends the centurion’s faith, whose flesh was alien but whose spirit was of the household of faith. It was to him that he said, “Many will come from east and west and sit at table with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness.” What sons of what kingdom? He is speaking of the people of the covenant, who received the law. To them the prophets were sent. To them was given the temple and the priesthood. They had celebrated the anticipations of things to come. Yet those things of which they would celebrate in figures they did not acknowledge in actual presence. This is why they shall “be thrown into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.” Odd, isn’t it? That they would be sent away, while the Christians would be called from the east and the west to the heavenly banquet to sit down with Abr... Read More

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George Leo Haydock

AD 1849

In consequence of the faith of this Gentile, Jesus Christ takes occasion to declare that many Gentiles would be called to sit at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven, which is frequently represented under the figure of a feast. See chap. xxii. 2; Luke xiii. 29. and xvi. 16; Apocalypse xix. 9. In ancient times, the guests were reclined on beds when they took their meals. (Bible de Vence)

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John Chrysostom

AD 407

Thus, since He had shown many miracles, He proceeds to talk with them more unreservedly. Then, that no one might suppose His words to come of flattery, but that all might be aware that such was the mind of the centurion.

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Theophylact of Ochrid

AD 1107

Jesus did not say outright, "Many Gentiles shall sit at table with Abraham...." But He said it in a roundabout manner, so as not to scandalize the Jews, Many shall come from the east and west. He mentioned Abraham to show that He does not stand in opposition to the Old Testament. By saying outer darkness, He shows that there is also an inner darkness which is less severe. For in hell there are varying degrees of punishment. He calls the Jews the sons of the kingdom, for the promises of the Old Testament were made to them. He is saying, Israel is my firstborn son [Ex. 4:22].

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Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation - 2 Peter 1:20