Matthew 18:23

"Jesus said to him, “I don’t tell you until seven times, but, until seventy times seven."

Key Reflection

In the first-century context, the number "seven" was significant as it represented a complete cycle or totality. By saying that one must forgive “seventy times seven,” Jesus dramatically expanded this concept to 490, emphasizing an endless and unbounded forgiveness. This teaching would have been shocking to his audience, who were accustomed to fixed and often limited terms for forgiveness within their legal and social systems.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 23. Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened, etc. This phrase has reference to the church, or to the way in which God will deal with his people. It shall be in my church as it was with a certain king; or, God will deal with the members of his church as a certain king did with his servants. See Barnes "Mt 3:2". This parable Mt 13:3 is related to show the duty of forgiving others. It is not necessary to suppose that it was a true narrative, but only that it illustrated the truth which he was teaching. At the same time, it may be true that such an occurrence really took place. Would take account of his servants. To take account means to reckon, to settle up the affairs.

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