Jesus’ disciples came and said to Him, “why are you speaking to them [i.e., the large crowds] by using parables?”
Matthew 13:11 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition) He replied, “You disciples are being given an understanding of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but the crowds of people are not. More versionsKing James Version (Oxford) 1769 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. Amplified Bible - Classic Edition And He replied to them, To you it has been given to know the secrets and mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. American Standard Version (1901) And he answered and said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. Common English Bible Jesus replied, “Because they haven’t received the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but you have. Catholic Public Domain Version Responding, he said to them: "Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but it has not been given to them. Douay-Rheims version of The Bible - 1752 version Who answered and said to them: Because to you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven: but to them it is not given. |
Jesus’ disciples came and said to Him, “why are you speaking to them [i.e., the large crowds] by using parables?”
Jesus replied, “Simon, son of Jonah, you are fortunate [indeed], for this [truth] was not revealed to you by human beings but [rather] by my Father who is in heaven.
But He replied, “Not all men can accept such an arrangement [i.e., not marrying], but it is [only] for those who have the capacity for accepting it.
He said to them, “Indeed you will drink my cup [of suffering]. But it is not my prerogative to appoint who sits at my right side and at my left, but rather these places are for those to whom it has been assigned by my Father.”
But it is not my prerogative to appoint who sits at my right side and at my left, but [those places] are for people to whom it has been assigned [by the Father].”
He said to them, “You disciples are being given an understanding of the secret of the kingdom of God, but to outsiders everything will be told in parables.
And He said to them, “You [disciples] are being given an understanding of the secrets of the kingdom of God, but the rest of the people [are being told] in parables, so that [even though they appear to be] seeing, they will not [actually] see; and [even though they seem to] hear, they will not understand.
Then He said, “This is the reason I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father gives him [the opportunity. See verse 44]. ”
If anyone [really] desires to do what God wants, he will know whether my teaching comes from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority [only].
A certain woman named Lydia, from the town of Thyatira, who sold purple cloth [for a living], was there. She was a worshiper of God and when she heard us [telling about salvation through Christ], the Lord opened her heart to respond to the message being spoken by Paul.
For I want you to know this secret, brothers, so you will not become conceited: Part of the Israelites have become [spiritually] insensitive [to God], [and will remain that way] until the fullness of the Gentiles occurs. [Note: As with the Jews (verse 12), “fullness” here may mean either a large or the complete number of Gentiles who will be saved].
And if I have the [spiritual] gift of prophecy, and can understand all [of God’s] secret purposes, and have all knowledge; and if I have all [the supernatural] faith necessary to relocate mountains [See Matt. 17:20], but do not have love [for people], I am nothing.
Look, I am telling you a secret truth: We will not all die, but we will all be changed [i.e., physically and spiritually]
Now the natural person [Note: Since this person is contrasted with the spiritual person of verse 15, it is taken here to mean the person without the Holy Spirit] does not receive the things [i.e., truths] revealed by the Holy Spirit of God, because they are [considered] foolishness to him. And he cannot understand them because they must be discerned by using spiritual judgment [i.e., judgment aided by the Holy Spirit].
But we [apostles] speak God’s secret wisdom, which has been hidden [through the ages], which God predetermined for our honor before time began.
So, a person should look at us as servants of Christ and property managers entrusted with the secret truths of God.
For who makes you different [from each other]? [i.e., with some being viewed as superior and others inferior] And what do you have that you did not receive [from God]? But if you received it [from Him], then why do you boast as though you did not [receive it as a gift]?
I pray that your minds will be enlightened so that you will know what the hope is, to which God has called you, and what the glorious abundance is, of God’s inheritance in the saints [Note: Paul wanted them to appreciate the value God placed on them],
in doing what He intended through Christ, to make known to us His secret plan, according to what pleased Him.
The secret [truth] of this is great, but I am talking about Christ and the church.
And [also pray] for me to be given boldness of speech in opening my mouth to make known the secret plan of the Gospel,
[I do this] so that their hearts will be encouraged [while] being united in [mutual] love, [and] so that they will have the wealth of a fully assured understanding, in order to fully know about God’s hidden secret, [which is] Christ.
And without question the revealed secret of godly living is great. [It is this]: He [i.e., Christ, or God], who appeared in a fleshly body [was] vindicated [of false charges] by the Holy Spirit; [He was] seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed in throughout the world [and finally] was taken up into glory [i.e., heaven].
They should keep holding on to the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.
But if any one of you lacks wisdom, he should pray to God, who gives to everyone generously and does not begrudge [the person who asks], and it will be given to him.
But, you people have a “special gift” from the Holy One [Note: The Greek word for “special gift” is “charisma” and probably refers to the Holy Spirit (See Acts 2:38); “Holy One” probably refers to Jesus, (See Acts 2:27; 3:14) ], and all of you know [the truth].
And this is important to you: The “special gift,” which you received from God [See verse 20], continues to live in your hearts, [so that] you do not need anyone to teach you [anything different]. But, since this same “special gift” teaches you concerning everything that is true, and [what it teaches] is not false, you should continue to live in [fellowship with] Christ.