So, the [person who seems to be] last will be first [i.e., in importance and blessings], but the [person who seems to be] first will [end up] being last.”
Matthew 7:14 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition) But the door that is narrow and the road that is restricted lead to [spiritual] life and [only] a few people will find them. More versionsKing James Version (Oxford) 1769 because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Amplified Bible - Classic Edition But the gate is narrow (contracted by pressure) and the way is straitened and compressed that leads away to life, and few are those who find it. [Deut. 30:19; Jer. 21:8.] American Standard Version (1901) For narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few are they that find it. Common English Bible But the gate that leads to life is narrow and the road difficult, so few people find it. Catholic Public Domain Version How narrow is the gate, and how straight is the way, which leads to life, and few there are who find it! Douay-Rheims version of The Bible - 1752 version How narrow is the gate, and strait is the way that leadeth to life: and few there are that find it! |
So, the [person who seems to be] last will be first [i.e., in importance and blessings], but the [person who seems to be] first will [end up] being last.”
For many people are called [by God] but [only those] few [who respond] are chosen [by Him].”
“You should enter [God’s kingdom] by means of the narrow door, for the wide door and the broad road are the ones that lead to [spiritual and physical] destruction. And many people will enter [that wide door].
“Look out for deceiving prophets, who approach you wearing sheep’s clothing, but who are [actually] starving wolves in their hearts.
And He called the crowd to Him, along with His disciples, and said to them, “If anyone wants to be my follower, he should deny himself [i.e., of always having his own way] and accept his cross [i.e., his responsibilities, with all their difficulties] and then he can become my follower.
“[And], do not be afraid, little flock [Note: Jesus refers to His small band of disciples as sheep following Him as their Shepherd], for your Father was pleased to give you the kingdom.
The Jewish authorities will expel you from their synagogues. In fact, the time will come when whoever kills you will think he is doing a service to God.
I have said these things to you so that you can have peace in [fellowship with] me. You will have trouble in the world, but cheer up, for I have conquered the world.”
[Along the way] they strengthened the hearts of the disciples, urging them to continue [to believe and practice] the faith and [explaining] that entering God's [heavenly] kingdom [See II Tim. 4:18] requires enduring many trials.
And you people must not be conformed to [the values and standards of] this age, but you should become transformed [i.e., changed in attitude and action] by having your mind renewed [i.e., to think in a totally different way]. Then you will be able to determine [and practice] God’s will, the thing that is good, and acceptable and perfect.
Why? Because they did not [attempt to do it] by faith [in Him], but by trying to fulfill all the requirements [of the law]. So, they stumbled over “the stumbling stone,” [i.e., the Jews refused to become obedient to Christ. See I Pet. 2:6-8].