Jesus warns: 'Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.' The word 'strive' (Greek 'agōnizesthe,' ἀγωνίζεσθε) means agonize, fight, exert intense effort—where we get 'agonize.' The 'strait gate' (Greek 'stenēs,' στενῆς, narrow) contrasts the wide gate leading to destruction (Matthew 7:13-14). Salvation requires earnest pursuit, not casual interest. The warning 'many...will seek to enter in, and shall not be able' indicates external religious activity without genuine faith fails. Seeking without striving, desiring without committing, won't save. Salvation is by grace through faith, but genuine faith strives to enter.
Historical Context
This answered the question 'Lord, are there few that be saved?' (v. 23). Jewish assumption was that all Israel would be saved except apostates. Jesus shatters this presumption—many seeking salvation won't attain it because they seek wrong things or in wrong ways. The narrow gate requires humble repentance and faith, which pride resists. The wider religious path—ritual observance without heart transformation—is crowded but leads to death. Early Christian preaching emphasized 'strive'—Paul used athletic metaphors (1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Philippians 3:12-14). The striving isn't to earn salvation but to genuinely pursue and embrace it, fighting unbelief and sin.
Questions for Reflection
What does 'strive to enter' teach about the intensity and seriousness required in pursuing salvation?
How does the warning that many will seek but not be able enter correct presumption about automatic salvation?
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus warns: 'Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.' The word 'strive' (Greek 'agōnizesthe,' ἀγωνίζεσθε) means agonize, fight, exert intense effort—where we get 'agonize.' The 'strait gate' (Greek 'stenēs,' στενῆς, narrow) contrasts the wide gate leading to destruction (Matthew 7:13-14). Salvation requires earnest pursuit, not casual interest. The warning 'many...will seek to enter in, and shall not be able' indicates external religious activity without genuine faith fails. Seeking without striving, desiring without committing, won't save. Salvation is by grace through faith, but genuine faith strives to enter.