Matthew 22:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Matthew 22:6
6 And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them.
Chapter Context
Matthew 22 is a biographical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of covenant, sacrifice, wisdom. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-90 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christianity was separating from Judaism following Jerusalem's destruction.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-46: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Matthew and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Matthew 22:6
6 And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them.
Analysis
And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them (οἱ δὲ λοιποὶ κρατήσαντες τοὺς δούλους αὐτοῦ ὕβρισαν καὶ ἀπέκτειναν)—The loipoi ('the rest/remnant') escalate from apathy to violence. The verb hubrisān ('treated shamefully/insultingly') appears in Jesus's Passion predictions (Luke 18:32)—the same mistreatment He Himself would receive. Apekteinan ('they killed') fulfills Jesus's prophecy that Jerusalem 'kills the prophets' (23:34-37).
This parallels the Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen (21:35-36) where servants are beaten and killed. Historically, this foreshadows the martyrdom of Stephen (Acts 7), James (Acts 12), and other apostles. The progression is chilling: invitation → indifference → insult → murder. Rejection of grace hardens into persecution.
Historical Context
The killing of a king's messengers was an act of rebellion punishable by military retaliation. In Israel's history, prophets like Zechariah were murdered in the Temple courts (2 Chronicles 24:20-22), and tradition held that Isaiah was sawn in two. Jesus ministered in a culture that built tombs for dead prophets while rejecting living ones (23:29-31).
Reflection
- What causes the slide from 'making light' of the gospel to actively opposing those who proclaim it?
- How does the world's treatment of God's messengers reveal its true attitude toward God Himself?
- In what subtle ways might you be 'mistreating' God's Word or those who faithfully teach it?