Matthew 18:21-35 · The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant
The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant
Matthew 18:21-35
Understanding Series
by Robert H. Mounce
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Humility and Forgiveness: We come now to the fourth major discourse of Matthew. It ends with the usual formula in 19:1–2 (cf. 7:28; 11:1; 13:53; 26:1). Chapter 18 reads very much like an early church manual and deals with subjects such as humility (vv. 1–4), responsibility (vv. 5–7), self-renunciation (vv. 8–10), individual care (vv. 11–14), discipline (vv. 15–20), fellowship (vv. 19–20), and forgiveness (vv. 23–35; cf. Barclay, vol. 2, pp. 173–74).

18:21–27 Peter comes to Jesus asking him how many times he must forgive a brother when he sins against him. Rabbinic literature taught that “if a man sins once, twice, or three times, they forgive him: if he sins a fourth time, they do not forgive him” (m. Yoma 5.13). Going beyond the accepted limit, Peter asks, “Would seven times be enough?” (P…

Baker Publishing Group, Understanding the Bible Commentary Series, by Robert H. Mounce