What does Matthew 22:14 mean?

Explanation

The verse "For many are called, but few are chosen." from Matthew 22:14 serves as the concluding statement to the Parable of the Wedding Feast, taught by Jesus Christ to His disciples.

In a literal sense, the phrase suggests that out of many individuals who receive an invitation (the "call"), only a limited number (the "chosen") are ultimately selected to participate.

From a deeper perspective, the "called" can refer to the general call to salvation offered to humanity through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The "chosen" then represent those who respond affirmatively to this call by living in accordance with God's will and are thus deemed worthy to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

This verse emphasizes the sovereignty of God in salvation and poses a reflective challenge on the nature of true discipleship, suggesting that merely hearing the call of God is not sufficient; a genuine response and commitment are required to be among the "chosen."

Historical Context

This verse is situated within the Gospel of Matthew, which was written for a primarily Jewish audience sometime between 70 and 110 AD.

The parable from which the verse is taken illustrates a king who invites guests to his son's wedding feast.

Those initially invited refuse to come, and some even mistreat the messengers.

The king then extends the invitation to anyone who can be found, filling the hall with guests.

However, one guest is not wearing wedding clothes and is subsequently cast out.

This historical setting reflects the tensions between the early Christian community and the broader Jewish populace.

Jesus' teachings often used parables to address the religious leadership's failure to recognize Him as the Messiah, and to indicate that the Kingdom of Heaven was now being opened to Gentiles as well as Jews.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives interpret this verse in various ways:

Calvinist/Reformed: Emphasizes the doctrine of election, proposing that God's sovereign choice is the basis for who is "chosen," independent of human merit.

Arminian: Views God's call as being to all people, with individual free will determining whether one is among the "chosen" by accepting or rejecting the grace of God.

Catholic: Interprets the "few" as those who not only accept the call through faith but also by active participation in the sacraments and obedience to the Church's teachings.

Universalist: Some may argue that while many are called and few are chosen in this age, the ultimate reconciliation of all to God can mean a broader inclusion in the eschaton.

Practical Applications

This verse compels individuals to self-examination and active response to God's call, highlighting the importance of intentional Christian living.

Some practical applications might include:

• Diligence in responding to God's call: Not taking the calling for granted and continuously working to align one's life with God's will.
• Humility and readiness: Recognizing that being chosen is by grace, encouraging a posture of humility rather than entitlement.
• Outreach and evangelism: Understanding the responsibility to share the Gospel, knowing that while many are called, it's also necessary for the call to be extended through the faithful.

Cross-References

• Matthew 20:16: "So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen."
• Revelation 17:14: "These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful."
• 2 Peter 1:10: "Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:"

Language Study

The original Greek words in this verse from Matthew are κλητοί (kletos), meaning "called" or "invited," and ἐκλεκτοί (eklektos), meaning "chosen" or "elect." "Kletos" implies a general invitation, similar to summoning guests to a feast, while "eklektos" carries a sense of being selected out of a broader group for a specific purpose or honor.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of being called and chosen is not unique to Christianity and can be found in other cultural and religious contexts. For instance:

• Judaism: The Jewish people view themselves as chosen by God to fulfill a particular covenant and purpose.
• Hinduism: Within the Bhagavad Gita, there is the idea of being called to one's dharma or sacred duty.
• Buddhism: There can be a parallel drawn with the idea of being chosen for enlightenment based upon one's actions and commitment to the path.

Scientific Perspectives

There is little in the way of direct scientific intersection with this verse, as the concepts of being called and chosen are inherently spiritual and metaphysical. Science, generally speaking, does not delve into these aspects but rather focuses on empirical, observable phenomena.

However, psychology might offer insights on how individuals perceive a sense of calling and their responses to it, drawing on concepts such as intrinsic motivation and personal fulfillment.

Commentaries

Commentaries from various experts and scholars on Matthew 22:14 often reflect on the gratuitous nature of God's grace and the necessity of human response. For example:

• John Calvin: Emphasizes the sovereignty of God in the process of election and warns against the presumption upon being called.
• William Barclay: Suggests that the call of God is given to all, but the response is the critical factor that determines who is chosen.
• **R.T.

France**: Points out that Matthew uses this phrase as a recurring theme to indicate that the Kingdom of Heaven is not automatically inherited by the Jewish people but is contingent upon a proper response to Jesus.