But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.
30. And many that are first shall be last. This sentence was added in order to shake off the indolence of the flesh. The apostles, though they had scarcely begun the course, were hastening to demand the prize. And such is the disposition of almost all of us, that, when a month has elapsed, we ask, like soldiers who have served their time, to receive a discharge.
But many that are first shall be last,.... This may refer unto, or be occasioned by, either the young ruler; signifying that he, and others like him, who were superior in riches and honour, were first in this world, of the first rank and figure, should be the last in the world to come: and the last shall be first; the apostles, who were last...
Verse 30. This verse should have been connected with the following chapter. The parable there spoken is expressly to illustrate this sentiment. See its meaning, . (v) "But many that" REMARKS ON MATTHEW CHAPTER 19 (1.) We should not throw ourselves unnecessarily in the way of the enemies of religion, . Jesus, to avoid the Samaritans, crossed the Jordan, and took a more distant route to Jerusalem.