What does "For many are called, but few are chosen" mean in Matthew 22:14? Immediate Context in Matthew 22 Jesus has just told the parable of the wedding banquet (Matthew 22:1-14). The king invites guests to his son’s celebration. The first invitees refuse; some even kill the king’s servants. The invitation is then extended to “as many as you find” (v. 9). The hall fills, yet one man enters without a wedding garment and is cast out into outer darkness. Jesus ends: “For many are called, but few are chosen” (v. 14). Parabolic Imagery Wedding Banquet – A frequent biblical motif for the kingdom (Isaiah 25:6-9; Revelation 19:7-9). Refusal of Initial Guests – Represents Israel’s religious leadership rejecting Messiah (cf. Matthew 21:42-45). Open Invitation to “Both Evil and Good” (v. 10) – Displays the indiscriminate preaching of the gospel (Acts 13:46-48). Wedding Garment – Symbolizes imputed righteousness supplied by the King. Isaiah 61:10: “He has clothed me with garments of salvation.” Man Without Garment – Illustrates the one who responds outwardly to the call but rejects the righteousness God provides (Romans 10:3). Theological Framework 1. Universal (External) Call “Go therefore to the crossroads and invite to the banquet as many as you can find” (v. 9). The gospel proclamation is genuinely offered to every hearer (Mark 16:15; Revelation 22:17). 2. Effectual (Internal) Call Those whom God “predestined He also called; and those He called, He also justified” (Romans 8:30). This call is accompanied by the life-giving work of the Spirit (John 6:44), producing faith (Philippians 1:29). 3. Election Ephesians 1:4-5: “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world.” Election ensures the success of the effectual call, guaranteeing perseverance (John 10:27-29). The contrast of v. 14 therefore speaks of two concentric circles: the many who hear, and the subset who are sovereignly brought to saving faith. Harmony with the Rest of Scripture • Isaiah 55:1-3 — Wide invitation to “everyone who thirsts,” yet covenant promises belong to those who “listen.” • Matthew 7:13-14 — “The gate is wide…those who enter by it are many…narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it.” • 2 Peter 1:10 — “Be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure,” affirming human responsibility to confirm what God has decreed. Human Responsibility and Divine Sovereignty The king legitimately expects guests to wear the provided garment. Likewise, sinners are commanded to repent and believe (Acts 17:30). Rejection is culpable, not coerced (Hosea 13:9). Yet those who finally embrace the invitation do so by grace alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). Both truths coexist without contradiction in Scripture. Historical Reception • Early Church — Chrysostom held that grace initiates, man must not resist. • Augustine — Distinguished between “many called” (external preaching) and “few chosen” (internal grace). • Reformation — Calvin cited the text for unconditional election; Luther saw it as exposing spurious faith. • Evangelical Tradition — Emphasizes earnest evangelism (Matthew 28:19) while trusting God for results. Pastoral and Missional Application • Proclaim broadly; never pre-sort the audience. • Warn against superficial profession lacking the “robe of righteousness.” • Assure repentant believers of their secure status as the chosen. • Fuel humility: election excludes boasting (1 Corinthians 1:26-31). • Inspire worship: salvation is a banquet prepared by a gracious King. Key Takeaways 1. “Many are called” describes the universal reach of gospel proclamation. 2. “Few are chosen” refers to God’s electing grace that effectually saves. 3. The parable ties election to responsibility: those who spurn the call or refuse the garment are justly judged. 4. The verse harmonizes with the entire canon, upholding both divine sovereignty and the imperative to respond in faith. Berean Standard Bible References Quoted Matthew 22:1-14; Isaiah 61:10; Romans 8:30; Ephesians 1:4-5; Matthew 7:13-14; 2 Peter 1:10; Isaiah 55:1-3; John 6:44; John 10:27-29; Acts 17:30; Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31. |
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