What is the meaning of Matthew 18:22? Jesus answered • Matthew 18:22 opens with the simple phrase, “Jesus answered,” signaling that the Lord Himself responds directly to Peter’s question (v. 21). • His reply carries the full authority of the Son of God (Matthew 7:29; John 13:13). • Because Jesus is “the way and the truth” (John 14:6), whatever He speaks is final and trustworthy. Cross references woven in: Whenever Jesus personally answers—whether calming a storm (Mark 4:39) or teaching about eternal life (John 3:3)—His words stand as the decisive revelation of God’s will. I tell you • The phrase “I tell you” underscores Jesus’ personal, emphatic declaration. • Similar language appears in Luke 23:43 (“Truly I tell you”), where eternal outcomes hinge on His word alone. • This expression removes all doubt that the upcoming instruction is not mere suggestion but divine command (Matthew 5:18). not just seven times • Peter had offered what seemed generous: forgiving “up to seven times” (Matthew 18:21). Seven often represents completeness (Genesis 2:2; Joshua 6:4). • Yet Jesus immediately expands the horizon, showing that human calculations of “enough forgiveness” fall short. • Old-covenant examples of measured vengeance (Genesis 4:24) contrast sharply with the boundless mercy Jesus requires (Colossians 3:13). but seventy-seven times! • The Berean Standard Bible reads, “not just seven times, but seventy-seven times!” pointing to forgiveness that cannot be counted. • Whether translated “seventy-seven” or “seventy times seven,” the thrust is the same: keep forgiving without limit (Luke 17:3-4). • Practical implications: – Refuse to keep a ledger of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:5). – Extend grace as God has done for us in Christ (Ephesians 4:32). – Trust the Lord to judge justly (Romans 12:19) while you release the offender. summary Jesus’ reply in Matthew 18:22 sweeps away any ceiling on forgiveness. With His full authority, He commands believers to forgive far beyond human calculations, reflecting the limitless mercy God daily shows us through Christ. |
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