Why do the wise virgins refuse to share their oil in Matthew 25:9? Matthew 25:9 “‘No,’ they said, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Go instead to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ ” Immediate Context The parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) sits within Jesus’ Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24–25), a sustained call to watchfulness before His return. The virgins form one bridal party: five “wise” (φρόνιμοι) who carry extra oil, and five “foolish” (μωραί) who do not. The bridegroom’s delay tests their preparedness. When his approach is finally announced at midnight, the lamps of the unprepared are sputtering out (v. 8). Their urgent plea to borrow oil is met with refusal in v. 9. Symbolism of Oil 1. Presence of the Holy Spirit—throughout Scripture oil signifies anointing, consecration, and the indwelling of God’s Spirit (Exodus 29:7; 1 Samuel 16:13; Zechariah 4:1-6; 1 John 2:20). 2. Genuine saving faith—only those personally “sealed” (Ephesians 1:13) possess the inner resource that endures the delay and welcomes the Bridegroom. 3. Perseverance—extra oil represents foresight and constancy (Matthew 24:13). Why the Wise Will Not Share 1. Non-transferability of Salvation a. Scripture teaches that regeneration and justification are individual (John 3:3-7; Romans 10:9-13). b. The Spirit cannot be portioned out by human distribution (John 1:12-13). c. The parable’s structure demands each virgin answer personally for readiness (Matthew 25:10-12). 2. Integrity of the Symbolism a. Allowing a symbolic “transfer” would distort Jesus’ intent: preparedness must be possessed before the crisis, not borrowed during it. b. Grammatically, μήποτε οὐκ ἀρκέσῃ (“lest it will not be sufficient”) underscores objective insufficiency, not selfishness. 3. Prudence, Not Self-Centeredness a. φρόνιμοι describes practical wisdom (cf. Matthew 7:24). b. In first-century weddings, dimmed procession lamps endangered the entire ceremony. Guarding one’s flame protected the honor of the groom’s entrance (Judges 14:10-12; Psalm 45:14-15). 4. Temporal Opportunity Closes a. “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 3:15). b. The midnight cry signals the end of opportunity; the door shuts permanently (Matthew 25:10). Grace refused in life cannot be bargained for in judgment. Parallel Scriptural Themes • Noah’s ark door closing (Genesis 7:16) • Lack of spare oil in the foolish speaks to Laodicea’s false security (Revelation 3:17-18). • Esau’s irrevocable loss (Hebrews 12:16-17). Patristic and Reformation Witness • Augustine: “No one prepares another’s heart; each fills his own vessel.” • Chrysostom: “They had only what charity permits to keep: the grace of the Spirit.” • Calvin: “Faith is personal; the borrowed may not suffice when Christ appears.” Applications • Examine whether your “lamp” holds Spirit-given life or mere profession (2 Colossians 13:5). • Cultivate ongoing discipleship—prayer, Scripture, obedience—“extra oil” for inevitable delays (Galatians 6:9). • Urge others now; when the Bridegroom arrives, intercession cannot substitute for their own repentance. Summary The wise virgins refuse to share their oil because the oil represents a reality—personal, Spirit-wrought salvation and perseverance—that cannot be divided or transferred. Their prudence safeguards both the integrity of the wedding procession and the parable’s central warning: be ready before Christ comes, for readiness cannot be borrowed after He appears. |
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