For many are calledThis phrase highlights the broad invitation of the Gospel. In the context of
Matthew 22, Jesus is speaking about the parable of the wedding banquet, where many guests are invited. The "calling" refers to the general invitation to salvation extended to all humanity. This aligns with the Great Commission (
Matthew 28:19-20) where Jesus instructs His disciples to make disciples of all nations. Historically, this reflects the Jewish understanding of being God's chosen people, yet Jesus expands this to include Gentiles, emphasizing the universal reach of God's call.
but few are chosen.
This part of the verse underscores the distinction between being called and being chosen. While many hear the Gospel, only a few respond in faith and obedience, demonstrating the transformative work of God in their lives. This echoes the concept of the "remnant" found in the Old Testament, where only a faithful few remain true to God (Isaiah 10:22). Theologically, this can be connected to the doctrine of election, where God, in His sovereignty, chooses individuals for salvation (Ephesians 1:4-5). It also reflects the parable's context, where many invited guests refuse to attend the wedding, symbolizing those who reject God's invitation. This phrase challenges believers to examine their response to God's call and to live in a manner worthy of being chosen.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jesus ChristThe speaker of this parable, Jesus is teaching about the Kingdom of Heaven and the nature of God's invitation to humanity.
2.
The Wedding FeastThe parable preceding this verse describes a king who prepares a wedding banquet for his son, symbolizing God's invitation to His Kingdom.
3.
The KingRepresents God the Father, who extends the invitation to the wedding feast.
4.
The Invited GuestsInitially, these are the people of Israel who were first invited to God's Kingdom but refused to come.
5.
The Chosen FewThose who respond to God's call and are found worthy to enter the Kingdom, symbolizing true believers.
Teaching Points
Understanding the CallThe call of God is extended to many, symbolizing the universal offer of salvation through Jesus Christ. It is important to recognize that this call requires a response.
The Nature of Being ChosenBeing chosen is not about favoritism but about responding to God's call with faith and obedience. It involves a transformation of heart and life.
The Importance of ReadinessJust as the guests needed to be prepared for the wedding feast, believers must be spiritually prepared for the return of Christ.
Faith and WorksWhile salvation is by grace through faith, the evidence of being chosen is seen in a life that bears fruit in keeping with repentance.
Perseverance in FaithThe chosen are those who persevere in their faith, remaining faithful to God amidst trials and temptations.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Matthew 22:14?
2.How does Matthew 22:14 emphasize God's sovereignty in choosing the elect?
3.What does "many are called, but few are chosen" teach about salvation?
4.How can we ensure we are among the "chosen" in Matthew 22:14?
5.How does Matthew 22:14 relate to Ephesians 1:4 about being chosen?
6.How should Matthew 22:14 influence our evangelism efforts and outreach strategies?
7.What does "For many are called, but few are chosen" mean in Matthew 22:14?
8.How does Matthew 22:14 relate to the concept of predestination?
9.Why are only a few chosen according to Matthew 22:14?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 22?
11.What does "Many are called, few are chosen" mean?
12.What is efficacious grace?
13.Who will accept the invitation to the great banquet?
14.What is the Golden Chain of Salvation?What Does Matthew 22:14 Mean
For many• “For” links the verse to the wedding-banquet parable that has just unfolded (Matthew 22:1-13). Jesus is explaining why the king casts out the improperly dressed guest.
• “Many” shows the breadth of God’s invitation; it is not restricted to one nation or small circle.
–Isaiah 55:1 invites, “Come, all who are thirsty.”
–1 Timothy 2:4 says God “wants all people to be saved.”
–Matthew 20:16 echoes, “So the last will be first, and the first last.”
• The banquet doors are thrown open wide, underscoring God’s generous heart.
Are called• A “call” is an earnest summons, not a casual mention. In the parable the servants went everywhere, “to as many as they found, both good and evil” (Matthew 22:10).
• Scripture pictures this call in many scenes:
–Revelation 3:20: Jesus stands at the door and knocks.
–2 Thessalonians 2:14: “He called you to this through our gospel.”
–Proverbs 1:24 shows wisdom calling aloud in the streets.
• The call is real, sincere, and demanding a response. Refusal is never blamed on God but on the hearer’s hardened heart (Acts 7:51).
But few• “But” signals a contrast; hearing the invitation is not the same as entering the feast.
• Jesus consistently warns that responders are a minority:
–Matthew 7:13-14 speaks of the narrow gate that “few find.”
–Luke 13:24 urges, “Make every effort to enter,” because many will try and not be able.
–John 6:66 reports many disciples turning back after a hard saying.
• The scarcity highlights how easily people cling to their own garments of self-righteousness instead of accepting the wedding clothes God provides (Isaiah 64:6;Revelation 19:7-8).
Are chosen• “Chosen” (also rendered “elect”) brings in God’s gracious decision behind every genuine response.
–Ephesians 1:4-5: He chose us “before the foundation of the world.”
–Romans 8:30 traces the golden chain: those He predestined, He also called, justified, and glorified.
–John 15:16: “You did not choose Me, but I chose you.”
• Election never diminishes human responsibility; it magnifies grace. All who embrace the invitation discover God was already at work drawing them (John 6:37).
• The wedding garment in the parable points to Christ’s righteousness. Those clothed in it prove they are the chosen (2 Corinthians 5:21;1 Peter 2:9).
summaryJesus’ closing line distills the entire parable: God’s kingdom invitation goes out to multitudes, yet only a remnant accept it on His terms. Many hear; comparatively few embrace the wedding garment of Christ’s righteousness and thus reveal themselves as God’s elect. The verse urges every listener to respond wholeheartedly, resting in the Savior’s grace while recognizing the sober reality that not all who are invited will finally sit at the King’s table.
(14)
Many are called.--(See Note on
Matthew 20:16.) The "calling" answers, both verbally and in substance, to the "bidding" or invitation of the parable. The "chosen" are those who both accept the invitation and comply with its condition; those who, in the one parable, work in the vineyard, and in the other, array themselves with the wedding garment of holiness. The "choice," as far as the parable is concerned, appears as dependent upon the answer given to the calling. The further truth of an election "according to the foreknowledge of God the Father" (
1Peter 1:2) is not here within view, but it follows necessarily on the assumption of that foreknowledge. The "choice," which in the parable comes as the close of all, must be thought of as having been present to the mind of the All-knowing from all eternity. No one can fix time limits for the thoughts of God, and say that at such a time a purpose came into His mind as it comes into the minds of men. We are compelled in such matters to use anthropomorphic language, but we should remember, as we do so, its necessary limitations.
Verse 14. -
Many are called...chosen. The rejected guest is a type of a numerous class (see
Matthew 20:6). All the Jews had first been called; then all the Gentiles; many were they who obeyed not the call; and of those who did come in, many were not of the inner election, of those, that is, whose life and character were worthy of the Christian name, showing the graces of faith, holiness, and love. Applying the parable generally, Origen (
ap. I. Williams) says, "If any one will observe the populous congregations, and inquire how many there are who live a better kind of life, and are being transformed in the renewing of their mind; and how many who are careless in their conversation and conformed to this world, he will perceive the use of this voice of our Saviour's, 'Many are called, but few chosen;' and in another place it has been said, 'Many will seek to enter in, and shall not be able' (
Luke 13:24); and, 'Strive earnestly to enter in by the narrow gate; for few there be that find it' (
Matthew 7:13, 14)."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Forγάρ(gar)Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.manyΠολλοὶ(Polloi)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4183:Much, many; often.areεἰσιν(eisin)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.called,κλητοὶ(klētoi)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2822:From the same as klesis; invited, i.e. Appointed, or, a saint.butδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.few [are]ὀλίγοι(oligoi)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3641:Puny; especially neuter somewhat.chosen.”ἐκλεκτοί(eklektoi)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1588:From eklegomai; select; by implication, favorite.
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NT Gospels: Matthew 22:14 For many are called but few chosen (Matt. Mat Mt)