Mat 21:21, Mar 11:23, Luk 17:6, 1Cor 13:2 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 21. Jesus answered and said , etc. Jesus took occasion from this to establish their faith in God, . He told them that any difficulty could be removed by faith. To remove a mountain, denotes the power of overcoming any difficulty. The phrase was so used by the Jews. There is no doubt that this was literally true, that if they had the faith of miracles, they could remove the mountain before them the mount of Olives--for this was as easy for God to do by them as to heal the sick, or raise the dead. But he rather referred, probably, to the difficulties and trials which they would be called to endure in preaching the gospel. (k) "If ye have faith" (l) "???"

Matthew 21:21

Verse 21. Jesus answered and said, etc. Jesus took occasion from this to establish their faith in God, Mk 11:22. He told them that any difficulty could be removed by faith. To remove a mountain, denotes the power of overcoming any difficulty. The phrase was so used by the Jews. There is no doubt that this was literally true, that if they had the faith of miracles, they could remove the mountain before them the mount of Olives--for this was as easy for God to do by them as to heal the sick, or raise the dead. But he rather referred, probably, to the difficulties and trials which they would be called to endure in preaching the gospel.

(k) "If ye have faith" Mt 17:20, Lk 17:6, Jas 1:6 (l) "???" Mt 8:12

Mark 11:23

Verse 23.

(d) "whosoever" Mt 17:20, Lk 17:6

Luke 17:6

Verse 6. Mt 17:20. Sycamine-tree. This name, as well as sycamore, is given, among us, to the large tree commonly called the buttonwood; but the tree here mentioned is different. The Latin Vulgate and the Syriac versions translate it mulberry-tree. It is said to have been a tree that commonly grew in Egypt, of the size and appearance of a mulberry-tree, but bearing a species of figs. This tree was common in Palestine. It is probable that our Lord was standing by one as he addressed these words to his disciples. Dr. Thomson (The Land and the Book, vol. i.p. 22-24) says of this tree : "It is generally planted by the wayside, in the open

space where several paths meet." [Comp. Lk 19:4]

This sycamore is a remarkable tree. It not only bears

several crops of figs during the year, but these figs

grow on short stems along the trunk and large branches,

and not at the end of twigs, as in other fruit-bearing

trees.

The figs are small, and of a greenish-yellow colour. At

Gaza and Askelon I saw them of a purple tinge, and much

larger than they are in this part of the country. They

were carried to market in large quantities, and appeared

to be more valued there than with us. Still, they are,

at best, very insipid, and none but the poorer classes

eat them. It is easily propagated, merely by planting

a stout branch in the ground, and watering it until it

has struck its roots into the soil. This it does with

great rapidity and to a vast depth. It was with

reference to this latter fact that our Lord selected it

to illustrate the power of faith. Now, look at this

tree--its ample girth, its wide-spread arms branching

off from the parent trunk only a few feet from the

ground; then examine its enormous roots, as thick,

as numerous, and as wide-spread into the deep soil

below as the branches extend into the air above--the

very best type of invincible steadfastness. What

power on earth can pluck up such a tree ? Heaven's

thunderbolt may strike it down, the wild tornado may

tear it to fragments, but nothing short of miraculous

power can fairly pluck it up by the roots."

(e) "If ye had faith" Mt 17:20, 21:21, Mk 9:23, 11:23

1 Corinthians 13:2

Verse 2. And though I have the gift of prophecy. 1Cor 12:10; 1Cor 14:1.

And understand all mysteries. On the meaning of the word mystery, 1Cor 2:7. This passage proves that it was one part of the prophetic office, as referred to here, to be able to understand and explain the mysteries of religion; that is, the things that were before unknown, or unrevealed. It does not refer, to the prediction of future events, but to the great and deep truths connected with religion; the things that were unexplained in the old economy, the meaning of types and emblems; and the obscure portions of the plan of redemption. All these might be plain enough if they were revealed; but there were many things connected with religion which God had not chosen to reveal to men.

And all knowledge. 1Cor 12:8. Though I knew everything. Though I were acquainted fully with all the doctrines of religion; and were with all sciences and arts.

And though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains. Though I should have the highest kind of faith. This is referred to by the Saviour, (Mt 17:20,) as the highest kind of faith; and Paul here had this fact doubtless in his eye.

I am nothing. All would be of no value. It would not save me. I should still be an unredeemed, unpardoned sinner. I should do good to no one; I should answer none of the great purposes which God has designed; I should not by all this secure my salvation. All would be in vain in regard to the great purpose of my existence. None of these things could be placed before God as a ground of acceptance in the day of judgment. Unless I should have love, I should still be lost. A somewhat similar idea is expressed by the Saviour, in regard to the day of judgment, in Mt 7:22,23: "Many will say unto me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils, and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."

(c) "prophecy" 1Cor 14:1 (*) "mysteries" "unknown truths" (a) "move mountains" Mt 17:20 (+) "charity" "love" (b) "I am nothing" Mt 21:19