Matthew 19:14

“It was, then, the stature of childhood that Thou, O our King, didst approve of as an emblem of humility when Thou saidst: “Of such is the kingdom of heaven.”” — editor's note: Matt. xix. 14. See i. sec. 11, note 3, above.

“The example of childhood is set before us to beware of foolishness by the Apostle, “Brethren, be not children in understanding:” and again he proposeth it to imitate, “Howbeit in malice be ye children, that in understanding ye may be men.”” — editor's note: Matt. xix. 14.

Chapter LXIII.—Of the Little Children on Whom He Laid His Hands; Of the Rich Man to Whom He Said, “Sell All that Thou Hast;” Of the Vineyard in Which the Labourers Were Hired at Different Hours; And of the Question…

“And He laid His hands on them, and departed thence.”” — editor's note: Matt. xix. 13–15.

“The Lord does indeed say, “Forbid them not to come unto me.”” — editor's note: Matt. xix. 14; Mark x. 14; Luke xviii. 16.

“…to their teaching and practising?—first by His own example, then by all other arguments; while He tells (them) that “the kingdom of heavens” is “children’s;” while He associates with these (children) others who, after marriage, remained (or became) virgins;” while He calls (them) to (copy) the simplicity of the…” — editor's note: See Matt. xviii. 1–4; xix. 13–15; Mark x. 13–15.

““And they brought to Him,” it is said, “children, that He might put His hands on them and bless them; and when His disciples hindered them, Jesus said, Suffer the children, and forbid them not to come to Me, for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”” — editor's note: Matt. xix. 14.

The Lord had been holding discourse of chastity; and some of His hearers now brought unto Him infants, who in respect of chastity are the purest; for they supposed that it was the pure in body only whom He had…

For they now understood from His previous mighty works, that by laying on of His hands and by prayer evils were obviated. They bring therefore children to Him, judging that it were impossible that after the Lord had…

For it was a custom among the ancients that little children should be brought to aged persons, to receive benediction by their hand or tongue; and according to this custom little children are now brought to the Lord.

The flesh as it delights not in good, if it hear any good readily forgets it; but the evil that it has it retains ever. But a little while before Christ took a little child and said, “Except ye become as this child,…

Not because they liked not that they should have benediction of the Saviour’s hand and mouth; but forasmuch as their faith was not yet perfect, they thought that He like other men would be wearied by the applications…

Or the disciples would have thrust them away, from respect to Christ’s dignity [margin note: ἀξίωμα]. But the Lord teaching them holy thoughts, and to subdue the pride of this world, took the children into His arms,…

For who were worthy to come to Christ, if simple infancy were thrust away? Therefore he said, “Forbid them not.” For if they shall turn out saints, why hinder ye the sons from coming to their Father? And if sinners,…

And He said distinctly, “Of such is the kingdom of heaven,” not Of these, to shew that it was not years, but disposition that determined His judgment, and that the reward was promised to such as had like innocence…

The present passage instructs all parents to bring their children to the priests, for it is not the priest who lays his hands on them, but Christ, in whose name hands are laid. For if he that offers his food in…

Mystically; We call them children who are yet carnal in Christ, having need of milk. They who bring the babes to the Saviour, are they who profess to have knowledge of the word, but are still simple, and have for…

Also laying His hands upon them, He blessed them, to signify that the lowly in spirit are worthy His grace and blessing.

He laid His hands upon them while men held them, to signify that the grace of His aid was necessary.

The infants are a type of the Gentiles, to whom salvation is rendered by faith and hearing. But the disciples, in their first zeal for the salvation of Israel, forbid them to approach, but the Lord declares that they…

Matthew 19:14 and Mark 10:14 share the same wording (12 words).

Cited together in Pseudo-Chrysostom on Matthew 19:13–15 (4) (Catena Aurea).

Cited together in Pseudo-Chrysostom on Matthew 19:13–15 (4) (Catena Aurea).

Cited together in Pseudo-Chrysostom on Matthew 19:13–15 (2) (Catena Aurea).