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Mat 20:16. Οὕτως, in such a manner) The conclusion enunciated in ch. Mat 19:30 is inferred again from the parable, though somewhat inverted, and at the same time limited by the οὕτως, as in Rev 3:16. Not all who are first shall fail, yet all require to be on the watch, lest they should fail; and all do fail who conduct themselves as the ἑταῖρος, (‘friend,’ or comrade) mentioned in the parable. Many, also, from the intermediate ranks, may take up a higher or a lower position.-ἔσονται, shall be) With respect to the apostles, it is not a prediction, but a warning.-οἱ, the) The article is here the sign of the subject (as it is everywhere, except when that is still more definitely determined by a proper name or a pronoun, demonstrative or personal), and at the same time has reference to ch. Mat 19:30; thus showing that the proposition is not to be taken as of universal application.-πρῶτοι, first) See the end of Mat 20:8.-πολλοὶ, many) sc. of the first, who themselves are many (see ch. Mat 19:30); and moreover of οἱ ἔσχατοι, the last.-κλητοὶ, called) The term κεκλημένος is applied to a labourer who has been invited, even though he should not enter the vineyard: the term κλητὸς, signifies one who has embraced the calling.[883]-ἐκλεκτοὶ, chosen) i.e. selected in preference to others. In this passage, the first where it occurs, the word seems to denote, not all who shall be saved, but, the most excellent of human beings. See Franck’s Sermons for Sundays and Holidays, pp. 431, 432, and W. Wall’s Critical Notes, p. 27.
[883] Ὀλίγοι, few) who, as clinging to mere [unmixed] faith, give [cause] more honour to God, than the most zealous workmen.-V. g.