Bible Question:
Hi, Mat.18:21 Peter asked Jesus "Lord, if my brother keeps on sinning against me,how many times do I have to forgive him? Seven times? Mat.18:22 Jesus said"No, not seven times,but seventy times seven So, man to man, we are to forgive a maximum of 490 times. What then, if this number is exceeded? Now, Jesus to man, how mwny times will Jessus forgive man? Your comments, please. With love in Christ. FytRobert |
Bible Answer: Dear FYTRobert, Matthew 18:21-22 Peter had a definite rationale for saying "seven times." The Jews had ruled that one could only be forgiven three times, but never a fourth. Realizing Jesus would show more mercy than the Jews, he must have thought seven times was more than fair. Christ's response shows how important forgiveness is. "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven" (verse 22). He means that we are not to limit our forgiveness to a specific number of times. As often as someone offends us and asks forgiveness, we should extend it. Further, even if he does not ask forgiveness, we should forgive him and treat him properly, setting the right example. (John Reid) |