Many Called, Few Chosen

From: Collected Writings By: Frederick George Patterson

• 1 min. read • grade level: 8

Q. What is the moral use of the words, “For many are called but few chosen,” in the different contexts, Matthew 20:16¹⁶So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen. (Matthew 20:16), and Matthew 22:14¹⁴For many are called, but few are chosen. (Matthew 22:14)?

A. I apprehend that the two passages show the contrast of the external effect, and internal power. Matthew 22:14¹⁴For many are called, but few are chosen. (Matthew 22:14) is pretty plain. The gospel message, as men speak, had brought in a crowd, and where the true wedding garment was not, he who had it not was cast into outer darkness.

The application of Matthew 20:16¹⁶So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen. (Matthew 20:16) is less immediate; it is more the general principle. It connects with Matthew 19:29,30²⁹And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. ³⁰But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first. (Matthew 19:29‑30); there reward is declared to be the fruit of sacrifice, and to guard against enfeebling grace this parable is added, when, though there was appointed reward for labor, we are shown to be no judges of it. For those, though coming last, if God calls them to it, who will be first. For there may be a great appearance of labor and yet God not own it. It is still the contrast of the outward appearance, and those whom God has chosen; the fruits of His own grace, and not of following apparent principles by man, while only self is there. Only here it is labor and reward brings it in; in verse 22 external calling of grace.

Words of Truth 3:137-140.

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