Matthew Poole and continuators on Luke 13:30

30 And behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.

This is a Sentence which our Saviour often made use of and not always to the same purpose. See the Notes on Matth. 19.30 & 20.16. Mark 10.31. As to the sense of them here it is plain. Our Saviour here foretelleth the Conversion of the Gentiles, but yet I do not take the Gentiles to be all who are intended under the Notion of the Last, but divers others also. Men who both in their opinion of themselves, and in reality with respect to Priviledge, are the first, whether in respect of Gifts, or Office, or the means of Grace, or Profession, will many of them be the last, that is, furthest off from the Kingdom of God; and many who are the last, upon these accounts will in the Day of Judgment be first, that is, appear so, as having more of the favour of God, and be so, taken to Heaven, when the others shall be cast to Hell, Matth. 11.20, 21, 22, &c.