Matthew Poole and continuators on Matthew 19:30

30 But many that are first, shall be last, and the last shall be first.

So saith Mark, Ch. 10. v. 31. We have much the same Sentence, Luk. 13.30. and Ch. 20.16. The Jews that are counted now the First, nearest to the Kingdom of Heaven, shall have no place there: And the Gentiles lookt upon, as most remote from it, shall be admitted into it. The Pharisees and great Doctors, who think themselves First, that is, nearest the Kingdom of Heaven, shall be last, and those whom they count Last, such as shall have nothing to do with Heaven, shall be counted the First, shall have the preference, the chiefest place in Heaven. It is a general Sentence, and may be applyed variously. But if we consider, what Discourse follows, we shall see reason to interpret it, as an awakening Sentence to the best of Men. It is the Apostles, to those who had forsaken all to follow him, to whom he here saith: But many that are First, shall be last, &c. As much as if he had said; you have forsaken all, and followed me, but you had need look, and consider, from what Princ[illegible: 1 letter]ple, with what Love, and to what end you have done it; you had need keep a watch upon your selves, and see that you hold on, and that you have no Confidence in your selves. For many, That are Frst in Profession: First, in the Opinion of others, First, in their own Opinion, and Confidence, at the day of Judgment, will be found to be the Last in my and my Father's E[illegible: 2 letters]eem, and reckoning: And many who make not so great a noise, nor have so great a Name, and Repute in the World, and who have the lowest and meane[illegible: 1 letter]t Opinion of themselves, will be found First, and highest in my Favour. The day of Judgment will frustrate many Expectat[illegible: 1 letter]ons.

Marginal references: Chap. 20.16.