Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
Read it in contextContrasting ways and professions
Start reading at Matthew 7:13 (Matthew 7:13 to Matthew 7:23).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The narrow way, false prophets, and empty profession warn that appearance and words alone do not establish obedience to God.
7:13Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
7:14Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
7:15Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
7:16Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
7:17Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
7:18A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
7:19Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
7:20Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
7:21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
7:22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
7:23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Matthew the apostle and tax collector is the author named by early church tradition. This is the historic attribution, not a personal signature in the Gospel. Biblical references: Matthew 9:9; Matthew 10:3. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. traditionally held
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Matthew 5:1–7:29): Jesus teaches His disciples with the crowds also hearing the Sermon on the Mount. Matthew 5:1-2 identifies the disciples approaching Him; 7:28 records the crowds' response. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? A Christian readership deeply familiar with Israel's Scriptures, commonly understood as substantially Jewish in background but also concerned with the Gentile mission. A particular congregation or city is not certain. Biblical references: Matthew 1:1; Matthew 5:17; Matthew 28:19. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. book background
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? Contrasting ways and professions. Read Matthew 7:13 through Matthew 7:23 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? The narrow way, false prophets, and empty profession warn that appearance and words alone do not establish obedience to God. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The narrative moves from Jesus' ancestry and birth through His ministry, death, resurrection, and commission. The Gospel does not state a modern calendar date for its composition. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative includes Bethlehem, Egypt, Nazareth, Galilee, journeys, and Jerusalem. A discourse or parable can describe places other than where Jesus is speaking. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Contrasting ways and professions (Matthew 7:13 to Matthew 7:23).
Start reading at Matthew 7:13. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Jesus is the central figure. Matthew identifies Him as Emmanuel, explains His saving mission, and concludes with His authority and commission. Read each teaching with its original listeners and its place in the narrative. See Matthew 1:21, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Join hearing Jesus' words with doing them. Distinguish instructions to named disciples on a particular mission from a general application, and keep conditions and warnings alongside promises. interpretation
Cited: Matthew 7:13, Matthew 7:23, Matthew 1:21, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19
Who wrote it, and how we know
Matthew (Levi), the apostleFrom early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionEarly church testimony names Matthew the apostle, notably Papias in the early second century and Irenaeus later.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text. The titles were attached early but are not part of the original writing.
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Matthew 7
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings. This chapter concludes the Sermon on the Mount begun in Matthew 5.
Connection to the wholeJesus addresses hypocrisy in judgment, discernment, prayer, and treatment of others before the discourse's closing tests of response.
Connection to the wholeThe builders bring the discourse to its practical conclusion: the decisive difference is whether hearers do what Jesus says.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Matthew
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Connection to the wholeJesus announces the kingdom, calls disciples, and teaches the righteousness and obedience that characterize His hearers' response.