So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few are chosen.”
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 16. Few chosen: only such as have not despised their caller, but followed and believed him; for men believed not, but of their own free will. Saint Augustine l. i, ad Simplic. q. ii. B.—Hence the rejection of the Jews and of negligent Christians, and the conversion of strangers, who come and take their place, by a conversion both of faith and morals. On the part of God all are called. Matthew 11:28. Come to me all, and so forth In effect, many after their call, have attained to faith and justification; but few in comparison are elected to eternal glory, because the far greater part do not obey the call, but refuse to come, whilst many of those who come fall away again; and thus very few, in comparison with those that perish, will at the last day be selected for eternal glory. Tirinus.