Matthew 18:29

So his fellow servant fell down and begged him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you back.'

Study Bible

So his fellow servant
This phrase highlights the relationship between the two individuals involved. The term "fellow servant" indicates a shared status or position, suggesting equality in their roles. In the Greek, "σύνδουλος" (syndoulos) is used, emphasizing the communal and equal nature of their servitude. This equality is crucial in understanding the parable's message about forgiveness and mercy, as it underscores that all believers are equal before God, regardless of their earthly status.

fell down
The act of falling down is a physical demonstration of humility and desperation. In the cultural and historical context of the time, prostrating oneself was a common gesture of submission and earnest appeal. The Greek word "πίπτω" (pipto) conveys a sense of urgency and earnestness, reflecting the servant's dire situation and sincere plea for mercy. This action mirrors the humility required of believers when approaching God in repentance and seeking forgiveness.

and begged him
Begging, in this context, is an act of earnest supplication. The Greek word "παρακαλέω" (parakaleo) means to call upon or entreat earnestly. This reflects the servant's recognition of his inability to repay the debt without the mercy and patience of his fellow servant. It serves as a reminder of the posture believers should adopt when seeking God's grace—one of humility and sincere petition.

Have patience with me
This plea for patience is a request for time and forbearance. The Greek word "μακροθυμέω" (makrothymeo) implies a long-suffering attitude, a willingness to endure discomfort or delay without becoming angry or upset. In the broader scriptural context, patience is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and a characteristic of God's nature (2 Peter 3:9). This request highlights the importance of patience in relationships, encouraging believers to extend the same grace and patience to others that they have received from God.

and I will pay you back
The promise to repay signifies the servant's intention to make restitution. While the Greek "ἀποδίδωμι" (apodidomi) means to give back or restore, the context of the parable suggests that the debt was insurmountable, symbolizing the impossibility of repaying the debt of sin. This phrase serves as a reminder of the futility of trying to earn God's forgiveness through works, emphasizing instead the need for grace and mercy. It challenges believers to reflect on their own attitudes towards forgiveness and the expectations they place on others.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Fellow Servant
This character represents someone who is in debt to another servant. He is a peer, not a superior or subordinate, highlighting the equality among believers.

2. The Debtor Servant
The servant who is owed a debt by his fellow servant. He has previously been forgiven a much larger debt by his master, illustrating the theme of mercy and forgiveness.

3. The Act of Begging
The fellow servant's plea for patience mirrors the earlier plea of the debtor servant to his master, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding.

4. The Setting of the Parable
This event takes place within the parable of the unforgiving servant, which Jesus uses to teach about the kingdom of heaven and the importance of forgiveness.

5. The Master (Implied)
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, the master represents God, who forgives our debts and expects us to do the same for others.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Patience
Just as the fellow servant asked for patience, we are called to be patient with others, understanding that everyone is on a journey and may need time to make amends.

The Call to Forgiveness
This verse challenges us to forgive others as we have been forgiven by God. Holding onto grudges contradicts the grace we have received.

Empathy and Compassion
By putting ourselves in the shoes of the fellow servant, we learn to empathize with others' struggles and respond with compassion rather than judgment.

The Consequences of Unforgiveness
The broader parable warns of the spiritual and relational consequences of refusing to forgive, urging us to reflect on our own attitudes.

Reflecting God's Character
As believers, we are called to reflect God's character by extending the same mercy and forgiveness to others that He has shown to us.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the plea of the fellow servant in Matthew 18:29 mirror our own requests for forgiveness from God?

2. In what ways can we practice patience and forgiveness in our daily interactions with others?

3. How does the concept of forgiveness in Matthew 18:29 connect with the teachings of the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6:12?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to cultivate a forgiving heart, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:32 and Colossians 3:13?

5. Reflect on a time when you struggled to forgive someone. How might the lessons from this parable guide you in handling similar situations in the future?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Matthew 6:12
This verse from the Lord's Prayer emphasizes the reciprocal nature of forgiveness, asking God to forgive our debts as we forgive our debtors.

Ephesians 4:32
Paul instructs believers to be kind and compassionate, forgiving each other just as God forgave us in Christ, reinforcing the theme of forgiveness.

Colossians 3:13
This verse encourages believers to bear with each other and forgive grievances, reflecting the patience and mercy shown in Matthew 18:29.