10:30 But he shall receive an {e} hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, {f} with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.
(e) A hundred times as much, if we use the commodities of this life in a proper way, so that we use them in accordance with the will of God, and not just to gain the wealth itself, and to fulfil our greedy desire.
(f) Even in the midst of persecutions.
10:23-31 How hardly shall they that have riches. For notes on the Lord's words concerning riches, see Mt 19:23-30. Compare Lu 18:24-30. Mark adds one sentence that furnishes the key to the interpretation of the whole discourse: How hard it is for them that 'trust' in riches, etc. (Mr 10:24).
10:30 He shall receive a hundred fold, houses, and c. - Not in the same kind: for it will generally be with persecutions: but in value: a hundred fold more happiness than any or all of these did or could afford. But let it be observed, none is entitled to this happiness, but he that will accept it with persecutions.
10:23-31 Christ took this occasion to speak to his disciples about the difficulty of the salvation of those who have abundance of this world. Those who thus eagerly seek the wealth of the world, will never rightly prize Christ and his grace. Also, as to the greatness of the salvation of those who have but little of this world, and leave it for Christ. The greatest trial of a good man's constancy is, when love to Jesus calls him to give up love to friends and relatives. Even when gainers by Christ, let them still expect to suffer for him, till they reach heaven. Let us learn contentment in a low state, and to watch against the love of riches in a high one. Let us pray to be enabled to part with all, if required, in Christ's service, and to use all we are allowed to keep in his service.
