Why Does Mt 20:28 Say "a Ransom For Many" Instead Of "for All"? Does "many" Limit The Scope Of Christ’s Sacrifice Or Refer To Its Actual Recipients?
In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 20, verse 28, Jesus Christ states a profound purpose for His coming: "Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." This particular phrasing, specifically the use of the word "many" rather than "all," has sparked considerable discussion and interpretation among theologians and biblical scholars. Understanding the nuances of this verse is crucial for grasping the scope and nature of Christ’s sacrifice and its implications for humanity. This article delves into the historical, theological, and linguistic contexts of Matthew 20:28 to explore why the term "many" is used and whether it limits the reach of Christ's redemptive work. By examining the original Greek text, related biblical passages, and various theological perspectives, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of this pivotal verse. Furthermore, we will address common interpretations and misconceptions, offering clarity on whether "many" signifies a restriction on salvation or points to the actual recipients of Christ's atoning sacrifice. The goal is to offer a balanced and insightful exploration that honors the richness of biblical teaching and provides a solid foundation for personal reflection and theological discussion.
Examining the Text: Matthew 20:28
To fully understand the implications of Matthew 20:28, it's essential to dissect the verse and examine each component in its original context. The verse reads, "Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." The first part of the verse establishes Jesus's mission of service, contrasting it with the expectation of being served, which was typical of earthly rulers. This sets the stage for the ultimate act of service: the giving of His life as a ransom. The critical phrase we're focusing on is "a ransom for many." The Greek word translated as "many" is polloi. In classical and Koine Greek, polloi can mean a large number, but it can also be used in a way that is inclusive of all. It does not necessarily imply a limited number in the sense of excluding others. This is a crucial point because the immediate interpretation of "many" might lead some to believe that Christ's sacrifice was intended only for a select group, which would contradict other biblical teachings about the universal scope of God's love and salvation.
The Significance of "Ransom"
The concept of a ransom is central to understanding the sacrifice of Christ. In the ancient world, a ransom was the price paid to secure the release of a captive or slave. In the context of Matthew 20:28, the ransom is Jesus's life, offered to liberate humanity from the bondage of sin and death. The Greek word for ransom, lytron, suggests a price paid for liberation. This idea is deeply rooted in the Old Testament concept of redemption, where sacrifices were offered to atone for sins and restore the relationship between God and His people. However, the sacrifice of Jesus is presented as the ultimate and perfect ransom, sufficient for all of humanity. This is where the tension between "many" and "all" arises. If Jesus's sacrifice is a ransom for "many," does it mean that not everyone is included in this redemption? This question necessitates a deeper exploration of both the linguistic and theological contexts.
Linguistic Nuances: Polloi vs. Pas
To further clarify the meaning, it is important to contrast polloi (“many”) with another Greek word, pas, which means “all.” If the intention was to explicitly limit the scope of the ransom, using a term that clearly signifies a limited subset would have been straightforward. However, the choice of polloi suggests a different emphasis. In some contexts, polloi is used to denote a multitude that is practically equivalent to all, especially when contrasted with the singularity of one. For instance, in Romans 5:15, 19, the apostle Paul uses polloi in parallel with the idea of all, indicating a comprehensive rather than restrictive scope. In Romans 5:15, it says, “But the free gift is not like the transgression. For if by the transgression of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many.” Similarly, verse 19 states, “For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one Man the many will be made righteous.” In these instances, polloi doesn’t imply that only some are affected by sin or made righteous, but rather emphasizes the vast number included in these categories. This usage highlights a potential nuance in Matthew 20:28, where "many" could be a rhetorical device to stress the magnitude of those who benefit from the ransom, without necessarily excluding others. This linguistic analysis is vital in understanding that the term “many” should not automatically be interpreted as a restrictive term.
Theological Perspectives on "Many"
Various theological viewpoints offer different interpretations of the term "many" in Matthew 20:28. These perspectives range from those that emphasize a limited atonement to those that advocate for universal salvation. Understanding these different theological frameworks can shed light on why the verse is interpreted in diverse ways and how these interpretations fit within broader theological systems.
Limited Atonement
One perspective, often associated with Calvinistic theology, is that of limited atonement, also known as particular redemption. This view holds that Christ's atoning sacrifice was intended only for the elect, those predestined by God for salvation. According to this perspective, the "many" in Matthew 20:28 refers specifically to the elect, and Christ's death effectively secured their salvation. Proponents of limited atonement argue that if Christ died for everyone, then everyone would be saved, which they believe contradicts the biblical teaching that some will ultimately be condemned. They interpret "many" as a definitive limitation on the scope of Christ's atonement, aligning it with their broader doctrine of predestination. However, this view is not without its challenges. Critics argue that it raises questions about the fairness of God and the genuineness of the offer of salvation to all. If Christ only died for the elect, then the call to repentance and faith seems disingenuous for those who are not among the chosen. This interpretation requires careful consideration of other biblical passages that speak to the universal love and grace of God.
Unlimited Atonement
In contrast to limited atonement, the view of unlimited atonement, often held within Arminian theology, posits that Christ's sacrifice was sufficient for all people, but it is only effective for those who believe. According to this perspective, the "many" in Matthew 20:28 does not limit the potential scope of the atonement but rather refers to the vast number of people who will ultimately be saved. This view emphasizes the free will of individuals to accept or reject God's offer of salvation. It aligns with biblical passages that speak to God's desire for all people to be saved, such as 1 Timothy 2:4, which says that God “desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” Proponents of unlimited atonement argue that interpreting "many" as "all" in effect highlights the magnitude of Christ's redemptive work without negating the individual's responsibility to respond in faith. This perspective underscores the universality of God's offer while maintaining the reality of human choice and accountability. It harmonizes the breadth of God's love with the conditionality of salvation, making the offer of redemption genuinely available to everyone.
A Middle Ground: Potential vs. Actual Atonement
Another perspective seeks to bridge the gap between limited and unlimited atonement by distinguishing between potential and actual atonement. This view suggests that Christ's sacrifice has the potential to atone for the sins of all humanity, making salvation possible for everyone. However, the actual application of this atonement is limited to those who believe. In this understanding, "many" in Matthew 20:28 refers to the actual recipients of Christ's atoning work, without denying its potential availability to all. This perspective acknowledges both the universal scope of Christ's offer and the specific application of His sacrifice to believers. It provides a nuanced understanding that respects the tension between God's universal love and the individual's response of faith. By distinguishing between potential and actual atonement, this view allows for a comprehensive understanding of God's redemptive plan, highlighting both its availability and its effectiveness in the lives of believers. This middle-ground approach offers a balanced perspective that integrates various theological insights into a cohesive framework.
Biblical Context and Related Passages
Examining related biblical passages can further illuminate the meaning of Matthew 20:28. Several verses speak to the universality of Christ's sacrifice, suggesting that His atonement is not limited to a select few. These passages provide a broader context for interpreting "many" and help reconcile it with the overall message of the Gospel.
Passages Emphasizing Universality
Verses such as John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life,” underscore the universality of God’s love and the offer of salvation to anyone who believes. Similarly, 1 Timothy 2:6 states that Christ “gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.” These verses explicitly use the term "all," which contrasts with "many" in Matthew 20:28, but they also provide a complementary perspective. The term "all" emphasizes the comprehensive scope of God’s intention, while "many" can highlight the actual multitude who will benefit from this provision. In 2 Corinthians 5:19, it is written that “God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and has entrusted to us the message of reconciliation.” This verse clearly indicates that God’s redemptive work is directed toward the entire world, not just a select group. These passages collectively paint a picture of God’s expansive love and His desire for all humanity to be reconciled to Him through Christ.
The Servant Songs in Isaiah
The Servant Songs in the Book of Isaiah, particularly Isaiah 53, provide a rich Old Testament backdrop to the concept of Christ as a ransom. Isaiah 53:11-12 states, “Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities…he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.” Here, the term “many” is used in the context of bearing the sins of others and making them righteous, which aligns with the concept of Christ’s atoning sacrifice. The use of "many" in Isaiah does not necessarily imply a limited number but rather emphasizes the extensive impact of the servant’s suffering on a multitude of people. This Old Testament context supports the idea that "many" in Matthew 20:28 can refer to a vast number of individuals who will be made righteous through Christ’s sacrifice, without limiting its potential scope. The Servant Songs provide a prophetic framework that enriches our understanding of Christ’s mission and the breadth of His redemptive work.
The Lord's Supper and the New Covenant
Another significant context for understanding Matthew 20:28 is the institution of the Lord's Supper, also known as Holy Communion or the Eucharist. In Matthew 26:28, Jesus says, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” This verse closely parallels Matthew 20:28 and further illuminates the significance of Christ’s sacrifice. The phrase “poured out for many” in the context of the New Covenant emphasizes that Christ's blood establishes a new relationship between God and humanity, one based on grace and forgiveness. The New Covenant, as prophesied in Jeremiah 31:31-34, is a covenant made with “the house of Israel and with the house of Judah,” promising a new relationship with God where sins are forgiven and hearts are transformed. The Lord’s Supper serves as a continual reminder of this covenant and the sacrifice that underpins it. The repetition of the phrase "for many" in both Matthew 20:28 and Matthew 26:28 reinforces the idea that Christ's sacrifice is intended for a multitude, underscoring the vast scope of God’s redemptive plan. This liturgical context enhances our understanding of the atoning work of Christ and its ongoing significance for believers.
Practical Implications and Application
Understanding the nuances of Matthew 20:28 has profound practical implications for how we view salvation, evangelism, and the nature of God’s love. If we interpret “many” as strictly limiting the scope of Christ’s sacrifice, it can lead to a narrow view of salvation, potentially hindering our evangelistic efforts and diminishing our understanding of God's universal love. Conversely, if we understand “many” as emphasizing the vast number of those who will be saved, while acknowledging the potential for all to be saved, it fosters a more inclusive and hopeful perspective.
Implications for Evangelism
A comprehensive understanding of Matthew 20:28 impacts our approach to evangelism. If we believe that Christ died only for a select few, it might lessen our urgency to share the Gospel with everyone. However, if we recognize that Christ’s sacrifice is sufficient for all, we are motivated to reach out to all people, inviting them to receive God’s grace. The emphasis on "many" should not discourage evangelism but rather highlight the potential for a vast multitude to come to faith. The Great Commission, as outlined in Matthew 28:19-20, calls believers to “go and make disciples of all nations,” indicating a global and inclusive mission. Understanding Matthew 20:28 within this framework encourages a passionate and inclusive approach to evangelism, rooted in the belief that God desires all people to be saved.
Implications for Personal Faith
For personal faith, understanding Matthew 20:28 can lead to a deeper appreciation of the magnitude of Christ’s sacrifice. Recognizing that Christ gave His life as a ransom for many, including ourselves, fosters a sense of gratitude and humility. It underscores the immense love of God, who was willing to offer His Son for the redemption of humanity. Moreover, understanding the potential universality of Christ's sacrifice can strengthen our hope in the salvation of others, including loved ones who may not yet know Christ. This hope fuels prayer and encourages us to live lives that reflect the grace and love of God. Personal application of Matthew 20:28 involves embracing the fullness of God’s love and extending that love to others, recognizing the vast potential for redemption in the world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the phrase "a ransom for many" in Matthew 20:28 is a profound statement about the purpose and scope of Christ’s sacrifice. While the word “many” has been interpreted in various ways, a comprehensive understanding requires careful consideration of the linguistic nuances, theological perspectives, and biblical context. The Greek word polloi can signify a large number, effectively encompassing all, and should not automatically be interpreted as a restrictive term. Theological viewpoints range from limited atonement to unlimited atonement, each offering valuable insights into the meaning of this verse. Related biblical passages emphasize the universality of God’s love and the potential for salvation for all people. Ultimately, Matthew 20:28 underscores the immense love of God, who offered His Son as a ransom for humanity. This understanding has significant implications for evangelism, personal faith, and our overall view of God’s redemptive plan. Embracing the richness of biblical teaching allows us to appreciate the depth and breadth of Christ’s atoning work and its transformative power in the lives of believers. The message of Matthew 20:28 is one of hope, grace, and the boundless love of God for humanity, inviting us to share this message with the world.