Matthew 20:10

“But when the first came, etc.] Who were early hired into the vineyard; and design either the first saints that were in the world; or the Jews that first believed in Christ, either really or nominally; or such, who were called by grace in their early days: they supposed, or “hoped”, as the Syriac version renders it, that they should have received more; than a penny, a greater reward: not that they could expect it on the foot of their agreement, or on account of their work; but because they observed, that they that came last into the vineyard, had as much as they agreed for; and therefore hoped, from the goodness of their Lord to them, that they should receive more: and they likewise received…”

“But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more--This is that calculating, mercenary spirit which had peeped out--though perhaps very slightly--in Peter's question (Mat 19:27), and which this parable was designed once for all to put down among the servants of Christ.”

“They supposed that they should have received more - They had worked longer - they had been in the heat; they supposed that it was his intention to pay them, not according to contract, but according to the time of the labor. return to 'Top of Page'”

“The first supposed they should have received more - Probably the first here may mean the Jews, who supposed they should always be preferred before the Gentiles. Matthew 20:12”