Matthew 7:14

“Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, etc.] And so, difficult to enter in at; and when entered, the way is unpleasant to the flesh to walk in, being hedged up on each side with afflictions and tribulations; and moreover, is like the “narrow place”, or stenov topov, “the strait place”, as the Septuagint in (<042226>Numbers 22:26) render it; in which the angel that met Balaam stood; and in which there was no turning to the right hand or the left; and such is the way to eternal happiness. The great encouragement to walk on in it is, because it is that way which leadeth unto life: unto eternal life: it certainly leads thither; it never fails of bringing persons to it; believers in…”

“Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life--In other words, the whole course is as difficult as the first step; and (so it comes to pass that). few there be that find it--The recommendation of the broad way is the ease with which it is trodden and the abundance of company to be found in it. It is sailing with a fair wind and a favorable tide. The natural inclinations are not crossed, and fears of the issue, if not easily hushed, are in the long run effectually subdued. The one disadvantage of this course is its end--it "leadeth to destruction." The great Teacher says it, and says it as "One having authority." To the supposed injustice or harshness of this He…”

“Enter ye in at the strait gate - Christ here compares the way to life to an entrance through a gate. The words “straight” and “strait” have very different meanings. The former means “not crooked;” the latter, “pent up, narrow, difficult to be entered.” This is the word used here, and it means that the way to heaven is “pent up, narrow, close,” and not obviously entered. The way to death is open, broad, and thronged. The Saviour here referred probably to ancient cities. They were surrounded with walls and entered through gates. Some of those, connected with the great avenues to the city, were broad and admitted a throng; others, for more private purposes, were narrow, and few would be seen…”

“7:14 Few people come to the light that is revealed in Christ (see 19:23; 20:16; 22:14; see also John 3:19; 6:66-71).”

“because: or, How narrow: Mat 16:24, Mat 16:25; Pro 4:26, Pro 4:27, Pro 8:20; Isa 30:21, Isa 35:8, Isa 57:14; Jer 6:16; Mar 8:34; Joh 15:18-20, Joh 16:2, Joh 16:33; Act 14:22; Th1 3:2-5 and few: Mat 20:16, Mat 22:14, Mat 25:1-12; Luk 12:32, Luk 13:23-30; Rom 9:27-29, Rom 9:32, Rom 11:5, Rom 11:6; Rom 12:2; Eph 2:2, Eph 2:3; Pe1 3:20, Pe1 3:21 Matthew 7:15”