15 Most certainly I tell you, whoever will not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child, he will in no way enter into it."
*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.
Whosoever shall not receive - Whosoever shall not manifest the spirit of a little child.
The kingdom, of God - The gospel. The new dispensation by the Messiah, "or the reign of God through a Mediator." See the notes at Matthew 3:2.
As a little child - With the temper and spirit of a child - teachable, mild, humble, and free from prejudice and obstinacy.
Shall not enter therein - Shall not be a Christian; shall not be a "real" member of the family of Christ on earth. though he may be a "professor," and shall never enter heaven.
Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God (3) as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
(3) In our malice we must become as children if we will enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Verily I say, unto you,.... A form of speech used when our Lord was about to asseverate a thing, and assert something of moment and importance, and which he would have attended to.
Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God; the Gospel, and the mysteries of it:
as a little child; laying aside all pride and prejudice, attending thereunto with humility and meekness:
he shall not enter therein; he shall attain to no true spiritual knowledge of the Gospel; nor should he be admitted into a Gospel church state, and to the ordinances of it.
Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child - As totally disclaiming all worthiness and fitness, as if he were but a week old.
*More commentary available at chapter level.