Matthew 18:2 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Jesus called a little child— See Luke 9:47. Mark 9:33., &c. To check the foolish emulation of his disciples, Jesus called a little child to him, and having set him in the midst, that they might consider him attentively, he shewed them, by the sweetness, docility, and modesty visible in its countenance, what the temper and dispositions of his disciples ought to be, and how dear to him persons of such dispositions are, though otherwise weak and infirm. Some are of opinion, that the child here mentioned was the celebrated St. Ignatius, who suffered martyrdom under the reign and by the command of Trajan. The method of instruction here used was agreeable to the manner of the Eastern doctors and prophets, who, in teaching, impressed the minds of their disciples by symbolical actions, as well as by words. Thus John 20:22. Jesus, by breathing on his Apostles, signified, that through the invisible energy of his power he conferred on them the gifts of his spirit. Thus, John 21:19 he bade Peter follow him, to shew that he was to be his follower in afflictions. And in Revelation 18:21 an angel cast a stone into the depth of the sea, to signify the utter destruction of Babylon. For more examples, see John 13:4-5; John 13:14. Acts 21:11 and Macknight.