The Ten Commandments

Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven – Matthew 5:19


Every one of the Ten Commandments is relevant today. Some think of these commandments as the Law of Moses, now replaced by God's grace and mercy, but a closer look reveals that we can't willfully break a single one of the commandments and live. Every one of the commandments wholeheartedly obeyed will produce fruit of righteousness, peace, and spiritual prosperity. Society says "do whatever you want" but a careful study and application of this set of "life principles" will provide boundless fruit for the righteous.


Originally written in the 1600's, Thomas Watson's commentary on the Ten Commandments is as relevant today as it was then, if not more so. The text was carefully updated for modern readers, with much care taken to convey the truth in Watson's writings in such a way that readers today can more easily understand his writing, and as such, more easily apply the truth to their own lives. May the Lord God of heaven and earth bless you richly as you read and obey!


About the Author

Thomas Watson (c. 1620-1686) was an English Nonconformist Puritan pastor and author. He earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees from Emmanuel College, Cambridge. In 1646 Watson was employed at St. Stephen Walbrook Church in London, where he remained for the next sixteen years.


Thomas married Abigail Beadle in about 1647, and they had at least seven children, although four of the children died when young. During the English Civil War (1642-1649), Watson leaned toward Presbyterian views, and he sided with the Presbyterians in opposition to the death of King Charles I. Watson was imprisoned in 1651 for his part in a plot to bring back Charles II.


In 1652 Watson was released from prison and returned to his duties at St. Stephen Walbrook Church. After the Act of Uniformity was passed in 1662, Watson, a Nonconformist, could no longer preach there, although he continued preaching in private when he was able. After the Declaration of Indulgence was passed in 1672, Thomas Watson was able to obtain a license to preach at Crosby Hall in London. He continued preaching there until his health began to decline. He then retired to Barnston in Essex, where he died in 1686 while praying.


Thomas Watson’s notable writings include The Godly Man’s Picture, The Ten Commandments, Heaven Taken by Storm, The Doctrine of Repentance, The Beatitudes, The Lord’s Prayer, and The Body of Divinity.