[1] And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: [2] And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
Verse 1 Expanded Bible Comments
| And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| What seems to be the reason that Jesus went up into the mountain? | To get away from the multitude. |
| Who went up with him? | His disciples. |
Verse 2 Expanded Bible Comments
| And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| To whom did Jesus deliver this "Sermon on the Mount?" | To his disciples. |
[3] Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [4] Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. [5] Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. [6] Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. [7] Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. [8] Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. [9] Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the sons of God. [10] Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [11] Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. [12] Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. [13] Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. [14] Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. [15] Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. [16] Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Verse 3 Expanded Bible Comments
| Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| What does it mean to be "poor in spirit?" | Poor in our own self worth. Recognizing that we are small indeed, humble. - Please see Jan 3 Manna. |
| Why are these described as being "blessed?" | Because "theirs is the kingdom of heaven." |
Verse 4 Expanded Bible Comments
| Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| How is it possible that those who mourn can be called blessed? | R3734:1-6 |
| What causes these to mourn? | They mourn their own sinful condition. |
| What happens to these that will cause them to be "blessed?" | They shall be comforted. How will they be comforted? "Their comforting will begin at once, for their mourning will bring a readiness of mind to hearken for the Lord's favor." - EBC All who are earnestly striving for the victory over self, and the world, and sin, are sure to make a sufficient number of failures along the way to insure them considerable experience in mourning for these deflections--if their hearts are in the right attitude toward the Lord. Gracious indeed is the promise to such, "They shall be comforted." Our Lord does comfort such with the assurance that He notes their tears as well as their efforts in opposition to sin, and that He is thus preparing them through present experiences and the development of character for the Kingdom. R2250,c1,p4 — Promise #117 |
Verse 5 Expanded Bible Comments
| Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| What is the definition of "meek?" | R5003:19 |
| From where did our Lord get this thought concerning the meek? | Psa. 37:11 |
| Is there a difference between "meek" and "poor in spirit?" | Yes. Meekness relates mainly to being teachable while poor in spirit is more the quality of humility. While these two are closely related, they are not identical. |
| Why are the meek styled "blessed?" | They shall inherit the earth. |
Verse 6 Expanded Bible Comments
| Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| How is it that hunger and thirst can be called blessed? | Because it is their heart (not their bodies) that are hungering. While they may experience physical hunger what they most desire is honorable dealings with others, freedom from oppression and the like. |
| For what do they hunger? | Righteousness, justice, truth. |
| What is their promise in this regard? | "They shall be filled." |
Verse 7 Expanded Bible Comments
| Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| Why are the merciful styled "blessed?" | Because they themselves will gain mercy from the Lord. Please read Dec. 14 Manna. |
| What do these gain? | Mercy. |
| Why is that important? | Because we are under the sentence of death, the legitimate wages of sin, and therefore need mercy. Rom. 6:23 |
Verse 8 Expanded Bible Comments
| Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| "And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered." Mal. 3:15 | |
| Considering the current state of the proud in heart, how can it be blessed to be pure in heart? | Psa. 24:3-5 They shall see God. Psa. 17:15 |
Verse 9 Expanded Bible Comments
| Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the sons of God. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| What is a peacemaker? | "A person, group, or nation that tries to make peace, especially by reconciling parties who disagree, quarrel, or fight." It is the opposite of one who brings strife. |
| How does one become a peacemaker? | Largely through the spoken word. One must have the desire for peace before they can really be a peacemaker. |
| Why is it important to be a peacemaker? | The little flock are described as being "the sons of God." |
Verse 10 Expanded Bible Comments
| Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| What is the definition of "persecute?" | 1. To pursue with harassing or oppressive treatment, especially because of religion, race, or beliefs; harass persistently. 2. To annoy or trouble persistently. |
| Do we desire persecution? | Yes and no. There is nothing noble about being persecuted for something of our own making, nor being persecuted simply for the prejudice of others. |
| What is the reward of this class? | The Kingdom of Heaven. |
| Do all who are persecuted gain the promise of this verse? | No, only those who are persecuted for righteousness. - 2 Tim. 3:12 |
Verse 11, 12 Expanded Bible Comments
| Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. [12] Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| What is the definition of "revile?" | 1. To assail with contemptuous or vile language; address or speak of abusively. 2. To speak abusively. |
| Under what conditions is it "blessed" to be reviled, persecuted and evil spoken of? | When that reviling and persecution is for the Lord's sake (because of our faithfulness to Him.) |
| What is the reward of those who are under these conditions? | Great reward in heaven. |
| Jesus said their reward was in heaven because they were persecuted like the prophets. Does this mean the prophets have a heavenly reward? | No. The thought here seems to be that these faithful "ancient worthies" (described in Heb. 11) are our examples ("so great a cloud of witnesses" Heb. 12:1) who did not receive the promise of a heavenly reward (Heb. 11:39-40.) How much more then does this apply to those of us of the Christian Age? |
Verse 13 Expanded Bible Comments
| Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| Just what does it mean to be "the salt of the earth?" | Historically salt has been associated with preserving as well as with flavoring food. Please see R5426:13. |
| If the Lord's people are the salt of the earth, what did he mean by "if the salt have lost his savour?" | R5426:14 |
Verse 14 Expanded Bible Comments
| Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| How is the church "the light of the world?" | "Light [Truth] is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart." Psa. 97:11. During the Gospel Age it is only the True Church which has this light. The nominal church teaches that God is a god of love who tortures his creatures for all time. What a twisted thought! The True Church teaches no such thing. |
| Why did our Lord refer to "A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid?" | Perhaps a reference to Psa. 48:2. |
Verse 15 Expanded Bible Comments
| Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| Why did men (in those days) light a candle? | To give light. Today we simply flip on a light switch. |
| Why did Jesus make reference to this? | When we receive the light of Present Truth it is not to be selfishly hoarded. If we do so, the Lord will likely take it away from us. We will begin to substitute our own understanding for that of the Lord and will be thus lead into outer darkness. |
Verse 16 Expanded Bible Comments
| Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| What does it mean to "let your light so shine?" | Give a good witness before men -- and maybe we will also be able to say something. |
| Being imperfect as we are, what good works could we have? | Absolutely none. However, we can give our best attempt to live by the principles of Truth and righteousness. By pointing others to the goodness of God (which thing our Lord Jesus did constantantly) we will be able to bring some glory to His name. |
| What is the purpose for us letting our light shine? | To bring glory to God. |
| Is letting our light shine in similar to the scribes and Pharisees? - Matt. 23:5-7 | Their purpose is to be seen of men. The church's purpose is to draw the attention of others to the glory of God. |
[17] Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. [18] For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. [19] Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. [20] For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Verse 17 Expanded Bible Comments
| Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| Why might the Jews think that Jesus had come to destroy the law? | "The Jews reasoned that by promising a class everlasting life, even though they were unable to keep the Mosaic Law, was a setting aside of the Law, making void all the prophets." - EBC for this verse. |
| How did Jesus fulfill the law and the prophets? | He kept the law in every feature - thus freeing those Jews (who were under the law) and permitting them to be transferred into Christ. He kept the prophets by fulfilling the various prophecies which applied to the Messiah at his first advent. |
Verse 18 Expanded Bible Comments
| For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| Will heaven and earth pass? - To what is Jesus here making reference? | The literal heaven and literal earth will not pass. - Ecc. 1:4
Jesus is here referring to the heavens (powers of spiritual control) that existed at that time ("the rulers of the darkness of this world" - Eph. 6:12) and the then present earth (organized society under religious restraint), i.e., the Roman Empire. |
| What is a jot? What is a tittle? | Jot = Greek iota - ι "A tittle is a small distinguishing mark, such as a diacritic or the dot on a lowercase i or j." - Wikipedia |
| Will all things of the law be fulfilled? | Yes. |
| If all things of the law are fulfilled, will the law itself pass away? | Yes. Remember that the Law for Israel is replaced by the New Law Covenant. |
| Do we have any examples of things from the Law being fulfilled? | The Passover, the Jubilee.. |
Verse 19 Expanded Bible Comments
| Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| Who is there that does not "break" one of the commandments? | "There is none righteous, no not one." Rom. 3:10 |
| If we all are guilty of breaking the law of God, are we all to be called "least in the kingdom of heaven?" | 1) We need to remember that it is our flesh that is guilty of violating the Law of God. The new creature is without sin. 1 John 3:9 2) Still we are in the flesh and our fallen flesh desparately needs the covering of Christ's righteousness because it cannot keep the law of God. |
| Is there a something else that one would do to be called "least in the kingdom of heaven?" | Yes. "Teach men so." While this applies to all the saints (because we are all called to preach,) yet it is especially applicable to the elders, those who are teachers in the church and in the public ministry. |
| Who will be called "great" in the kingdom of heaven? | Those who do (to the best of their ability) the commandments of God and teach others to do the same. Please also consider Rom. 8:3-4. |
Verse 20 Expanded Bible Comments
| For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| How could Jesus here refer to "your righteousness" as needing to exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees seeing that our own righteousness "is as filthy rags?" - Isa. 64:6 | He is here speaking in the relative sense. If we were to use the language of the scripture just mentioned we might say "unless your filthy rags are less filthy than those of the scribes and Pharisees.." |
| What did Jesus mean when he said "Ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven?" | He meant that if we are not of a righteous attitude we shall not be spirit begotten, we shall not enter into probationary membership in the body of Christ. |
[21] Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: [22] But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of the Gehenna of fire. [23] Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; [24] Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. [25] Agree with thine adversary quickly, while thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. [26] Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
Verse 21 Expanded Bible Comments
| Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| From where did the disciples here "Thou shalt not kill?" | Exo. 20:13; Deut. 5:17 |
| From where did the phrase "whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment" come from? | Please see R4558 |
Verse 22 Expanded Bible Comments
| But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of the Gehenna of fire. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| Important note: The phrase "without a cause" is not part of the original bible text. | |
| Did Jesus make an exception for those who may be angry with their brother if they thought they had a legitimate reason to be angry with him? | No he did not. |
| What is the danger in harboring such anger? | You make yourself open to the judgment of God. - R4558 |
| What does the term "Raca" mean? | Worthless one. G4469 ῥακά rhaka rhak-ah' Of Chaldee origin (compare [H7386]); O empty one, that is, thou worthless (as a term of utter vilification): - Raca. |
| What was the "counsil" of which our Lord here spoke? | The Sanhedrin. |
| What does it mean to be in danger of Gehenna? | In danger of the Second Death. |
| Why would saying to someone "thou fool" put one in danger of Gehenna while calling them worthless (Raca) does not? | Psa. 14:1; Isa. 53:1 both tell us that "the fool has said in his heart there is no God." Referring to someone as an athiest when they are not is taking the judgment away from God and placing it in your own hands. |
Verses 23, 24 Expanded Bible Comments
| Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; [24] Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| Who is it that has been wronged. The one bringing the gift to the altar or his brother? | His brother. |
| What should the gift bringer do and why? | The Expanded Bible Comments for vs. 24 are very good: Leave there thy gift -- Do not think that it will be acceptable to God while in your hearts, or outwardly, you are practicing injustice toward others. R5939:1; 5007:4; R4559:1; R4077:5 Be reconciled to -- Make amends to; apologize in full. R1694:5, R5939:1 Every moment of delay endangers your spiritual standing with the Lord. R5007:5 Thy brother -- Explanations in full of whatever wrong you have done him. R4077:6 And offer thy gift -- Assured that in such an attitude of heart the Lord will be pleased to accept your offering. R4077:6, R5939:1 |
Verse 25, 26 Expanded Bible Comments
| Agree with thine adversary quickly, while thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. [26] Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| The same account in Luke 12:58,59 reads: "When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, as thou art in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he drag thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison. [59] I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite." | |
See also R4559:2 (6 paragraphs) |
|
| Who is "thine adversary?" | The Law which the Jewish nation was under. |
| Why would you agree with him? And why agree quickly? | Agree with the Law in the sense of recognizing that you cannot meet its demands. Agree quickly because the time to plead for mercy is now (when Jesus Christ is in your midst and the offer of mercy is available.) |
| What is the danger? | You, the Jewish nation, will be brought before the court of Divine Justice. |
| Who is the judge? | God. |
| Who is the officer? | Whoever or whatever means that God chooses to cause you (the Jewish nation) to bring about your punishment for rejecting the Messiah. |
| What will the officer do? | Make sure you experience your period of disfavor. |
| How long will the result last? | Until the full penalty is met, i.e., 1845 years from 33 AD to 1878 AD. |
[27] Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: [28] But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. [29] And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into Gehenna. [30] And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into Gehenna. [31] It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: [32] But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery. [33] Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: [34] But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: [35] Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. [36] Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. [37] But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
Verses 27, 28 Expanded Bible Comments
| Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: [28] But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| While our Lord pointed out the sin of adultery, was that sin really the main point? | No. For one to commit this sin (or any other) the thought to do so must first have been nurtured in the heart. Therefore He added the point about lusting in the heart. For the new creation this is a vital point. The battle ground is in the mind. Prov. 23:7 |
Verse 29 Expanded Bible Comments
| And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into Gehenna. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| Why did our Lord make reference to the right eye? | The right hand or foot is normally the dominant one, the place of strength. By referring to the right eye he was emphasizing that what we consider or dwell upon (eye) the most, i.e., with our strength, should be the spiritual things, those things pleasing to God. One brother, after quoting this verse, suggested that a good thing to do would be to take our television and throw it out the window. |
| What is the danger if we do not heed our Lord's instructions here? | The second death. |
Verse 30 Expanded Bible Comments
| And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into Gehenna. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| How could our right hand offend us? | R2602:3 |
| If it does offend, what are we to do? | Cut off the offending behavior or thing(s) that cause our stumbling. |
| In vss. 29 and 30 our Lord mentions the eye and the hand. He also says that "it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into Gehenna." - What did He mean by that - and why did He mention just "one of thy members?" | We think the thought here is that it only takes one thing, if it be an especially great weakness to you, that may keep you out of the Kingdom. We give two contrasting stories to show the wrong and right ways: 1) [negative example] An elder noticed that one brother attended all Monday night meetings except for the first Monday of each month. When he asked why the brother told him there was a sale each Monday night at a store and he saved five cents by going to that sale. - Since he was apparently willing to trade a meeting with the Lord's people for five cents it was no surprise to the elder that this brother eventually ceased meeting with the brethren altogether. 2) [positive example] We heard of a brother who not only loved baseball but was quite talented at it. However, for the sake of his consecration to the Lord he gave it up, reasoning that it would not be a good witness to have people spend their Sunday's watching him play ball instead of worshiping the Lord. |
Verses 31, 32 Expanded Bible Comments
| It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: [32] But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| Where was it said about a writing of divorcement? | Deut. 24:1. What should be taken into account is not only vs 1 but Deut. 24:1-5 and then consider the account of Mark 10:2-12. We should also be looking at this from the spiritual standpoint. The husband pictures Christ and the wife pictures His bride the church. It is only for uncleanness that Christ would put away any of His church and this would not be because any of the church could not keep the Law (the measure of a perfect man's ability.) But the New Creature is covered by His Robe of Righteousness and is therefore not condemned because of weakness in the flesh. If Christ would not divorce us save for spiritual adultery should we not make application of this principle in our own lives? And even here there is not a demand that, if we find ourselves in the condition where our spouse may be guilty of adultery, there is not a requirement that we divorce, even though we do have the right. |
| For what cause alone did Jesus say divorce was permitted? | Adultery. |
| If a man were to divorce his wife, what is he putting her in danger of? | Committing adultery. |
| What is a man who marries such a woman doing? | Committing adultery. |
Verse 33 Expanded Bible Comments
| Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| Where does this "thou shalt not foreswear thyself" come from? | "The Law had something to say respecting the taking of God's name in vain, and tradition had modified the Law and limited it to false swearing." - It comes from tradition. R3737:7 |
Verse 34 Expanded Bible Comments
| But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| What did Jesus say should be done in this regard? | Do not swear under any circumstances. |
| Why should we not swear by heaven? | Because it is God's throne. This would be as if we were attempting to bind God to our words! |
Verse 35 Expanded Bible Comments
| Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| Why not by earth? | The earth is God's footstool and we are to worship God at his footstool. - Psa. 99:5 |
| Why not by Jerusalem? | 1 Kings 11:36; 2 Chron. 6:6 |
Verse 36 Expanded Bible Comments
| Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| Why not by our head? | The point here is that we do not even really have control over our own bodies which are constantly changing. Why swear by that which is so changeable? |
Verse 37 Expanded Bible Comments
| But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| What is it that we should do in the manner of our communication, and why? | We are always to tell the truth. Anything else would be dishonorable. As we are to be ambassadors of Christ, and He always spoke the Truth, so, to the best of our ability, should we. |
[38] Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: [39] But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. [40] And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. [41] And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. [42] Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. [43] Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. [44] But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; [45] That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. [46] For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? [47] And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? [48] Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Verses 38, 39 Expanded Bible Comments
| Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: [39] But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer | What is the thought behind "an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth?" | Justice. Absolute equality. |
| What did our Lord mean when he said "Resist not evil?" | Do not be in the attitude of taking vengeance upon those who wrong you. Rom. 12:19 |
| What are we to do if someone were to hit us? | Take it. It is permitted of the Lord. How many of our Lord's opponents who attempted to do him physical harm did Jesus hit? Luke 22:50-51 |
| What would someone of the world most likely do if someone were to hit them? | Fight back or even plan greater harm. |
Verse 40 Expanded Bible Comments
| And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. | |
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| Question | Answer |
| What are we to do if someone sues us? | Take the verdict graciously and abide by it. |
Verse 41 Expanded Bible Comments
| And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. | |
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| Question | Answer | What does this verse have reference to and what is the lesson for us? | "And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain - an allusion, probably, to the practice of the Romans and some Eastern nations, who, when government dispatches had to be forwarded, obliged the people not only to furnish horses and carriages, but to give personal attendance, often at great inconvenience, when required. But the thing here demanded is a readiness to submit to unreasonable demands of whatever kind, rather than raise quarrels, with all the evils resulting from them. What follows is a beautiful extension of this precept." Jamieson, Fausset and Brown Commentary |
Verse 42 Expanded Bible Comments
| Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. | |
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| Question | Answer |
| Does this mean to give without any consideration? | No. The scriptures tell us to "owe no man anything.." Rom. 13:8. If we had to go into debt in order to "give to him that asketh of thee" then we would be in violation of Paul's instruction in Romans. The scriptures do not contradict themselves. We are therefore to be familiar with all of God's word and learn to apply all of the appropriate principles to any situation. Consider the argument of Satan and Jesus' response to it in Matt. 4:6,7. The point our Lord seems to be making here is that we should have the spirit of generosity. We have freely received from the Lord, therefore we should freely give to others while at the same time making sure we are able to meet our own obligations. |
Verses 43-45 Expanded Bible Comments
| Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. [44] But I say unto you, Love your enemies, and pray for them which persecute you; [45] That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. | |
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| Question | Answer |
| Where did the Jews hear "Thou shalt love thy neighbour and hate thine enemy?" | "Tradition taught that neighbors should be loved and enemies be hated." - R4559 |
| What did the Law say? | Lev. 19:18 |
| What did Jesus say? | Jesus said the same thing as in the law and then added "Love your enemies, and pray for them which persecute you." |
| What result is obtained by following what Jesus said? | "That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven." |
Verses 46, 47 Expanded Bible Comments
| For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? [47] And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? | |
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| Question | Answer |
| Why does Jesus point out that loving those that love us, and greeting only our brethren is the same as what the publicans do? | First we should understand how the Jews viewed the publicans. Please see R4587 His point is that our standard of conduct and our heart attitude should be at least on a par with that of the world. |
Verse 48 Expanded Bible Comments
| Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. | |
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| Question | Answer |
| How could we possibly be "perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect?" | It is possible to have perfect heart intention. In that sense we may be like our Father in heaven. |