Commentaries
Commentaries for Matthew Chapter 5
THE ETHICS OF GOD'S KINGDOM
Jesus summons those who would be his followers to radical devotion and radical dependence on God...
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The Setting of Jesus' Sermon
Various features of the setting contribute to Matthew's portrait of Jesus...
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Kingdom Rewards for the Repentant
If we truly repent in light of the coming kingdom, we will treat our neighbors rightly...
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Encouragement for Those Persecuted for the Gospel
In his final beatitudes Jesus declares not "Happy are those," but "Happy are you...
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Worthless Disciples
Jesus' audience at least partly includes "disciples" (5:1-2)...
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Jesus Applies Principles in God's Law
!!As if Jesus' words in 5:3-16 were not strong enough, he presents even more stringent demands of the kingdom in these verses...
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Christians Must Obey God's Law
Matthew uses Jesus' words in 5:17-20 as a thesis statement for the whole of 5:21-48 which follows...
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Angry Enough to Kill
This paragraph opens the section that runs from verse 21 through verse 48, which requires some introductory comment...
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Do Not Covet Others Sexually
Jesus' warning against lust would have challenged some ancient hearers' values...
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Do Not Betray Your Spouse by Divorce
Adultery is unfaithfulness to one's spouse or accommodating another person's unfaithfulness to that person's spouse...
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Oaths Are a Poor Substitute for Integrity
When Jesus quotes his Bible as prohibiting false vows and other oaths (Deut 23:23), he probably also has in view the Ten Commandments, as in Matthew 5:21, 27...
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Avoid Retribution and Resistance
Jesus here warns against legal retribution (vv...
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Love Your Enemies
Jesus demands not only that we not resist evil people assaulting our honor or possessions (vv...
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