Matthew 6

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:12-15

The Lord's Prayer (part 3). Having considered three of the seven petitions of this wonderful prayer, we come to consider those remaining, which have reference to the forgiveness of evil and deliverance from the evil one. I. THE FORGIVENESS OF EVIL . 1 . We need this. 2 . It is conditionally promised. II. DEFENCE AGAINST THE EVIL ONE . 1 . Lead us not , into temptation. 2 . Deliver us from the evil one. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:13

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil . Luke omits the second half. And lead us not ( καὶ μὴ εἰσενέγκῃς ἡμᾶς ); and bring us not (Revised Version), for εἰσφέρω thinks rather of the issue (cf. Luke 5:18 , Luke 5:19 : Luke 12:11 ) than of the personal guidance. This first clause is a prayer against being brought into the fulness and awfulness of temptation. As such it cannot, indeed, always be granted, since in exceptional cases this may be part of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:14-15

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, etc. Matthew only. To insert the reason for having said, in the Lord's Prayer, "as we forgive our debtors," emphasizes the necessity of such forgiveness. Trespasses ; παραπτώματα , not ὀφειλήματα (verse 12). Our Lord uses a word which would forbid any limitation to pecuniary matters. Their trespasses. Omitted by Tischendorf, and bracketed by Westcott and Hort. The omission more sharply contrasts "men" and "your Father." read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:16

Fasting. The third in the series of recognized religious duties ( Matthew 6:1 , note). (On the prominence given to fasting, see 'Psalms of Solomon,' 3:9, with Ryle's and James's note, and Schurer, II . 2:118; cf. Matthew 9:14 .) Observe read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:16

The moral influence of fasting. The three expressions of the religious life introduced here—almsgiving, prayer, and fasting—are not treated as duties which we are bound to fulfil, but as things to which we are inwardly impelled by the movements of that religious life. Fasting especially is a personal resolve rather than a prescribed duty—helpful and useful, if a man thus voluntarily brings his body into self-restraint; a snare if, without a man's will, it is done in order to gain merit.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:16-18

Matthew only. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:16-18

The manner of fasting. As, of the three specific admonitions regarding our personal religious exercises, the first on "the manner of almsgiving ," and the second on " the manner of praying ," have had their gracious treatment; so now the third follows, on " the manner of fasting. " We have not here any express injunction to fast, nor had we any to give alms or to pray. In each case the prefatory words are in the same form, "when thou doest thine alms;" "when thou prayest;" and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:16-18

Fasting. This is nowhere in the gospel enjoined as a duty. It is, like the profession of the Nazarite, left to individual freedom. The service of freedom is the service of love (cf. Luke 2:37 ; Acts 10:30 ; Acts 13:3 ). The spirit of the fast is in the heart (cf. Psalms 35:13 ; Isaiah 58:5-7 ). The usefulness of fasting is recognized in the directions here given as to the manner of its use. It is useful as a means to dispose us to the fulfilment of duties enjoined. Note— I. ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:17

But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face. If both these were, among the Jews, done daily, Christ's command would mean—make no external sign of fasting; dress and appear as usual. But as anointing, at least, cannot be proved to have been a daily habit (though expressly forbidden during the stricter kinds of fasts, see Schurer, II . 2.212), especially with the mixed classes whom our Lord was addressing, and as it was with the ancients rather a symbol of special joy,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:18

Which is in secret ( τῷ ἐν τῷ κρυφαίῳ ); Matthew 6:6 , note. Shall reward thee openly ( Matthew 6:4 , note). read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:12-15

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:13

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:14-15

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:16

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:16

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:16-18

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:16-18

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:16-18

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:17

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:18

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