Matthew 5:25-26 ESV

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 5:21-26

The Christian type of a true fulfilling of the Law: Christ's first illustration. Had the scribes and Pharisees not adulterated in many ways the Law, their righteousness would still have been the observing of the letter of commandments of the old covenant. The greatness of the moral step in advance now promulgated by Christ is measured by the fact that he sets as a necessity before his freshest recruits, that they should see better and do better than the masters and veterans of that old... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 5:21-26

The stringency of the gospel Law. "Ye have heard ," etc. The people generally were acquainted with the Law chiefly through the teaching of the scribes; but the scribes so mixed the traditions of the elders with the Word of inspiration, that it was needful that the Source of inspiration should speak again. "I say unto you." I. HERE CHRIST OPENS THE SPIRITUALITY OF THE LAW . 1 . He does not release us from the letter. 2 . He enjoins the Law is its spirit. ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 5:21-48

( a ) Our Lord is still concerned with the relation of himself and his followers to the religion of the day, of which the Old Testament ( Matthew 5:17 ), and more especially the Law ( Matthew 5:18 ), was the accepted standard. But after having spoken of the need of careful attention to ( Matthew 5:17 , Matthew 5:18 ), and observance of ( Matthew 5:19 ), even the least commands of the Law, he goes on to point out the far-reaching character of these commands, whether they are such... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 5:25

Agree with . And that not with a merely formal reconciliation, but reconciliation based on a permanent kindly feeling towards him ( ἴσθι εὐνοῶν ). Professor Margoliouth suggests that this is a confirmation of what he thinks is the original text of Ecclesiasticus 18:20, "Before judgment beg off". Thine adversary . Primarily the injured brother ( vide infra ), Quickly . For such is not the tendency of the human heart. Whiles . Delay not in making reconciliation while you have... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 5:25-26

Parallel passage: Luke 12:58 , Luke 12:59 . The question of the relation of the two passages, as regards both language and original connexion, is exceedingly difficult. As to the former, the verbal differences seem to be such as would hardly have been made on purpose, and to be rather due to memory; yet the agreement is too minute to be the result of memory of a Gospel only oral. Perhaps memory of a document best satisfies the conditions. As to the original connexion of the verses, they,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 5:26

Thou shalt by no means , etc. A solemn statement of the unrelenting character of justice. The Romanists hold that the verse implies The first statement is probable; but as for the slightest hint of the second, it is wholly wanting. Christ affirms that non-reconciliation with a brother, if carried beyond that limit of time within which the quarrel can be made up, involves consequences in which the element of mercy will be entirely absent. The element of mercy can enter up to a certain point... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 5:25-26

Agree with thine adversary quickly - This is still an illustration of the sixth commandment. To be in hostility, to go to law, to be litigious, is a violation always, on one side or the other, of the law requiring us to love our neighbor, and our Saviour regards it as a violation of the sixth commandment. While you are in the way with him, says he, that is, while you are going to the court, before the trial has taken place, it is your duty, if possible, to come to an agreement. It is wrong to... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Matthew 5:25

Matthew 5:25. Agree, &c. Here our Lord enforces the preceding exhortation, from the consideration of what is reckoned prudent in ordinary quarrel and law-suits. “In such cases, wise men always advise the party that has done wrong to make up matters with his adversary while it is in his power, lest the sentence of a judge, being interposed, fall heavy on him. For the same reason, we, who have offended our brother, ought to make it up with him, while an opportunity of repentance is... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Matthew 5:21-48

40. Legal obedience is not enough (Matthew 5:21-48; Luke 6:27-36; Luke 12:57-59)After his explanation concerning right and wrong attitudes to the law, Jesus gives a number of examples. He introduces these examples with statements such as ‘You have heard that it was said in the past’. This is not the same as ‘It is written’. Jesus is not quoting from the Old Testament but from the teachings of the scribes and Pharisees. He is not contradicting the law but the interpretations of the law that the... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Matthew 5:25

Agree = Be well-minded. Greek. eunoeo. Occurs only here. adversary = opponent (in a lawsuit). with. Greek. meta. officer. Here = the tax-collector, as shown by the Papyri. See note on Luke 12:58 . read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 5:21-26

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 5:21-26

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 5:21-48

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 5:25

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 5:25-26

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 5:26

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 5:25-26

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Matthew 5:25

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Matthew 5:21-48

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Matthew 5:25

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