The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 5:22
But I say unto you . "I" emphatic (as also in Matthew 5:28 , Matthew 5:32 , Matthew 5:34 , Matthew 5:39 , Matthew 5:44 ), in contrast to God, as God ' s utterance was then conditioned ; i.e. in contrast to God's voice to and through Moses (cf. John 1:17 ; John 7:23 ; Hebrews 10:28 , Hebrews 10:29 ). Christ claims for his words the same authority, and more than the same authority, as for those spoken once by God. The circumstances had altered; the message for τοῖς... read more
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