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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 5:22

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 5:22-23

The Christian idea of brotherhood. Our Lord illustrated the application of the new Christian principles to various spheres and relations. Or to state more precisely his point, he showed how the regenerate character would put a new tone on all the life-associations. In a general way, the Christian light is to shine freely all abroad. In a particular way, the Christian influence is to affect a man's first sphere, the sphere of human relationships, represented by the term "brotherhood." From... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 5:23

Therefore . Seeing that the consequences of an angry spirit are so terrible. For there is no thought here of an unforgiving spirit spoiling the acceptance of the gift ( vide infra ) . Our Lord is insisting that it is so important to lose no time in seeking reconciliation with a person whom one has injured, that even the very holiest action must be put off for it. If thou bring ; Revised Version, if …. thou art offering ; ἐὰν … προσφέρῃς (similarly, πρόσηερε , Matthew... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 5:24

First . Joined in the Authorized Version and Revised Version to "be reconciled,'' and rightly, since the point is not "the unavoidable, surprising, nay, repellent removal of one's self from the temple" (Meyer), but reconciliation. Be reconciled ( διαλλάγηθι ); here only in the New Testament. There seems to be no essential difference between this and καταλλάσσω ( vide Thayer). read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 5:21

Ye have heard - Or, this is the common interpretation among the Jews. Jesus proceeds here to comment on some prevailing opinions among the Jews; to show that the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees was defective; and that people needed a better righteousness, or they could not be saved. He illustrates what he meant by that better righteousness by showing that the common opinions of the scribes were erroneous.By them of old time - This might be translated to the ancients, referring to... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 5:22

But I say unto you - Jesus being God as well as man John 1:1, John 1:14, and therefore, being the original giver of the law, had a right to expound it or change it as he pleased. Compare Matthew 12:6, Matthew 12:8. He therefore spoke here and elsewhere as having authority, and not as the scribes. It may be added here that no mere man ever spake as Jesus did, when explaining or enforcing the law. He did it as having a right to do it; and he that has a right to ordain and change laws in the... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 5:23-24

Therefore, if thou bring thy gift to the altar ... - The Pharisees were intent only on the external act in worship. They looked not at all to the internal state of the mind. If a man conformed to the external rites of religion, however much envy, and malice, and secret hatred he might have, they thought he was doing well. Our Saviour taught a different doctrine. It was of more consequence to have the heart right than to perform the outward act. If, therefore, says he, a man has gone so far as... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Matthew 5:21-22

Matthew 5:21-22. Ye have heard Namely, from the scribes reciting the law, that it was said by them of old time, or to the ancients, as ερρεθη τιος αρχαιοις , might be properly rendered. Thou shalt not kill Words which they interpreted barely of the outward act of murder; and whosoever shall kill Or be guilty of that act, shall be in danger of, or, obnoxious to the judgment To understand this, it is necessary to observe, that the Jews had, in every city, a common court of... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Matthew 5:23

Matthew 5:23. Therefore, &c. “Because men are very apt to fall into rash anger, and to express their anger by contemptuous speeches and abusive names, fancying that there is no sin in these things, or but little, and that the compensation may easily be made for them by acts of devotion, Jesus declares that atonement is not to be made for these offences by any offerings, how costly soever, and therefore prescribes immediate repentance and reparation as the only remedies of them. He... read more

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