Read & Study the Bible Online - Bible Portal
John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 6:4

Verse 4 4.That thy alms may be in secret This statement appears to be opposed to many passages of Scripture, in which we are commanded to edify the brethren by good examples. But if we attend to the design of Christ, we must not give a more extensive meaning to the words. (427) He commands his disciples to devote themselves to good works purely, and without any ambition. In order to do this, he bids them turn away their eyes from the sight of men, and to reckon it enough that their duties are... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 6:5

Verse 5 5.When thou shalt pray He now gives the same instruction as to prayer, which he had formerly given as to alms. It is a gross and shameful profanation of the name of God, when hypocritcs, in order to obtain glory from men, pray in public, or at least make a pretense of praying. But, as hypocrisy is always ambitious, we need not wonder that it is also blind. Christ, therefore, commands his disciples, if they wish to pray in a right manner, to enter into their closet Some expositors,... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 6:7

Verse 7 7.Use not vain repetitions He reproves another fault in prayer, a multiplicity of words. There are two words used, but in the same sense: for βαττολογία is “a superfluous and affected repetition,” and πολυλογία is “unmeaning talk.” Christ reproves the folly of those who, with the view of persuading and entreating God, pour out a superfluity of words. This doctrine is not inconsistent with the praises everywhere bestowed in Scripture on earnestness in prayer: for, when prayer is offered... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:1

Matthew only. Take heed ; προσέχετε [ δέ ] (Westcott and Hort). If "but" is genuine, as is on the whole more probable, our Lord places this warning in close relation to the preceding charge. Aim at "perfection," but beware of mere show. Rather you must consider the estimate that will be formed of you by your Father which is in heaven. That ye do not your alms ; Revised Version, your righteousness ( so the manuscripts). Although one of the Hebrew words for "righteousness" ( הקרץ ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:1

Ostentatious religion. Having spoken of the duties of everyday social life, our Lord now passes on to deal with specifically religious actions—almsgiving, prayer, fasting. One thing he condemns in regard to all of these actions, viz. ostentation. His great requirement is sincerity, and, with this, simplicity and humility. I. THE CHARACTER OF OSTENTATIOUS RELIGION . It is a theatrical performance, carried through before the eyes of men and in order to secure their admiration. In... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:1

The Christian law of giving. In this second part of the sermon our Lord teaches his disciples how they should stand related to the recognized and usual expressions of religious life. In those days everybody who professed to be religious sought to show people their religion by giving alms, praying, and fasting. But Jesus taught that character, motive, spirit, were the things of supreme importance; and so here he virtually says, "Take care of the motives that inspire religions acts. They win... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:1-4

As to the duty of giving alms. The matter of the discourse of our Lord proceeds from his illustration of the hitherto unpractised and unnoticed spiritual significance, depth, and far-reachingness of the Law, to admonitions which must ever be so sure to be needed—of simplicity of motive and purity of heart in our works of "righteousness," or, as perhaps we should more naturally describe them in modern phrase, of religion. It must be noted that the Received Version reads mistakenly, in ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:1-4

Almsgiving. Underlying this subject is that of social inequality. Without the latter there would be no necessity and therefore no opportunity for alms-giving. Poverty is not an unmitigated evil. Affluence is not an unmixed good. I. SOCIAL INEQUALITY IS A BENEFICENT ARRANGEMENT . 1 . It aids the progress of civilization. 2 . It educates the moral qualities. 3 . Poverty is not without advantages. II. BENEFICENCE SHOULD BE WITHOUT OSTENTATION , 1... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:1-18

The relation of our Lord and his disciples to the religion of the day ( continued ); vide Matthew 5:17 , note. ( b ) Our Lord turns from cases which could be directly deduced from the Law to those which belonged only to recognized religious duty. Of these he instances three: alms ( Matthew 5:2-4 ), prayer ( Matthew 5:5-8 , Matthew 5:9-15 ), fasting ( Matthew 5:16-18 ). It is, indeed, true that the performance of these duties on special occasions was implied in the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:1-18

The third part of the sermon: the danger of unreality. I. THE FIRST EXAMPLE : ALMSGIVING . 1. The spiritual estimate of actions. The Christian's righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees. They did their righteousness, their good works, before men, to be seen of them. It must not be so with us. Indeed, we are bidden to let our light shine before men. A holy life hath a persuasive eloquence, more persuasive far than holy words; it must not be hidden; its... read more

Group of Brands