Matthew 6:19-34 ESV

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:22-23

Simplicity of conscience. The illustration seems to be this—We see only through our eyes. All the light that the body enjoys comes through that pair of delicate organs. Thus, as the means of bringing light to us, our eyes are our lamps. Now, if the two eyes are confused so that they see double, they distort our vision. They must form a single image between them for us to be able to see clearly. If worse should happen, and our eyes should be blinded, all the blaze of noon can bring no light... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:22-23

The lamp of the body. Make a few introductory remarks on the brevity, the force of suggestion, and the depth of significance of these words of Jesus Christ. Explain that "the light of the body" should be rendered "the lamp of the body;" and that the word is distinct from the last word of the verse, rightly rendered "light." From the inattention that arises from so great familiarity with one of the grandest wonders of our life, both bodily and intelligent, strive to win this gracious... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:22-23

Purpose. The eye is the symbol for the purpose, motive, or intention of the heart. It is also put for the understanding. The head is powerfully influenced by the heart. Consider— I. THE EYE IN RELATION TO THE LIGHT . 1 . The eye is not self-luminous. 2 . It is the capacity for receiving light. 3 . The capacity for God may be destroyed. II. THE EYE IN RELATION TO THE BODY . 1 . Motive gives quality to conduct. 2 . The matter is... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:24

No man can serve two masters , etc. In Luke 16:13 the saying is found almost word for word immediately after the parable of the unjust steward. As the word "mammon" comes twice in that parable, but nowhere else in the New Testament, it is probable that its occurrence caused the insertion of this saying in that place (cf. Luke 16:22 , note). No man can serve two masters. The thought is still of earnestness of purpose and singleness of heart. Our Lord here speaks of the impossibility of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:24

The two masters. Christ here passes from the consideration of thoughts and desires to the large world of action. His rule of life touches us all round. It begins with the heart—the inner chamber, the sanctuary. It also applies to the life, the work, the scenes of daily life in the world. Now, we are carried out to this busy world to consider the principles that rule our conduct there. I. WE MUST HAVE A MASTER . This is assumed. Christ considers two forms of service. He does not... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:24

Singleness of service. To the most suggestive instruction and warning respecting singleness of eye follows now the subject, an evident sequel, of singleness of devotion. The most perfect perception and intelligence are certainly no guarantee of devotion of service, loyal and unswerving; but if there be the ready mind and honest disposition to this, then the sight, clear and quick, and perception unerring, will be most tributary to that service. The vainest waste of effort, the most prodigal... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:24

Competitive services. After discoursing of our treasure ( Matthew 6:19-21 ), and of the motive that should influence conduct ( Matthew 6:22 , Matthew 6:23 ), our Lord here indicates two competitive services, viz. the service of God and the service of mammon. We have submitted to our acceptance— I. THE SERVICE OF GOD . 1 . This implies trust in him. 2 . It implies love to God. 3 . It implies imitation of God. II. THE SERVICE OF MAMMON . 1 . ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:25

Therefore ( διὰ τοῦτο ). Because of this fact last mentioned, the impossibility of dividing your service. Cease to be anxious about things of this life, for anxiety about these is a mark of your attempting this impossibility. I say unto you . Though the absence of the personal pronoun (unlike Matthew 5:22 , etc.) shows that he is not here contrasting himself with them or with others, yet he still emphasizes his authority. Take no thought ; Revised Version, be not anxious ( μὴ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:25

The proper limits of human anxiety. The evil dealt with in this passage is "undue secular anxiety." "Think of the uncertainty of almost everything we have—life, health, friendship, domestic relationships and affections, riches, commerce. Life has many sad surprises and disappointments. Our own day is full of care." Where is abundant cause for anxiety. But Christ reminds us of a truth which should put our earthly care into strict limitations. We have a Father who is actually and effectively... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:25-30

Christ's remedy for anxiety. Having touched upon the active ministry of life, our Lord at once proceeds to treat its besetting trouble with an amplitude of illustration which shows how important he considered it to be. I. THE NATURE OF THE EVIL . We are misled by the word "thought," which has dropped one of its old meanings since the Authorized Version of the New Testament was issued. Christ is not depreciating an intellectual exercise, much less is he encouraging improvidence.... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:22-23

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:22-23

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:22-23

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:24

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:24

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:24

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:24

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:25

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:25

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:25-30

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