The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 23:1-39
Denunciation of the scribes and Pharisees, and lamentation over Jerusalem which followed their guidance to her own destruction. (Peculiar to St. Matthew.) read more
Matthew 23:5-7 Niv
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 23:2-12
The moral character of the scribes and Pharisees, and warning to Christ ' s disciples. read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 23:2-33
Pharisees and Sadducees. The Pharisees first appear under this name in Jewish history about the year B.C. 160. There had been Separatists, or Puritans, as far back as the Captivity, but it was alter the return to Palestine that events gave an impulse to the Separatist idea so strong as to consolidate what might otherwise have remained a tendency. The Jews had learned the value of commerce, and it was found impossible, in dealing with foreign merchants, to observe the minute regulations... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 23:5
For to be seen of men. The second bad principle in their religion was ostentation and vanity. Acts done professedly in the honour of God were animated by self-seeking and ambition. They never penetrated beyond externalism. See this spirit reproved in the sermon on the mount ( Matthew 6:1 , Matthew 6:2 , etc.). "They loved the glory of men more than the glory of God" ( John 12:43 ). Christ then gives proofs of this spirit of ostentation in religion and in private life. Phylacteries ; ... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 23:5
The fascination of human praise. "All their works they do for to be seen of men." It is right for us to desire acceptance and favour with our fellow men. The desire for human praise is a proper incentive and inspiration, which no moralist can afford to underestimate. But in relation to it, we must apply the ever-working law of Christian moderation. The love of praise very readily becomes an absorbing mania, and, like all manias, it implies mental and moral deterioration. A man may come to... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 23:6
The uppermost rooms; τη Ì ν πρωτοκλισι ì αν : primos recubitus ; chief place ( Luke 14:7 ). The custom of reclining on cushions set in horseshoe fashion at three sides of the table was now prevalent, the old custom of squatting round a low table, as at present practised in the East, having been long abandoned. The place of honour is said to have been at the upper end of the right side, the president being placed, not in the centre of that end of the table which faced... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 23:7
Greetings in the markets. They loved to be denoted as superiors by respectful salutations in public places. To be called Rabbi, Rabbi; " My Master" (compare the French Monsieur, used not only vocatively, but absolutely); the term addressed by scholars to their teacher, and repeated for ostentation's sake, of course implying superiority in those thus called. Christ himself was thus addressed by those who desired to denote his authority and preeminence ( Matthew 22:16 , Matthew 22:24 ,... read more
Albert Barnes
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 23:5
Their phylacteries - The word “phylactery” comes from a word signifying to keep, preserve, or guard. The name was given because phylacteries were worn as amulets or charms, and were supposed to defend or preserve those who wore them from evil. They were small slips of parchment or vellum, on which were written certain portions of the Old Testament. The practice of using phylacteries was founded on a literal interpretation of that passage where God commands the Hebrews to have the law as a sign... read more
Albert Barnes
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 23:6
The uppermost rooms at feasts - The word “rooms,” here, by no means expresses the meaning of the original. It would be correctly rendered the uppermost “places or couches” at feasts. To understand this, it is necessary to remark that the custom among the Jews was not to eat sitting, as we do, but reclining on couches. The table was made by “three” tables, raised like ours and placed so as to form a square, with a clear space in the midst, and one end quite open. Around these tables were placed... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 23:1-12
Ethics of authority. After Jesus had put the Jewish sectaries to silence, he addressed his disciples and the people, who had witnessed his encounters, as to how they should deport themselves in respect to the scribes and Pharisees. I. SECULAR AUTHORITY SHOULD BE RESPECTED . 1 . Jewish magistrates were to be obeyed. 2 . Pagan rulers are to be obeyed. II. THE EXAMPLE OF EVIL RULERS MUST BE AVOIDED . 1 . As inconsistent teachers. 2 . As... read more