Perfection. Here is an attainable perfection, for it comes to us as a promise as well as a command. But what is it? I. IT CANNOT BE THE ABSOLUTE PERFECTION OF GOD . 1 . There is an infinite difference between God and man in their being. 2 . There is an infinite difference in their presence. 3 . There is an infinite difference in their power. 4 . There is an infinite difference in their holiness. II. IF THE PERFECTION BE NOT ABSOLUTE ... read more
And if ye salute . It seems almost a bathos after "love." But it expresses love publicly showing itself by kindly greeting. Your brethren ; with whom you have the fellow-feeling of common origin—in this case not national, but spiritual (cf. Matthew 5:22 , note). What do you more than others? ( τί περισσὸν ποιεῖτε ); Tyndale," What singuler thynge doe ye?" Do not even the publicans? Revised Version, the Gentiles ? with the manuscripts. "The form used ( ἐθνικός ) ... read more
And if you salute your brethren ... - The word “salute” here means to show the customary tokens of civility, or to treat with the common marks of friendship. See the notes at Luke 10:4. The Saviour says that the worst men, the very publicans, would do this. Christians should do more; they should show that they have a different spirit; they should treat their “enemies” as well as wicked people do their “friends.” This should be done:Because it is “right;” it is the only really amiable spirit;... read more
40. Legal obedience is not enough (Matthew 5:21-48; Luke 6:27-36; Luke 12:57-59)After his explanation concerning right and wrong attitudes to the law, Jesus gives a number of examples. He introduces these examples with statements such as ‘You have heard that it was said in the past’. This is not the same as ‘It is written’. Jesus is not quoting from the Old Testament but from the teachings of the scribes and Pharisees. He is not contradicting the law but the interpretations of the law that the... read more
publicans. L. with Vulgate and some codices read "Gentiles". The publican was despised; Gentiles were detested. read more
And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the Gentiles the same?This is one of the most interesting statements Jesus ever made, "What do ye more than others?" The implications of this are positively profound. Implicit in these words is the proclamation that Christians are different; they love more than others, will do more than others, and are in fact better in every way than others. Their righteousness is a matter of going beyond, giving the cloak also,... read more
Matthew 5:47. And if ye salute— The original word ασπασησθε denotes all outward signs of friendship, such as embracing, wishing well, &c. It is the word used by the apostles in their salutations, Romans 16:0 &c. The meaning of it seems to be the same with that of the word to bless, Matthew 5:44. See ch. Mat 10:12 and compare Luke 10:5. Instead of, your brethren, some copies read, your friends, which seems to have been added by way of explanation. The Jews embraced their own countrymen,... read more
47. And if ye salute your brethren only—of the same nation and religion with yourselves. what do ye more than others?—what do ye uncommon or extraordinary? that is, wherein do ye excel? do not even the publicans so?—The true reading here appears to be, "Do not even the heathens the same?" Compare :-, where the excommunicated person is said to be "as an heathen man and a publican." read more
Righteousness and the Scriptures 5:17-48In His discussion of righteousness (character and conduct that conforms to the will of God), Jesus went back to the revelation of God’s will, namely, God’s Word, the Old Testament. read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 5:43-48
The perfect fulfilling of Law: Christ's sixth illustration. This last illustration makes two advances upon even those foregoing. From the negative course, of not resisting evil, Christ proceeds to teach the high and moral principle of doing good for evil, positively and practically. Further, this illustration moves in that highest sphere where law merges in love. It finds its material in that law of love which comprehends the perfect fulfilling of law. The words of Chrysostom are well worth... read more