Matthew 7:12

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 7:11-12

The improvement upon the earthly pattern. Although the "asking" in Matthew 7:7 was pressed on to the further developments of "seeking" and "knocking," our Lord returns here to the most generic form of application on the part of one person to another in his use of the word "ask," when he speaks of "them that ask him." But, perhaps, not only because this is the most generic description of application from one to another is the word used in this connection, but because further it embodies... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 7:12

Matthew 7:12 , parallel passage: Luke 6:31 ; 12b, Matthew only. All things therefore . Therefore. Summing up the lesson of verses 1-11 (cf. verse 7, note). In consequence of all that I have said about censoriousness and the means of overcoming it, let the very opposite feeling rule your conduct towards others. Let all (emphatic) your dealings with men be conducted in the same spirit in which you would desire them to deal with you. Even so . Not "these things" do ye to them; for our... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 7:12

The golden rule. This is the great Christian rule of life. In some respects it was not unknown before Christ; the famous rabbi Hillel is said to have uttered a maxim somewhat like it. Nevertheless, it is distinctly Christian because Christ sets it before us as of primary importance, because it is the first rule of Christian conduct, because it is the law of our Lord's own life, and because he alone shows us how it can be carried out in practice and so makes it real and living. I. WHAT ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 7:12

Primary moral duties not original. It is critically urged that our Lord's moral teachings were not original. We may gladly admit that they were not. How could they be? What are original moral teachings? Man was endowed from the beginning with the complete circle of moral principles. If he had them not at the very first, he gained them all in the first experiences of human relationship; and the "Decalogue ' did but state, in brief and formal sentences, the moral duties which man has always... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 7:12

All things whatsoever ... - This command has been usually called the “Saviour’s golden rule,” a name given to it on account of its great value. All that you “expect” or “desire” of others in similar circumstances, do to them. Act not from selfishness or injustice, but put yourself in the place of the other, and ask what you would expect of him. This would make you impartial, candid, and just. It would destroy avarice, envy, treachery, unkindness, slander, theft, adultery, and murder. It has... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Matthew 7:12

Matthew 7:12. Therefore all things, &c. As if he had said, But it is only on this condition that he will give, and continue to give them, viz., that ye follow the example of his equity and benevolence, that you imitate the God of love; that, being “animated by his goodness, you study to express your gratitude for it by your integrity and kindness to your fellow-creatures, treating them, in every instance, as you would think it reasonable to be treated by them, if you were in their... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Matthew 7:7-12

44. Prayers of request (Matthew 7:7-12; Luke 11:5-13)Jesus gave two illustrations to show his followers that they can put their requests to God confidently. Even a tired and uncooperative neighbour can be persuaded by a person’s persistence into giving him what he needs. How much more will God, who is a loving Father, supply all the needs of his children (Luke 11:5-10). Christians do not have to beg from a God who is unwilling to give. They go to God as children go to their father, confident... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Matthew 7:12

Therefore. Summing up all that has been said in verses: Matthew 7:1-11 . would = be willing. See App-102 . the law. See note on Matthew 5:17 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Matthew 7:12

All things therefore whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, even so do ye also unto them: for this is the law and the prophets.This is the Golden Rule. Since it is in this place connected with our Lord's teaching on prayer, the observance of this principle, therefore, becomes one of the conditions of acceptable prayer, along with a forgiving heart, importunity, and general submissiveness to the Father's will. There have been countless parodies on this. Westcott said, "Do unto the... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Matthew 7:12

Matthew 7:12. Therefore, all things, &c.— The Ουν , Therefore, is by no means a mere expletive in this passage, for there is a force in the connection beyond what has been generally observed. Because our Saviour was referring his hearers, observes Macknight, to what passed within themselves, he took occasionto engraft upon those feelings one of the noblest, plainest pieces of morality, which Doddridge thus connects with the preceding verses: "Being animated, therefore, by his goodness,... read more

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