Matthew 5:2

2. Opened his mouth The phrase expresses the importance of the utterance. The Orientals, especially the Hindoos, when narrating the commands or precepts of some god, hero, or teacher, use the phrase, he opened his mouth, as a formula of high dignity. They use for the word opened, not the ordinary term for opening a door, but the term that designates the opening or expanding of a flower. Saying This word implies that the following is a substantial summary of his discourse.

The discourse itself has been treated too much by commentators as a mere series of sentiments and maxims, with little plan or symmetry as a whole. If we mistake not, there exists a true order of parts, not formally announced or artificially studied, but naturally arising from the true position of the discourse. Tholuck and Stier have both given plans of the discourse, founded on their own analyses. My own plan differs wholly from either, being, as I conceive, more simple, true, and accordant with the position of the sermon as a platform amid surrounding religious systems.

The discourse, as a programme of the principles of the New Testament dispensation, is clearly distinguishable into three parts, and the following may be given as its outline:

PLAN.

I. CHRISTIAN PIETY, AS DISTINGUISHED FROM IRRELIGION. Matthew 5:3-16.

1 . Nine benedictions upon humility, penitence, meekness, aspirations after goodness, mercy, purity, peacemaking, and holy suffering for righteousness’ sake. 3-12.

2 . Woes pronounced upon contrary traits. Luke 6:24-26.

3 . Active duties enjoined upon the blessed ones. 13-16.

II. CHRISTIAN PIETY, AS DISTINGUISHED FROM JUDAISM. Matthew 5:17; Matthew 6:19.

1 . Is the completion of pure Judaism. 17-20.

2 . Distinguished from degenerate Judaism, in regard to (1.) angry passions, (2.) sexual purity, (3.) oaths, (4.) conciliation, (5.) moral love, (6.) sincerity in alms, prayer, and fasting. Matthew 5:20 to Matthew 6:18.

III. CHRISTIANITY, AS DISTINGUISHED FROM GENTILISM. Matthew 6:19 to Matthew 7:27.

1 . Supreme trust in God our provident Father. Matthew 6:19-34.

(1.) The earth-treasures must not come into competition with the heavenly treasures. 19-23.

(2.) The world-god must not stand in competition with our heavenly Father. 24-34.

2 . Supreme reverence for God as our adjudging Father.

Matthew 7:1-27.

(1.) Usurp not his place as Judge. Matthew 7:1-6.

(2.) Confide in his more than earthly paternity. 7-12.

(3.) Enter the narrow way to him, avoiding all false guides. 13-20.

(4.) Profession no assurance before his judgment-bar. 21-23.

(5.) We stand or fall in judgment, only by obedience to Christ’s words. 24-27.