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Matthew 23:2
Verse
Context
Sermons
Bill McLeod
Zac Poonen
St. John Chrysostom
A.W. PinkSummary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit--The Jewish teachers stood to read, but sat to expound the Scriptures, as will be seen by comparing Luk 4:16 with Mat 23:20. in Moses' seat--that is, as interpreters of the law given by Moses.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Saying, the Scribes and Pharisees,.... The Persic version adds, the priests: but Christ does not here speak of the sanhedrim, or grand council of the nation, and of their legislative power; but of those that were the teachers of the people, and the interpreters of the law; and of those, who, though they corrupted the word with their glosses and traditions, yet retained some truth, and at least came nearer truth, than the Sadducees; who therefore are omitted, and only Scribes and Pharisees mentioned, who gave the literal and traditional sense of the Scriptures; of whom he says, they sit in Moses's seat: not that they were his successors in his office as a legislator and mediator; though the Persic version reads it, "sit in the place and chair of Moses"; but they read his law, and explained it to the people: this post and place, as yet, they kept in the office they were, and were to continue; and the people were to regard them so far as they spoke consistent with the law, until it had its full accomplishment in Christ. The allusion is not to the chairs in which the sanhedrim sat in trying and determining causes, but to those in which the doctors sat when they expounded the law; for though they stood up when they read the law, or the prophets, they sat down when they preached out of them: this custom of the synagogue was observed by our Lord; see Luk 4:16.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
23:2 the Pharisees are the official interpreters of the law of Moses: They transmitted the oral traditions that were associated with the law and thought to be from Moses, and they judged religious and social matters on the basis of these traditions (see 15:2).
Matthew 23:2
Woes to Scribes and Pharisees
1Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples:2“The scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat.3So practice and observe everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Christ Is All - in Scripture
By Bill McLeod1.6K46:28Fulness Of ChristPSA 2:10PSA 40:7PSA 41:9MAT 1:21MAT 28:19MRK 14:62COL 3:11TIT 3:7PHM 1:1In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Mark 16 and Luke 1 from the Bible. He highlights how Jesus reproached his disciples for their lack of belief in his resurrection and then commanded them to preach the gospel to the world. The speaker also mentions that some versions of the Bible omit miracles and end with Jesus' death on the cross, portraying him as a good man and advocate of peace. However, the speaker emphasizes that the Bible is truly all about Jesus and explores the significance of his ministry and his role as the Son of God.
Brokenness Essential to Build the Church
By Zac Poonen1.1K1:41:21MAT 16:18MAT 23:2
This sermon focuses on Matthew 16 being the first mention of the word 'church' in the Bible, where Jesus declares He will build His church on the rock of Peter's confession that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. It emphasizes the importance of having a revelation from God about Jesus to successfully build a church. Additionally, it highlights the two commendable qualities Jesus acknowledged in the Pharisees despite their flaws: their correct doctrines and their respect for authority. The sermon also delves into the significance of Jesus' submission to the Father's will, showcasing the necessity of brokenness and surrender even in Jesus' life to exercise authority in the church.
The Present Obligation of Primitive Practice. a Sin of the Church
By J.H. Newman0DEU 29:9JDG 17:6MAT 23:2MAT 24:12LUK 1:6LUK 22:192TI 2:15HEB 6:2REV 2:5J.H. Newman reflects on the present state of the Christian Church compared to its primitive form, emphasizing the temptation to dismiss ancient principles as theoretical and impractical. Drawing parallels from the history of the Jewish Church, he highlights the importance of strict obedience to God's commands despite societal norms. Newman urges believers to look to Jesus and the Apostles as examples of unwavering obedience and emphasizes the need to maintain the discipline and teachings of the early Church, including the Apostolical Succession. He warns against neglecting practices like regular communion, stressing the significance of following God's will diligently to avoid spiritual decline.
Hebrews 13:17-25
By St. John Chrysostom0MAT 23:2John Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of obeying and submitting to rulers, highlighting the dangers of anarchy, disobedience, and the impact of having wicked rulers. He encourages believers to focus on the teachings of their leaders rather than their personal lives, reminding them to follow good works and faith. Chrysostom urges rulers to watch over their flock diligently, warning them of the accountability they have for the souls under their care. He concludes by exhorting everyone to seek perfection in good works, to be mindful of God's will, and to allow the grace of God to work in them for His pleasure.
Spiritual Nourishment
By A.W. Pink0MAT 5:20MAT 7:29MAT 23:2MRK 1:22LUK 11:52The preacher delves into the significance of Scribes, known as grammateus in Greek, who were experts in Jewish law and Scripture, serving as teachers, copyists, and interpreters. They were part of a learned class from ancient Israel through New Testament times, often associated with the Pharisees and chief priests. Despite their knowledge, they were reproved by Jesus for their hypocrisy and misuse of religious laws, focusing on external formalism rather than true piety and spiritual life.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit--The Jewish teachers stood to read, but sat to expound the Scriptures, as will be seen by comparing Luk 4:16 with Mat 23:20. in Moses' seat--that is, as interpreters of the law given by Moses.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Saying, the Scribes and Pharisees,.... The Persic version adds, the priests: but Christ does not here speak of the sanhedrim, or grand council of the nation, and of their legislative power; but of those that were the teachers of the people, and the interpreters of the law; and of those, who, though they corrupted the word with their glosses and traditions, yet retained some truth, and at least came nearer truth, than the Sadducees; who therefore are omitted, and only Scribes and Pharisees mentioned, who gave the literal and traditional sense of the Scriptures; of whom he says, they sit in Moses's seat: not that they were his successors in his office as a legislator and mediator; though the Persic version reads it, "sit in the place and chair of Moses"; but they read his law, and explained it to the people: this post and place, as yet, they kept in the office they were, and were to continue; and the people were to regard them so far as they spoke consistent with the law, until it had its full accomplishment in Christ. The allusion is not to the chairs in which the sanhedrim sat in trying and determining causes, but to those in which the doctors sat when they expounded the law; for though they stood up when they read the law, or the prophets, they sat down when they preached out of them: this custom of the synagogue was observed by our Lord; see Luk 4:16.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
23:2 the Pharisees are the official interpreters of the law of Moses: They transmitted the oral traditions that were associated with the law and thought to be from Moses, and they judged religious and social matters on the basis of these traditions (see 15:2).