Matthew 5:1
Verse
Context
Sermons
Leonard Ravenhill
Paul Washer
Alan RedpathLeonard Ravenhill
J. Edwin Orr
Bob MumfordLeonard RavenhillSummary
Commentary
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
We have here a general account of this sermon. I. The Preacher was our Lord Jesus, the Prince of preachers, the great Prophet of his church, who came into the world, to be the Light of the world. The prophets and John had done virtuously in preaching, but Christ excelled them all. He is the eternal Wisdom, that lay in the bosom of the Father, before all worlds, and perfectly knew his will (Joh 1:18); and he is the eternal Word, by whom he has in these last days spoken to us. The many miraculous cures wrought by Christ in Galilee, which we read of in the close of the foregoing chapter, were intended to make way for this sermon, and to dispose people to receive instructions from one in whom there appeared so much of a divine power and goodness; and, probably, this sermon was the summary, or rehearsal, of what he had preached up and down in the synagogues of Galilee. His text was, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. This is a sermon on the former part of that text, showing what it is to repent; it is to reform, both in judgment and practice; and here he tells us wherein, in answer to that question (Mal 3:7), Wherein shall we return? He afterward preached upon the latter part of the text, when, in divers parables, he showed what the kingdom of heaven is like, ch. 13. II. The place was a mountain in Galilee. As in other things, so in this, our Lord Jesus was but ill accommodated; he had no convenient place to preach in, any more than to lay his head on. While the scribes and Pharisees had Moses' chair to sit in, with all possible ease, honour, and state, and there corrupted the law; our Lord Jesus, the great Teacher of truth, is driven out to the desert, and finds no better a pulpit than a mountain can afford; and not one of the holy mountains neither, not one of the mountains of Zion, but a common mountain; by which Christ would intimate that there is no such distinguishing holiness of places now, under the gospel, as there was under the law; but that it is the will of God that men should pray and preach every where, any where, provided it be decent and convenient. Christ preached this sermon, which was an exposition of the law, upon a mountain, because upon a mountain the law was given; and this was also a solemn promulgation of the Christian law. But observe the difference: when the law was given, the Lord came down upon the mountain; now the Lord went up: then, he spoke in thunder and lightning; now, in a still small voice: then the people were ordered to keep their distance; now they are invited to draw near: a blessed change! If God's grace and goodness are (as they certainly are) his glory, then the glory of the gospel is the glory that excels, for grace and truth came by Jesus Christ, Co2 3:7; Heb 12:18, etc. It was foretold of Zebulun and Issachar, two of the tribes of Galilee (Deu 33:19), that they shall call the people to the mountain; to this mountain we are called, to learn to offer the sacrifices of righteousness. Now was this the mountain of the Lord, where he taught us his ways, Isa 2:2, Isa 2:3; Mic 4:1, Mic 4:2. III. The auditors were his disciples, who came unto him; came at his call, as appears by comparing Mar 3:13, Luk 6:13. To them he directed his speech, because they followed him for love and learning, while others attended him only for cures. He taught them, because they were willing to be taught (the meek will he teach his way); because they would understand what he taught, which to others was foolishness; and because they were to teach others; and it was therefore requisite that they should have a clear and distinct knowledge of these things themselves. The duties prescribed in this sermon were to be conscientiously performed by all those that would enter into that kingdom of heaven which they were sent to set up, with hope to have the benefit of it. But though this discourse was directed to the disciples, it was in the hearing of the multitude; for it is said (Mat 7:28), The people were astonished. No bounds were set about this mountain, to keep the people off, as were about mount Sinai (Exo 19:12); for, through Christ, we have access to God, not only to speak to him, but to hear from him. Nay, he had an eye to the multitude, in preaching this sermon. When the fame of his miracles had brought a vast crowd together, he took the opportunity of so great a confluence of people, to instruct them. Note, It is an encouragement to a faithful minister to cast the net of the gospel where there are a great many fishes, in hope that some will be caught. The sight of a multitude puts life into a preacher, which yet must arise from a desire of their profit, not his own praise. IV. The solemnity of his sermon is intimated in that word, when he was set. Christ preached many times occasionally, and by interlocutory discourses; but this was a set sermon, kathisantos autou, when he had placed himself so as to be best heard. He sat down as a Judge or Lawgiver. It intimates with what sedateness and composure of mind the things of God should be spoken and heard. He sat, that the scriptures might be fulfilled (Mal 3:3), He shall sit as a refiner, to purge away the dross, the corrupt doctrines of the sons of Levi. He sat as in the throne, judging right (Psa 9:4); for the word he spoke shall judge us. That phrase, He opened his mouth, is only a Hebrew periphrasis of speaking, as Job 3:1. Yet some think it intimates the solemnity of this discourse; the congregation being large, he raised his voice, and spoke louder than usual. He had spoken long by his servants the prophets, and opened their mouths (Eze 3:27; Eze 24:27; Eze 33:22); but now he opened his own, and spoke with freedom, as one having authority. One of the ancients has this remark upon it; Christ taught much without opening his mouth. that is, by his holy and exemplary life; nay, he taught, when, being led as a lamb to the slaughter, he opened not his mouth, but now he opened his mouth, and taught, that the scriptures might be fulfilled, Pro 8:1, Pro 8:2, Pro 8:6. Doth not wisdom cry - cry on the top of high places? And the opening of her lips shall be right things. He taught them, according to the promise (Isa 54:13), All thy children shall be taught of the Lord; for this purpose he had the tongue of the learned (Isa 50:4), and the Spirit of the Lord, Isa 61:1. He taught them, what was the evil they should abhor, and what was the good they should abide and abound in; for Christianity is not a matter of speculation, but is designed to regulate the temper of our minds and the tenour of our conversations; gospel-time is a time of reformation (Heb 9:10); and by the gospel we must be reformed, must be made good, must be made better. The truth, as it is in Jesus, is the truth which is according to godliness, Tit 1:1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:1–7:29 This is the first of five lengthy discourses in Matthew (see also 9:35–11:1; 13:1-53; 18:1–19:2; 23:1–26:1). The theme of the Sermon on the Mount is the Messiah’s call to righteousness. Paul understood righteousness in terms of God’s saving acts and of a person’s standing before God. Jesus uses the term for moral behavior that conforms to God’s will, as James does. Specifically, righteousness is doing the will of God as Jesus reveals it. This “revelation of righteousness” unifies the entire Sermon.
Matthew 5:1
The Sermon on the Mount
1When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain and sat down. His disciples came to Him,2and He began to teach them, saying:
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
1 Cor 13 (Version 1)
By Leonard Ravenhill43K46:12LoveMAT 5:12PE 1:9In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal anecdote about his experience with his children and a tennis game. He then transitions to discussing the concept of love, specifically the biblical definition of love. He emphasizes that love is not just a feeling or emotion, but a selfless act of kindness and sacrifice. The speaker also highlights the importance of loving God and loving others with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. He concludes by emphasizing the need to prioritize God above all else and to live a life of love and service to others.
走小路 - Walking the Narrow Way
By Paul Washer8.5K48:26ChineseEXO 20:1JDG 21:25MAT 5:1MAT 6:33MAT 7:13In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the seriousness of the eternal damnation of a person's soul. He highlights how the world distracts people with self-centered pursuits like success, entertainment, and sensual desires, while the world itself is heading towards destruction. The preacher challenges the audience to examine whether they have truly entered through the narrow gate of salvation and are walking in the narrow way of following Jesus. He emphasizes the importance of taking the Christian message seriously, as it deals with matters of life and death, heaven and hell, salvation, and destruction. The preacher also draws a parallel between the small gate and the narrow way, emphasizing that Jesus is the only way to salvation and that apart from Him, there is nothing.
Christian Growth 3
By Alan Redpath4.9K1:05:33Christian GrowthMAT 5:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of living a life under the control and authority of the Spirit of God. He emphasizes that the Christian life is not meant to be difficult, but rather a life of freedom in bondage to Christ. The sermon focuses on the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus expects his followers to live in humility and submission to his lordship. The speaker also expresses excitement for the potential of a spiritual awakening in these last days before Jesus comes again.
The Witness of the Spirit (Alternative Version)
By Leonard Ravenhill4.9K1:03:18Witness Of The SpiritMAT 5:1ROM 8:1ROM 8:31In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the loss of appreciation for the beauty and majesty of the gospel among preachers today. He shares a criticism from a book review that resonated with him, emphasizing the need to regain a deep understanding of the gospel's significance. The preacher then uses biblical examples, such as the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace, and Joseph's journey from being sold into slavery to becoming a ruler in Egypt, to illustrate the transformative power of going through trials and hardships. He encourages listeners to embrace difficult situations, as they can lead to spiritual growth and maturity.
(First Baptist Church) #5 - Searching the Heart
By J. Edwin Orr4.6K51:31HeartMAT 5:1In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of lukewarmness in the lives of believers. He emphasizes that many Christians may think they are well off and don't need anything, but they fail to realize their true spiritual condition. The preacher urges them to repent and be zealous for God. He then highlights the importance of opening the door of their hearts to Jesus and allowing Him to come in and fellowship with them. The sermon is based on the passage in Revelation 3:14-22 and the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7.
Nature of Lawlessness - Part 1
By Bob Mumford3.3K37:47LawlessnessMAT 4:23MAT 5:1In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing the background of Matthew chapters 4 and 5, where Jesus is teaching and ministering to a multitude of people. He then introduces the topic of obedience and states that he will be discussing it over the course of seven nights. The preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding organization, placement, and relationship within the body of Christ to avoid religious confusion. He also mentions the need to clarify the nature and spirit of obedience, which he has been trying to explain for many years.
Beatitudes - Part 4
By Leonard Ravenhill3.0K1:11:20BeatitudesMAT 5:1MAT 5:4LUK 6:12In this sermon, the preacher discusses the conditions and experiences of the apostle Paul as a minister of God. He highlights the various challenges and hardships that Paul faced, including afflictions, imprisonments, and distresses. The preacher emphasizes the importance of demonstrating patience, purity, knowledge, and kindness in serving God. He also mentions the power of the Holy Ghost, the word of God, and the armor of righteousness in Paul's ministry. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the joy, peace, and spiritual riches that come from knowing and serving God.
Internship Program Study Part 2 (Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology p.15 - 25)
By Paul Washer2.3K1:06:20InternshipGEN 4:26JOB 28:28MAT 5:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the cultural and historical context in which we live, especially for those who have a hunger to know and preach the truth. He shares an example of a young preacher from England who delivered a powerful sermon on the beatitudes, demonstrating the significance of understanding the context. The speaker also discusses the role of reason and philosophy in relation to faith in Jesus Christ and the Bible. He highlights the condescension of God and the need to know and love Him, emphasizing the importance of systematic theology based on the teachings of Scripture rather than philosophy.
Matters of the Heart
By Pat Kenney1.7K1:01:16HeartMAT 5:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of discipline in the lives of believers. He highlights the need to discipline one's eyes, mind, and heart in order to be effective in the kingdom of God. The speaker also addresses the issue of sexual impurity and encourages listeners to deal with it, offering help and assurance of victory. He references the story of Achan in the Bible to illustrate the consequences of sin in the camp and the need for repentance. The sermon concludes with a call to present one's body as a living sacrifice to the Lord and to allow God to search and work in their lives.
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.
The Sin of All Sins
By Bill McLeod1.5K1:07:57UnbeliefPSA 119:128JOL 2:13MAT 5:1ROM 15:4In this sermon, the preacher shares two stories to emphasize the importance of not hiding our sins. The first story is about a man who was trapped in a trailer that caught fire, but miraculously found the strength to rip a hole in the wall and escape. The second story is about a man who shot his friend and tried to cover up the crime by pretending he got lost. However, his sin was eventually discovered when his friend's body was found in an iceberg. The preacher emphasizes the biblical principle that our sins will eventually be exposed and encourages listeners to repent and seek forgiveness from God.
Abundance of Blessing
By Gerhard Du Toit1.4K42:39BlessingMAT 5:1MAT 6:33MAT 7:7MAT 11:28MAT 18:3MAT 22:37MAT 28:19In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful story of a mother's love and how it transformed her drug-addicted son's life. The mother entered a beautiful mansion where her son was living rough and asked him why he didn't change his life. He gave her a look and left. However, after experiencing God's great love, the mother's heart was filled with love for her son. She embraced him, whispered that she loved him, and he broke down. The sermon emphasizes that this story illustrates the power of God's love to bring about transformation and revival in our lives.
New Covenant - the Gifts of the Spirit -Part 1
By Zac Poonen1.3K10:36MAT 5:1
This sermon delves into the significance of the New Covenant as highlighted in the book of Matthew, particularly focusing on the Sermon on the Mount in chapters 5, 6, and 7. It emphasizes the shift from external to internal aspects of life, portraying holiness as a path to health and freedom rather than a burden. The message challenges Christians to embrace a New Covenant ministry where their words and actions flow naturally from a transformed life, contrasting it with prevalent Old Covenant preaching that lacks depth and understanding of true holiness.
Five Perspectives of Pride
By Kevin Brownfield1.2K1:16:24MAT 5:1In this sermon, the preacher highlights the danger of living in a graphic world in the 1990s, where our focus on earthly things hinders our ability to see the things of God. He emphasizes the need for a vision of God and references Paul's words in 2 Corinthians about looking at the unseen rather than the seen. The preacher encourages young people to have the courage to ask God to show them His glory. He also discusses the manifestations of pride and how it adapts to different temperaments and situations, emphasizing the need for humility and the recognition of God's hatred of pride.
Just Following Jesus (P1)
By K.P. Yohannan1.2K24:26Following JesusMAT 5:1In this video, Brother KP Johannen speaks at a revival conference in Texas. He emphasizes the importance of leaving everything behind in order to follow Jesus. He shares a personal experience of feeling convicted while preparing to preach and realizing the need to simply talk to people instead of preaching at them. Brother KP highlights the example of living like Christ and for Christ, and encourages viewers to follow Jesus in his way.
The Real Treasure
By Erlo Stegen1.0K51:09Eternal RewardMAT 5:1MAT 6:19MAT 6:33MAT 27:30LUK 10:38ACT 20:35HEB 2:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the danger of focusing solely on worldly possessions and wealth. He warns that young people often prioritize making money and end up on the wrong path, leading to their own destruction. The preacher also highlights the issue of human trafficking and the exploitation of young girls, urging parents to be vigilant and aware of their children's activities. The sermon is based on Matthew 6:19-21, where Jesus teaches about the importance of storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth.
Prepare Your Heart
By Brian Long85955:26PreparationJOB 31:1PRO 4:20PRO 4:25MAT 5:1JHN 10:27PHP 4:81TI 5:22In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of guarding our minds and hearts by filtering what we watch, read, and engage in. He references Philippians 4:8, which encourages us to focus on things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy. The speaker also highlights the need to guard our eyes and make a covenant not to look lustfully at others, as Job did. He warns against the dangers of pornography and the negative consequences it can have on our lives. Additionally, the speaker emphasizes the importance of guarding our conversations and not engaging in gossip or ungodly talk. Finally, he emphasizes the need to guard our steps and avoid places or situations that can lead us astray. The speaker uses various verses from Proverbs and references 2 Corinthians 10 to support his points.
Christ in the Ship (Cuts Off)
By Paris Reidhead73331:45ChristDEU 18:15MAT 5:1MAT 15:6MRK 12:37JHN 4:24JHN 6:21In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the understanding and patience of the Lord towards each individual. He highlights how Jesus saw people as whole individuals, not just souls, and expects the same from us in our evangelism efforts. The sermon focuses on the passage from John chapter 6, where Jesus is willingly received into a ship and immediately reaches their destination. The speaker emphasizes that Jesus knows our inner desires and distractions, yet still shows love and patience towards us. He also highlights how Jesus is concerned about every aspect of our lives, including our living, finances, protection, and survival.
Gospel of John (Study 8 of 24, Chap 3 Cont)
By G.W. North10956:48Christian LifeNUM 21:9MAT 4:12MAT 5:1MAT 6:33JHN 1:29JHN 3:14JHN 3:16In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being born again and having a personal encounter with God. He highlights that the purpose of Jesus coming to earth was to reveal God and bring salvation to the world. The speaker encourages the audience to read the book of John to understand the true meaning of the Bible and to have a deeper relationship with God. He also mentions the significance of new birth preceding the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5, indicating that the teachings in the Sermon on the Mount are intended for believers.
The Mountain and the Garden
By Gary Wilkerson8647:03Christian LifeBlessingsIdentity in ChristMAT 5:1Gary Wilkerson delivers a powerful sermon titled 'The Mountain and the Garden,' focusing on the Sermon on the Mount and its implications for all people, regardless of their background or struggles. He emphasizes that Jesus invites everyone to experience His kingdom of love and grace, contrasting it with the worldly kingdoms of power and jealousy. Wilkerson explores the themes of blessing, humility, and the significance of being chosen by God, highlighting the importance of recognizing our identity as children of God. He encourages the congregation to embrace their brokenness and to understand that they are blessed in their meekness and suffering, as Jesus, the ultimate elder brother, offers them healing and hope.
Interesting Early Christian Literature
By J.B. Galloway0GEN 49:1MAT 5:1JHN 14:6ACT 2:381CO 6:19EPH 4:241TH 4:71TI 4:121PE 1:15J.B. Galloway delves into the Testament Of The Twelve Patriarchs, an ancient text that offers high ethical teachings and parallels with the New Testament. It presents the dying patriarchs' guidance for future generations, foretelling the Messiah's coming and the end of troubles. The work emphasizes virtue, righteousness, and holiness, echoing the spirit of the Sermon on the Mount. Additionally, the Pseudo-Clementine Literature, attributed to Clement of Rome, provides theological insights and stories of conversion, highlighting the importance of faith and righteousness.
Perpetual Spiritual Infancy
By A.W. Tozer0Authentic FaithSpiritual MaturityMAT 5:1A.W. Tozer addresses the disconnect between religious activity and true godliness, emphasizing that many who engage in soul-winning often lack the spiritual depth and moral character that should accompany genuine faith. He challenges listeners to reflect on the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount and to consider the stark contrast between its ideals and the behavior of many modern Christians. Tozer urges a deeper examination of what it means to embody Christ's teachings, questioning the authenticity of those who claim to follow Him yet do not exhibit the expected spiritual traits. He acknowledges the common rebuttal of not judging others but insists on the importance of striving for true holiness and integrity in the Christian life.
Rediscovering the Majesty of God
By Paris Reidhead0GEN 22:2EXO 19:1MAT 5:1JUD 1:24Paris Reidhead preaches about the importance of rediscovering the majesty of God by exploring two significant mountains in the Bible: Mount Sinai and the Mount of the Sermon. He emphasizes that the character of God remains unchanged throughout history, highlighting the need to understand the foundational principles revealed in the Old Testament to grasp the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament. Reidhead discusses the shift in emphasis from a God-centered theology to a man-centered approach in modern Christianity, urging listeners to return to a Theo-centric view and rediscover the true nature of God. He explains the significance of various biblical mountains, such as Mount Transfiguration and Mount Sacrifice, in revealing God's glory, grace, and sacrificial love for humanity.
Greatest Salvation Sermon
By David Servant0EXO 23:4LEV 19:18DEU 32:35MAT 5:1MAT 19:9ROM 5:5JAS 2:131JN 3:7David Servant preaches on Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing the importance of understanding the true intent behind His teachings. Jesus corrected the misinterpretations of the scribes and Pharisees, highlighting the need for genuine righteousness that surpasses mere outward obedience. The sermon focuses on salvation, holiness, and the relationship between the two, urging listeners to examine their hearts and align with God's standards of love, mercy, purity, and peacemaking. Jesus calls for a righteousness that goes beyond legalism, emphasizing the importance of living out God's commandments with sincerity and love for others.
Keeping the Heart
By A.W. Pink0Heart ConditionSpiritual IntegrityPRO 4:23MAT 5:1A.W. Pink emphasizes the critical importance of keeping the heart in his sermon 'Keeping the Heart.' He warns that many professing Christians may appear morally upright outwardly, yet neglect the state of their hearts, which God holds accountable. Pink stresses that true salvation involves both the work of Christ and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit within us, urging believers to guard their hearts diligently as they are the source of life. He highlights that God desires truth in our inward parts and that our actions must stem from a pure heart, as neglecting this leads to spiritual decay. Ultimately, Pink calls for a sincere examination of our inner motives and a commitment to holiness, seeking divine aid to maintain a heart aligned with God's will.
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
We have here a general account of this sermon. I. The Preacher was our Lord Jesus, the Prince of preachers, the great Prophet of his church, who came into the world, to be the Light of the world. The prophets and John had done virtuously in preaching, but Christ excelled them all. He is the eternal Wisdom, that lay in the bosom of the Father, before all worlds, and perfectly knew his will (Joh 1:18); and he is the eternal Word, by whom he has in these last days spoken to us. The many miraculous cures wrought by Christ in Galilee, which we read of in the close of the foregoing chapter, were intended to make way for this sermon, and to dispose people to receive instructions from one in whom there appeared so much of a divine power and goodness; and, probably, this sermon was the summary, or rehearsal, of what he had preached up and down in the synagogues of Galilee. His text was, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. This is a sermon on the former part of that text, showing what it is to repent; it is to reform, both in judgment and practice; and here he tells us wherein, in answer to that question (Mal 3:7), Wherein shall we return? He afterward preached upon the latter part of the text, when, in divers parables, he showed what the kingdom of heaven is like, ch. 13. II. The place was a mountain in Galilee. As in other things, so in this, our Lord Jesus was but ill accommodated; he had no convenient place to preach in, any more than to lay his head on. While the scribes and Pharisees had Moses' chair to sit in, with all possible ease, honour, and state, and there corrupted the law; our Lord Jesus, the great Teacher of truth, is driven out to the desert, and finds no better a pulpit than a mountain can afford; and not one of the holy mountains neither, not one of the mountains of Zion, but a common mountain; by which Christ would intimate that there is no such distinguishing holiness of places now, under the gospel, as there was under the law; but that it is the will of God that men should pray and preach every where, any where, provided it be decent and convenient. Christ preached this sermon, which was an exposition of the law, upon a mountain, because upon a mountain the law was given; and this was also a solemn promulgation of the Christian law. But observe the difference: when the law was given, the Lord came down upon the mountain; now the Lord went up: then, he spoke in thunder and lightning; now, in a still small voice: then the people were ordered to keep their distance; now they are invited to draw near: a blessed change! If God's grace and goodness are (as they certainly are) his glory, then the glory of the gospel is the glory that excels, for grace and truth came by Jesus Christ, Co2 3:7; Heb 12:18, etc. It was foretold of Zebulun and Issachar, two of the tribes of Galilee (Deu 33:19), that they shall call the people to the mountain; to this mountain we are called, to learn to offer the sacrifices of righteousness. Now was this the mountain of the Lord, where he taught us his ways, Isa 2:2, Isa 2:3; Mic 4:1, Mic 4:2. III. The auditors were his disciples, who came unto him; came at his call, as appears by comparing Mar 3:13, Luk 6:13. To them he directed his speech, because they followed him for love and learning, while others attended him only for cures. He taught them, because they were willing to be taught (the meek will he teach his way); because they would understand what he taught, which to others was foolishness; and because they were to teach others; and it was therefore requisite that they should have a clear and distinct knowledge of these things themselves. The duties prescribed in this sermon were to be conscientiously performed by all those that would enter into that kingdom of heaven which they were sent to set up, with hope to have the benefit of it. But though this discourse was directed to the disciples, it was in the hearing of the multitude; for it is said (Mat 7:28), The people were astonished. No bounds were set about this mountain, to keep the people off, as were about mount Sinai (Exo 19:12); for, through Christ, we have access to God, not only to speak to him, but to hear from him. Nay, he had an eye to the multitude, in preaching this sermon. When the fame of his miracles had brought a vast crowd together, he took the opportunity of so great a confluence of people, to instruct them. Note, It is an encouragement to a faithful minister to cast the net of the gospel where there are a great many fishes, in hope that some will be caught. The sight of a multitude puts life into a preacher, which yet must arise from a desire of their profit, not his own praise. IV. The solemnity of his sermon is intimated in that word, when he was set. Christ preached many times occasionally, and by interlocutory discourses; but this was a set sermon, kathisantos autou, when he had placed himself so as to be best heard. He sat down as a Judge or Lawgiver. It intimates with what sedateness and composure of mind the things of God should be spoken and heard. He sat, that the scriptures might be fulfilled (Mal 3:3), He shall sit as a refiner, to purge away the dross, the corrupt doctrines of the sons of Levi. He sat as in the throne, judging right (Psa 9:4); for the word he spoke shall judge us. That phrase, He opened his mouth, is only a Hebrew periphrasis of speaking, as Job 3:1. Yet some think it intimates the solemnity of this discourse; the congregation being large, he raised his voice, and spoke louder than usual. He had spoken long by his servants the prophets, and opened their mouths (Eze 3:27; Eze 24:27; Eze 33:22); but now he opened his own, and spoke with freedom, as one having authority. One of the ancients has this remark upon it; Christ taught much without opening his mouth. that is, by his holy and exemplary life; nay, he taught, when, being led as a lamb to the slaughter, he opened not his mouth, but now he opened his mouth, and taught, that the scriptures might be fulfilled, Pro 8:1, Pro 8:2, Pro 8:6. Doth not wisdom cry - cry on the top of high places? And the opening of her lips shall be right things. He taught them, according to the promise (Isa 54:13), All thy children shall be taught of the Lord; for this purpose he had the tongue of the learned (Isa 50:4), and the Spirit of the Lord, Isa 61:1. He taught them, what was the evil they should abhor, and what was the good they should abide and abound in; for Christianity is not a matter of speculation, but is designed to regulate the temper of our minds and the tenour of our conversations; gospel-time is a time of reformation (Heb 9:10); and by the gospel we must be reformed, must be made good, must be made better. The truth, as it is in Jesus, is the truth which is according to godliness, Tit 1:1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:1–7:29 This is the first of five lengthy discourses in Matthew (see also 9:35–11:1; 13:1-53; 18:1–19:2; 23:1–26:1). The theme of the Sermon on the Mount is the Messiah’s call to righteousness. Paul understood righteousness in terms of God’s saving acts and of a person’s standing before God. Jesus uses the term for moral behavior that conforms to God’s will, as James does. Specifically, righteousness is doing the will of God as Jesus reveals it. This “revelation of righteousness” unifies the entire Sermon.