Matthew 5:23
Verse
Context
Anger and Reconciliation
22But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.23So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you,24leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Therefore--to apply the foregoing, and show its paramount importance. if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught--of just complaint "against thee."
John Gill Bible Commentary
Therefore, if thou bring thy gift to the altar,.... The Jews obliged such who had done any damage to their neighbours, by stealing from them, to make satisfaction before they brought their offering; concerning which they say (c), "he that brings what he has stolen, before he brings his trespass offering, is right; he that brings his trespass offering, before he brings that which he has stolen, is not right.'' Again (d), "they do not bring the trespass offering before the sum of what is stolen is returned, either to the owners, or to the priests.'' Some have thought Christ refers to this; only what they restrained to pecuniary damages, he extends to all sorts of offences. But not a trespass offering, but a freewill offering, seems to be designed by "the gift": which, when a man either intended to bring, or was going to bring, or had already brought, as a voluntary sacrifice to be offered unto God; and it came into his mind, that he had offended any man by showing any undue passion, or by any reproachful words, then he was to do what is advised in the following verse: "and there", whilst going, or when at the altar, rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee: hath anything to charge thee with; any just ground of complaint against thee; if thou hast done him any injury, or given him any offence: particularly, if he had at any time said Raca to him, or called him "fool" for those words have reference to what goes before, and are a corollary, or conclusion from them, as appears from the causal particle "therefore". (c) Misn. Bava Kama, c. 9. sect. 12. (d) Maimon. Hilch. Gezela, c. 8. sect. 13.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:23-26 Jesus gives two illustrations of reconciliation in community and society.
Matthew 5:23
Anger and Reconciliation
22But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.23So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you,24leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(The Better Covenant) 5 - Satan Defeated
By Zac Poonen2.5K52:46MAT 5:23LUK 10:18ROM 6:14EPH 6:12JAS 4:7In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not letting anger linger in our hearts. He refers to Ephesians 4:26, which warns that unresolved anger gives Satan power over our lives. The speaker encourages believers to apologize, ask for forgiveness, and let go of anger before going to bed, so that Satan cannot gain a foothold. He also highlights the need for steady growth in our Christian walk, comparing it to the constant forward movement of the sun. The speaker concludes by reminding listeners that in the new covenant, we come to God as a loving father, and that anger should be directed towards the dishonoring of Jesus' name and exploitation of others, rather than personal offenses.
Building Instructions
By Arno Stegen1.7K1:01:14InstructionMAT 5:231CO 3:9In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of building our lives on the foundation of Christ Jesus. He emphasizes that this foundation is not a one-time event, but a principle that should guide us throughout our Christian journey. The speaker also addresses the issue of jealousy, urging listeners to overcome it and move on to more substantial matters in their faith. He warns against getting too close to sin and emphasizes the need to continually grow and distance ourselves from it. The sermon references various Bible verses, including Matthew 5:23, to support these teachings.
(Kitchener, on 2012) Building Fellowship
By Zac Poonen1.5K1:06:43FellowshipMAT 5:23ROM 12:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of faith and the importance of believing in the ability to move mountains through prayer. He encourages listeners to have strong faith and not doubt God's ability to remove obstacles in their lives. The preacher also emphasizes the priority of building a relationship with God and being holy rather than focusing on collecting money for the church. He concludes by urging listeners to remember and meditate on the words they have heard until they become a reality in their lives.
(Following the Footsteps of Christ) on a Galilean Hillside
By Willie Mullan1.3K1:07:33Footsteps Of ChristMAT 4:23MAT 5:2MAT 5:23MAT 6:33ACT 13:38In this sermon, the preacher begins by singing a hymn and offering a prayer. He then discusses the topic of false preachers who claim to perform miracles but do not truly love Jesus. The preacher then transitions to discussing the sermon on the Mount in the book of Matthew. He mentions that the sermon is spread across chapters 5, 6, and 7, and questions whether Jesus preached it all at once or on multiple occasions. The preacher concludes with a personal anecdote about a man who stole shoes from a child's coffin but later found salvation.
Reconciliation
By Harold Vaughan1.3K46:37ReconciliationMAT 5:23MAT 18:15In this sermon, the speaker shares stories of individuals who have sought forgiveness and reconciliation with others. He emphasizes the importance of having a clear conscience and not allowing guilt to cloud one's thinking. The speaker also encourages the audience to be open and honest with their small circle of friends, as hiding one's true self can hinder personal growth. He concludes by offering practical guidelines for resolving conflicts and seeking to put things right when relationships have gone wrong.
(South West Baptist Church 2008) Broken for Missions
By Gerhard Du Toit1.2K44:40MissionsMAT 5:23In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of preaching in South America and Albania. He talks about the challenges of driving in South America and the importance of watching and praying. The speaker also shares a powerful testimony of God breaking into a gathering and bringing reconciliation among pastors. He highlights the impact of revival and emphasizes that the outpouring of the Spirit of God is more powerful than any human effort.
Thou Shalt Not Kill - Part 2
By Joshua Daniel1.1K09:48MAT 5:23This sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance, reconciliation, and seeking forgiveness both from God and from those we have wronged. It highlights the transformation that can occur when individuals humble themselves before God, confess their sins, and make amends with others. The message also addresses the grave consequences of sin, the need for accountability, and the distortion of true religion into acts of violence and murder.
When God Seems Powerless
By Erlo Stegen1.0K57:56God's PowerJER 11:7JER 14:7JER 14:11MAT 5:23In this sermon, the preacher discusses the lamentation of the people of God, Judah and Jerusalem, who were focused on their own troubles and loss but failed to recognize the evil of their own sin. God reveals himself to them as a wanderer, unable to show his might or provide for them due to their sin. The preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing and mourning personal sins rather than solely focusing on external conditions. The sermon encourages listeners, especially young people, to take note of this message and to prioritize repentance and mourning for personal sins.
What Revival Has Done for Me
By Ken Blue98443:57Personal RevivalPSA 85:6MAT 5:23ROM 6:14In this sermon, the preacher shares personal anecdotes and stories to illustrate profound truths about God's work in our lives. He talks about a calf that kept running off and how his granddad tied it to a rope, causing the calf to fall flat on its back when it reached the end of the rope. The preacher emphasizes the importance of praying together and for one another, staying in the Bible, and resolving conflicts quickly. He also shares a story about a young man who wanted to pray but had to wait until the right time, highlighting the need for patience and surrender to God. The sermon concludes with a reminder that we are all sinners and that God longs for us to be free.
Acid Test Series 2 of 8 - the Life That Can Pray
By Al Whittinghill9671:01:02Christian LifePSA 66:18MAT 5:23MAT 6:33JHN 14:23JHN 15:4JAS 5:16In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of focusing on the condition of one's heart. They suggest that instead of trying to fix external behaviors or habits, individuals should prioritize addressing the state of their hearts. The speaker highlights four key points: heaven is full of blessings, God remains unchanged, prayer is effective when offered by a righteous person, and the Lord desires a genuine relationship with His followers. The sermon also mentions the significance of yielding to God's guidance and not relying on personal efforts alone.
Be Reconciled
By Basilea Schlink86304:35Radio ShowMAT 5:23In this sermon by Basilia Schlink, the message is about the importance of reconciliation and letting go of grudges. The speaker shares a story of a woman who had bitterness in her heart towards her sick mother, which caused her whole life to be bitter. However, through a conversation and the light of truth, the woman was able to repent and take the first step towards reconciliation by bringing her mother a bouquet of flowers. This act of love sparked a wave of reconciliation in the village, as the mother sent her daughter to ask for forgiveness from their neighbors. The sermon emphasizes the need to clean out our hearts, let go of grudges, and allow Jesus' love to be victorious.
(Apostolic Vision) First Be Reconciled
By Dale Heisey80900:00MAT 5:231CO 12:21In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the spirit of reconciliation in our lives. He shares a story set in Greenland about a drunkard who caused harm to his wife. The speaker highlights the need for reconciliation in broken relationships within church communities. He urges listeners to have an attitude of forgiveness and to seek reconciliation with others, emphasizing that this is the spirit of Jesus and God's church. The speaker concludes by emphasizing the importance of seeking forgiveness from God and healing our land through reconciliation.
God Calls the First Missionaries - Part 2
By Joshua Daniel72328:30MAT 5:23ACT 13:2This sermon by Joshua Daniel emphasizes the transformative power of encountering Jesus Christ, leading to deliverance from sin and restoration in various aspects of life. It highlights the importance of proclaiming Christ and facing opposition with courage and faith, even in the midst of envy and persecution. The narrative follows the missionary journeys of Paul and Barnabas, showcasing their resilience in spreading the word of God despite challenges, including being stoned and facing opposition. The sermon concludes with a call to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, seeking revival and restoration in missionary endeavors.
I've Been Hurt Now What?
By Shane Idleman59551:15MAT 5:23This sermon emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation in the Christian life. It highlights the toxic effects of holding onto unforgiveness, hindering genuine worship, joy, and spiritual growth. The message challenges individuals to address conflicts, release bitterness, and walk in the Spirit of love and forgiveness to experience the abundant life Christ offers.
Willing Offerings on the Altar
By G.W. North2271:31:25OfferingMAT 5:23MAT 6:33MRK 12:33ROM 12:1HEB 13:81PE 2:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of reading and understanding the word of God. They urge the listeners to prioritize reading the Bible over their daily meals and desires. The preacher also encourages the congregation to lay their lives on the altar for God, surrendering themselves completely to His will. They reference Matthew chapter five, where Jesus delivers the Sermon on the Mount, highlighting the significance of fulfilling God's expectations in their lives.
What Makes a Man Truly Spiritual?
By Zac Poonen1PSA 73:25ISA 6:1MAT 5:23LUK 10:30ACT 10:38ACT 24:162CO 4:102CO 9:71TH 5:211TI 6:5Zac Poonen preaches on what makes a man truly spiritual, emphasizing the importance of looking upward in worship and devotion to God, inward in acknowledging and repenting of unChristlikeness, and outward in seeking to help and bless others. A spiritual man longs for fellowship with God more than anything else, humbles himself constantly, and seeks to do good deeds hidden from man's eyes. He judges himself, keeps his conscience clear, and dies inwardly daily to hindrances. Additionally, a spiritual man forgives readily, is filled with compassion for others, and seeks to serve and bless without expecting anything in return.
Homily 20 on the Statues
By St. John Chrysostom0PRO 27:1JON 2:4MAT 5:23MAT 6:14LUK 11:32EPH 4:261PE 4:8John Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of holiness over mere fasting during Lent, highlighting the need for genuine repentance and transformation to partake in the Communion with a clear conscience. He stresses the detrimental effects of harboring resentment and the necessity of reconciliation with others before approaching the sacred Table. Chrysostom warns against the dangers of entertaining anger and the severe consequences of failing to forgive, urging believers to prioritize reconciliation and forgiveness as a reflection of God's mercy and grace.
Fourteenth Lesson. ‘When Ye Stand Praying, Forgive;’ Or, Prayer and Love
By Andrew Murray0ForgivenessPrayerMAT 5:23MRK 11:25Andrew Murray emphasizes the inseparable connection between prayer and love, teaching that our relationship with God is contingent upon our relationships with others. He highlights that forgiveness is essential for effective prayer, as harboring unforgiveness can hinder our communion with God. Murray draws from Jesus' teachings, illustrating that love and forgiveness must permeate our daily lives to ensure our prayers are heard. He encourages believers to embody God's forgiving nature, asserting that true faith is rooted in love for others. Ultimately, Murray calls for a life of love as the foundation for powerful and effective prayer.
Recent Discord
By Clement of Rome0MAT 5:23ROM 16:171CO 1:101CO 3:41PE 2:12Clement of Rome addresses the Corinthians, reminding them of the early days of the Gospel when Paul wrote to them about unity and the dangers of forming factions. He rebukes them for allowing division and sedition to arise within the church, causing even those outside the faith to blaspheme the name of the Lord. Clement urges the Corinthians to repent of their actions and restore their renowned brotherly love to avoid bringing further disgrace to their Christian profession.
When Ye Stand Praying, Forgive
By Andrew Murray0ForgivenessPrayerMAT 5:23MRK 11:25Andrew Murray emphasizes the vital connection between forgiveness and prayer, illustrating that our relationship with God is intertwined with our relationships with others. He highlights that true prayer requires a heart free from grudges, as love for God and love for our neighbors are inseparable. Murray points out that our daily conduct and the spirit of forgiveness are essential for effective prayer, urging believers to embody God's forgiving nature in their interactions. He concludes that a life rooted in love is the foundation for powerful prayer, as it reflects our relationship with God and opens the door to His blessings.
God's Will? or Mine?
By Oswald Chambers01SA 15:22MAT 5:14MAT 5:23LUK 11:28JHN 7:17ACT 5:29ROM 6:16HEB 5:9JAS 1:221JN 2:3Oswald Chambers emphasizes that true spiritual understanding comes not from intellect but from obedience to God's will. He highlights that obedience is the key to gaining insight into Jesus Christ's teachings, and that spiritual darkness often results from our unwillingness to obey. Chambers stresses that when God speaks to us, we are immediately tested on our obedience, and disobedience hinders our spiritual growth. He urges believers to address any unresolved conflicts or issues before coming to God in worship, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's word even when it seems challenging or unconventional.
Serious Repentance and Restitution
By A.W. Tozer0RepentanceRestitution2CH 7:14MAT 5:23LUK 15:10JAS 5:16A.W. Tozer emphasizes the necessity of serious repentance and restitution for a transformed Christian life. He urges believers to actively seek God's blessings through prayer and devotion, rather than waiting passively for grace. Tozer highlights the importance of thorough repentance, warning against hasty confessions that lead to shallow spirituality. He also stresses the need for restitution, encouraging individuals to settle debts and reconcile relationships to restore integrity and peace. Ultimately, Tozer calls for a deep, sincere approach to repentance and a commitment to making things right with others.
(Knowing God's Way) 5. Three Marks of a Spiritual Man
By Zac Poonen0PSA 73:25MAT 5:23MAT 7:15MAT 7:22LUK 10:30ACT 10:38ACT 24:161CO 3:12CO 4:10REV 12:9Zac Poonen preaches on the distinction between being gifted and being truly spiritual, emphasizing that spiritual maturity is not measured by eloquence, knowledge, or miraculous gifts, but by one's devotion to God, repentance of unChristlikeness, and selfless service to others. He warns against false prophets who may have supernatural abilities but lack genuine fruit in their character, as Jesus Himself warned that many who perform miracles in His name may not truly belong to Him. A spiritual man constantly looks upward in worship, inward in repentance and self-examination, and outward in compassion and service to others, seeking to bless and help those in need without expecting anything in return.
Self-Denial, an Element of Worship
By George H. Morrison02SA 24:24PSA 95:6MAT 5:23LUK 4:16LUK 19:8ROM 12:1PHP 2:3HEB 10:22HEB 13:16George H. Morrison emphasizes the importance of self-sacrifice in worship, highlighting the need for thanksgiving, spiritual need, indebtedness to Christ, and self-denial to truly worship in spirit and truth. He delves into the significance of giving in worship, stressing that true giving must involve self-denial, as seen in examples like King David and Zacchaeus. Morrison also discusses the attitude of the heart in worship, pointing out that worship requires humility, patience, and interior sacrifice. Furthermore, he explores the idea of fellowship in worship, emphasizing the need for mutual consideration, self-denial, and a constant willingness to yield for the sake of others in the congregation.
We Should Offer Ourselves and All That We Have to God, Praying for All
By Thomas a Kempis0PSA 50:10MAT 5:23ROM 12:1JAS 5:161JN 1:9Thomas a Kempis preaches about the act of surrendering all aspects of our lives to God, offering our sins, offenses, good deeds, desires, and prayers as sacrifices to Him. He emphasizes the importance of seeking forgiveness, expressing remorse for our sins, and committing to penance and satisfaction. Through this act of surrender, we ask for God's mercy, grace, and guidance to lead us to a good and happy end, while also praying for the well-being and forgiveness of others who have wronged us or whom we have wronged.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Therefore--to apply the foregoing, and show its paramount importance. if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught--of just complaint "against thee."
John Gill Bible Commentary
Therefore, if thou bring thy gift to the altar,.... The Jews obliged such who had done any damage to their neighbours, by stealing from them, to make satisfaction before they brought their offering; concerning which they say (c), "he that brings what he has stolen, before he brings his trespass offering, is right; he that brings his trespass offering, before he brings that which he has stolen, is not right.'' Again (d), "they do not bring the trespass offering before the sum of what is stolen is returned, either to the owners, or to the priests.'' Some have thought Christ refers to this; only what they restrained to pecuniary damages, he extends to all sorts of offences. But not a trespass offering, but a freewill offering, seems to be designed by "the gift": which, when a man either intended to bring, or was going to bring, or had already brought, as a voluntary sacrifice to be offered unto God; and it came into his mind, that he had offended any man by showing any undue passion, or by any reproachful words, then he was to do what is advised in the following verse: "and there", whilst going, or when at the altar, rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee: hath anything to charge thee with; any just ground of complaint against thee; if thou hast done him any injury, or given him any offence: particularly, if he had at any time said Raca to him, or called him "fool" for those words have reference to what goes before, and are a corollary, or conclusion from them, as appears from the causal particle "therefore". (c) Misn. Bava Kama, c. 9. sect. 12. (d) Maimon. Hilch. Gezela, c. 8. sect. 13.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:23-26 Jesus gives two illustrations of reconciliation in community and society.