Matthew 5:44
Verse
Context
Love Your Enemies
43You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor’ and ‘Hate your enemy.’ 44But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
But I say unto you, Love your enemies--The word here used denotes moral love, as distinguished from the other word, which expresses personal affection. Usually, the former denotes "complacency in the character" of the person loved; but here it denotes the benignant, compassionate outgoings of desire for another's good. bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you--The best commentary on these matchless counsels is the bright example of Him who gave them. (See Pe1 2:21-24; and compare Rom 12:20-21; Co1 4:12; Pe1 3:9). But though such precepts were never before expressed--perhaps not even conceived--with such breadth, precision, and sharpness as here, our Lord is here only the incomparable Interpreter of the law in force from the beginning; and this is the only satisfactory view of the entire strain of this discourse.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But I say unto you, love your enemies,.... That is, as the Apostle Paul may be thought to interpret the words of Christ, Rom 12:20. "If thine enemy hunger, feed him: if he thirst, give him drink": unless our Lord should be supposed rather to regard the internal affection of the mind; since outward expressions of love, by words and works, are urged in the following exhortations: the actions of a man may be hated, and just indignation be expressed against them, and yet his person be loved, tenderness be used to him, and pity shown him: all men, even enemies, are to be loved with a natural love, as men; though they cannot be loved with a spiritual affection, as brethren in Christ: and in natural affection there are degrees, according to the relation and circumstances that persons stand in to one another. Bless them that curse you: when wicked men curse you, as Shimei cursed David, do not "render evil for evil, or railing for railing, but contrariwise, blessing"; give good words, use kind language, mild and soft expressions; such as may either win upon them, or put them to shame and silence: "bless, and curse not"; the latter belongs to them, the former to you; "let them curse, but bless thou": curses better fit their mouths, and blessings thine. Blessing here, does not signify praising them, for that would be sinful, which is sometimes the sense of the word; nor wishing, or praying for a blessing on them, which is right and good; but this is mentioned afterwards, as distinct from blessing; wherefore, it is better to understand it of a sweet and engaging address unto, and behaviour and conduct towards such, whose mouths are full of cursing and bitterness. Do good to them that hate you; such as hate you in their hearts, and discover their hatred by their actions; do not make returns in the same way, but on the contrary, do them all the good you can; perform all the kind offices that lie in your power; let them partake of your bounty and liberality; if poor, feed, clothe, and supply them, as you are able, with the necessaries of life; and give them wholesome advice for the good of their souls: by "so doing", you will "heap coals of fire on their heads"; of enemies, make them friends; engage their affections to you, and you may be happy instruments in doing them good, both in soul and body: and pray for them that despitefully use you and persecute you. What Christ here commands and advises to, he himself did; for as he hung upon the cross, he prayed for his crucifiers, who were then using him in the most despiteful, as well as cruel manner; saying, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do": and in this he has left us an example, that we should tread in his steps; and here in he was quickly followed by his holy martyr Stephen; who, whilst he was being stoned, prayed for his persecutors and murderers, saying, "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge". This breathes out the true spirit of Christianity, and is peculiar to it. The whole of this is directly opposite to the tenets of the Jews, particularly the Scribes and Pharisees; who allowed of revenge, and keeping anger against any person that had done them an injury, as has been observed: and which were also the sentiments of the Karaites, or Scripturarians, another sect among them who kept to the letter of the Scriptures, and rejected the traditions of the elders, which the Pharisees held: but in this they agreed with them, "that it was right to do good to their friends, and to forgive them that asked pardon of them; but to such men who rendered evil, and did not return to do well, that they might receive forgiveness, , "it is not forbidden to revenge, and to keep anger against them" (s).'' It is indeed said (t) of their former holy men, "Hasideans", which some have thought to be the same with the "Essenes", and a sort of Christians; however, were a better sort of Jews; that these "heard their reproach, but did not return it; and not only so, but they pardoned him that reproached them, and forgave him.'' And it is reported of these men, that they used to pray to God to pardon and forgive all that disturbed them. But the Pharisees, whom Christ had to do with, and against whom he inveighs, were men of another complexion. (s) R. Eliahu in Adderet, c. 3. apud Trigland. de Sect. Karaeorum, c. 10. p. 166, 167. (t) Maimon. Hilch. Talmud Tora. c. 7. sect. 13.
Matthew 5:44
Love Your Enemies
43You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor’ and ‘Hate your enemy.’ 44But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Door of Repentance
By Corrie Ten Boom24K40:06RepentanceMAT 5:44ACT 18:10EPH 4:31In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of being in a prison and connecting with a man who was afraid of being whipped. Through love and sharing the word of God, the speaker was able to lead the man to accept Jesus. The speaker emphasizes the importance of having both a horizontal (connecting with others) and vertical (connecting with God) relationship when bringing someone to the Lord. The sermon also highlights the need for believers to be clean and holy, and the availability of the blood of Jesus to cleanse us from all sins.
Interview 1974
By Corrie Ten Boom12K07:20PSA 139:1MAT 5:44ROM 5:5ROM 8:262CO 12:9This sermon shares the powerful testimony of a woman who endured imprisonment and suffering during World War II, highlighting how God's grace sustained her through the darkest times. It emphasizes the importance of faith, prayer, forgiveness, and experiencing God's love even in the midst of hatred and cruelty. The message encourages Christians to pray for leaders, forgive others, and trust in God's victory even in times of suffering.
The Greatest of These Is Love
By Corrie Ten Boom9.6K57:15LovePSA 139:14MAT 5:44MAT 6:33JHN 15:13ROM 5:5In this sermon, the speaker shares his experiences during a difficult time in Holland when the Germans were targeting Jewish people. He talks about how he and others worked to save as many Jewish people as they could. The speaker also mentions how he was able to share the gospel with communists by speaking into a secret microphone in his hotel room. He emphasizes the importance of accepting Jesus as Savior and living a life dedicated to winning souls for eternity. The speaker encourages young people to give their lives to the Lord and be a light in the world. He concludes by reminding listeners that Jesus is alive and his light is stronger than any darkness.
The Holy Spirit Gives Power
By Corrie Ten Boom9.1K22:11Holy SpiritMAT 5:44MAT 22:37JHN 7:38ACT 1:8ROM 5:5EPH 5:18COL 1:11In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of relying on the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. He shares a story of a little boy who overcame his fear by holding his father's hand, illustrating the need for us to trust in God's love and strength. The speaker also highlights the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, enabling us to love our enemies and live a life surrendered to God. He encourages believers to be willing to suffer for Christ and reminds them that Jesus is the ultimate victor in all situations. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the commandment to witness and make disciples, with the assurance that the Holy Spirit will empower believers to fulfill this calling.
How a Christian Gives Himself Away
By Alan Redpath5.8K51:31SurrenderISA 40:30MAT 5:44LUK 23:34JHN 4:14ROM 8:22CO 12:8COL 3:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for a different approach to church programs and gatherings. He highlights the story of Gideon and how God used a small number of men to defeat a much larger army. The speaker encourages believers to fully surrender their lives to God and allow Him to work through them in their daily interactions with others. He also references the story of Jesus feeding the multitude with just a few loaves and fishes, illustrating the principle of multiplication through sharing. The sermon concludes with a reminder that living a life surrendered to God may seem impossible from a human perspective, but with the help of the Holy Spirit, it becomes achievable.
Five Rules for Holy Living
By A.W. Tozer4.3K23:06Holy LivingGEN 1:27PSA 103:20ISA 43:4MAL 3:17MAT 5:441PE 2:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of praising and blessing the Lord. He highlights various elements of creation such as water, sun, moon, stars, wind, heat, fire, winter, summer, frost, dew, ice, and snow, all of which sing and reflect God's glory. The preacher also mentions that although we cannot physically see God, we can hear Him sing through His creation and feel His presence in our lives. He encourages believers to have a reverent esteem for all things, viewing them as celestial and recognizing the face of Jesus Christ shining through the fallen world. Additionally, the preacher emphasizes the importance of love within the brotherhood of redeemed souls, both on the natural and spiritual planes.
The Secret Door
By Corrie Ten Boom4.0K30:24PersecutionDEU 31:6PSA 23:1MAT 5:44MAT 6:33JHN 14:2JHN 20:21ROM 8:14In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about a boy named Martin who had a life-changing encounter with a lady who saved his life and taught him how to invite Jesus into his heart. This encounter led Martin to have a genuine transformation and a burden for souls. The speaker also shares a dangerous situation where they had to save a baby and how God gave them the strength and courage to do it. They also describe a moment in a concentration camp where they boldly proclaimed Jesus as the victor, despite the risk of being killed. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the power of having Jesus in one's heart and the courage that comes from trusting in Him.
Die Feinde Des Evangeliums Sollen Abgeschnitten Werden (German)
By Richard Wurmbrand3.2K41:57GermanMAT 5:44MAT 18:21LUK 15:20JHN 15:6ROM 12:19GAL 5:122PE 2:22In this sermon, a young man shares his personal testimony of being freed from prison and his desire for forgiveness from his father. He believes that if he sees white bags hanging on the cherry tree in front of his parents' house, it will signify his father's forgiveness. As the train approaches his parents' house, he is filled with anxiety about whether or not the white bags will be there. The sermon then transitions to a discussion about the seriousness of sin and the consequences of being an enemy of the Gospel. The speaker emphasizes the need for repentance and keeping the door open for those who want to turn to God. The sermon concludes with a story about a father who reassures a restless young man that his house is filled with white kitchenware, symbolizing his father's love and acceptance. The sermon encourages listeners to take sin seriously and to seek forgiveness and reconciliation with God.
The Weapon of Love
By Otto Koning2.7K55:33LoveJOS 1:8PSA 1:2PSA 7:7MAT 5:44JHN 13:34HEB 4:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of consistently meditating on the Word of God throughout our daily lives. They highlight the power of Christianity and the weapons of spiritual warfare, such as resisting temptation, rejoicing, prayer, love, and meditation. The speaker encourages the audience to find excitement and fulfillment in Christianity rather than seeking it from the world. They also discuss the effectiveness of evangelizing those who have wronged us or those we have wronged in the past, as they may be the easiest to win to Christ. The sermon concludes with a story about forgiveness and redemption, illustrating the transformative power of God's love.
The Power of Kindness
By Jim Cymbala2.5K30:03KindnessECC 3:1MAT 5:44LUK 6:35ROM 12:20GAL 6:10EPH 4:321JN 3:18In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of kindness in our lives as Christians. He mentions that while people may know the Bible, speak in tongues, or preach, they may still lack kindness. The speaker prays for God to help us draw people to Him through our kindness, especially in a world filled with confusion and misconceptions about Christianity. He highlights the need for our actions to reflect our faith and for us to show love through acts of kindness, assisting and helping others. The speaker also references the book of Proverbs, stating that those who are kind benefit themselves, while the cruel bring ruin upon themselves.
Seeking God for Power - Power to Love Until the End
By Zac Poonen2.4K59:21PowerMAT 5:39MAT 5:44JHN 7:38JHN 13:34ROM 5:51CO 13:2HEB 4:16In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of love and unity among believers. He challenges the idea that miracles and signs are the ultimate proof of being God's people. Instead, he argues that the greatest miracle is to love one another and remain in love until the end. The speaker references Jesus' example of loving his disciples until the very end and compares it to the miraculous act of raising the dead or healing the blind. He concludes that throughout the history of the church, the consistent and enduring love for one another is a greater miracle than any supernatural sign.
God Cannot Please Sinners
By Charles Finney2.4K27:18Audio BooksMAT 5:44LUK 13:3ACT 17:30ROM 2:4ROM 6:23ROM 8:72CO 6:14In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the long-suffering nature of God in sparing sinners despite their constant rebellion and fault-finding. The preacher emphasizes that nothing God does can please sinners because their hearts and consciences are opposed to Him. The sermon also highlights the torment that sinners will experience in hell, with their hearts unchanged and in enmity against God. The preacher calls for a change of heart, as it is evident that the consciences and hearts of sinners are in conflict with each other. The necessity of this change is universal, as every person has violated their conscience in following the inclinations of their hearts.
'Forgive Us, Our Debtors'
By Derek Cleave2.2K55:20ForgivenessMAT 5:44MAT 6:14MAT 6:33MAT 18:21MAT 18:23EPH 4:32In this sermon, the speaker begins by recounting a parable from the Bible about a servant who owed a debt to his master. The servant was forgiven his debt but refused to show mercy to a fellow servant who owed him money. The master then punished the servant for his lack of forgiveness. The speaker emphasizes that just as the servant owed a debt to his master, we also owe a debt to God for our sins. He explains that we cannot escape this debt and that God's patience is not a substitute for forgiveness. The sermon concludes with the reminder that we must forgive others in order to receive forgiveness from God.
(Spirit-Filled Life) Part 1: A New Covenant Privilege
By Zac Poonen2.1K49:42MAT 5:21MAT 5:44MAT 5:48MAT 6:6MAT 6:25MAT 6:31MAT 6:34In this sermon, the speaker reflects on Jesus' teachings in Matthew chapters 5, 6, and 7, known as the Sermon on the Mount. The speaker highlights the challenge of living up to the high standard set by Jesus in this sermon. They express a desire to know how to live according to this standard, as Jesus did not provide explicit instructions. The speaker also references the story of Daniel in the Bible, who took a stand for God's word despite opposition. The sermon emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spirit in helping believers keep God's commandments and bringing about inward transformation.
(Disciples of Jesus) the Way of the Cross
By Zac Poonen2.0K1:20:16EXO 20:12MAT 5:44MAT 6:33LUK 14:26JHN 2:4GAL 6:14EPH 3:18In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of surrendering our will to God's will. He encourages listeners to let go of their own ambitions and plans and instead seek God's guidance in every aspect of their lives. The speaker highlights Jesus as the ultimate example of surrendering to God's will, even unto death on the cross. He urges listeners to make a daily commitment to die to their own desires and allow God to determine how they spend their time, money, and resources. The speaker also emphasizes the blessings that come from choosing God's will over our own and the assurance that behind every cross there is a resurrection.
(The Truth Will Set You Free) Freedom From the Curse
By Zac Poonen2.0K58:01PSA 119:11PRO 18:21MAT 5:44MAT 7:12MAT 16:17GAL 3:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of treating others with kindness and fairness, as taught by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. He warns against speaking evil about others and encourages forgiveness and generosity. The speaker also addresses the issue of exploitation and mistreatment of workers, emphasizing the need to pay them fairly. He highlights the significance of being serious students of God's Word and serving one's generation in the will of God. The sermon concludes with a reminder to release others and extend pardon in order to experience release from the cages of bitterness and unforgiveness.
1992 Missions Conference Talk - Part 7
By Richard Wurmbrand2.0K05:48MAT 5:44MAT 10:28MAT 24:13ROM 8:352CO 12:10PHP 1:21HEB 13:31PE 3:141PE 4:16REV 2:10This sermon emphasizes the importance of love, compassion, and faith in the face of persecution, particularly focusing on the struggles of persecuted Christians in various countries. It highlights the need for support, prayer, and understanding for those facing persecution, especially in communist and Muslim nations. The message encourages believers to show love, strength, and courage in the midst of adversity, following the example of persecuted Christians who demonstrate unwavering faith and love even in the most challenging circumstances.
The Weapons of Our Warfare
By Otto Koning2.0K35:10Spiritual WarfarePSA 1:2MAT 5:44ROM 12:212CO 10:4PHP 4:41TH 5:17In this sermon, the speaker shares his experiences as a missionary in a foreign culture. He describes the challenges of communicating the gospel to people who have different beliefs and ways of thinking. The speaker emphasizes the importance of using spiritual weapons to tear down strongholds and destroy deceptions in order to reach people with the truth of Christ. He also highlights the need for cultural understanding and adaptation in order to effectively share the gospel in different contexts.
The Casual Receiving of Christ
By Carter Conlon1.8K00:00ChristPSA 8:3PRO 3:5MAT 5:44MAT 19:19MAT 22:37LUK 7:36JHN 13:34In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing our need for God. He highlights the gratitude we should have for God's presence in our lives and the promises He has made to us. The preacher warns against trying to fit God into our own plans, as it will result in losing both our own desires and God's plan for us. The sermon emphasizes the significance of loving and obeying God's commandments, as this is a true expression of our love for Him. The preacher also emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and compassion, as these are manifestations of a genuine conversion and relationship with God. The sermon concludes with a reminder to trust in the Lord, not relying on our own understanding, and to fear the Lord and depart from evil.
Eating the Bread of Opposition
By Carter Conlon1.8K43:46NUM 14:5PSA 23:4PSA 84:5JOL 2:28MAT 5:44MRK 9:24JHN 4:31ACT 4:29HEB 9:22This sermon emphasizes the concept of 'eating the bread of opposition,' highlighting how challenges and enemies can actually nurture and strengthen us in our faith journey. It encourages gratitude for opposition as a means to drive us closer to God, ignite prayer, increase boldness, and foster divine compassion. The message underscores the importance of facing opposition with faith and seeing it as an opportunity for God's power and provision to manifest in our lives.
The Supernatural Hand of Mercy
By Carter Conlon1.8K42:49Mercy Of GodMAT 5:44MAT 6:33LUK 6:35LUK 6:37JHN 13:2In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of laying down grievances and wounds in order to maintain a strong testimony. He uses the example of King David in the Old Testament, who was tempted and tested like all men but remained without sin. The speaker emphasizes the need to love our enemies, forgive others, and show kindness, as these actions will be reciprocated. He then provides an example from John chapter 13, where Jesus demonstrates humility and servanthood by washing the feet of his disciples, including Judas who would later betray him.
The Position of Power
By Jim Cymbala1.7K35:32PowerPSA 50:15MAT 5:44LUK 6:27ROM 12:14JAS 5:13In this sermon, Pastor Jim Simba emphasizes the importance of prayer in our lives. He acknowledges that Satan tries to distract and cut us off from our supply line, which is prayer. He encourages the congregation to pray and seek God's help, as prayer has the power to change lives in just 60 seconds. Pastor Simba also highlights the need for a spirit of prayer in the church and urges everyone to prioritize prayer over busyness and distractions. He shares personal experiences of how prayer has brought breakthroughs and encouragement in his own life.
(Pure Testimony) God Looks for Wholehearted People
By Zac Poonen1.7K57:56PurityMAT 5:27MAT 5:39MAT 5:44MAT 7:1MAT 7:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a serious Christian and not just attending conferences and listening to great messages. He highlights the concept of discipleship and the narrow gate that leads to a true Christian life. The speaker emphasizes the need for genuine reactions and treating others with love and respect. He also emphasizes the importance of building local bodies of believers and being committed to Jesus and one another.
(Youth Bible School 2007) a Chosen Generation
By Dean Taylor1.6K1:01:47Bible SchoolGEN 12:2EXO 19:3MAT 5:44MAT 22:371CO 9:19In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not engaging in sinful behaviors such as fornication, uncleanness, and covetousness. He quotes Ephesians 5:4 to support his point and warns that those who partake in such actions will not inherit the kingdom of Christ and God. The preacher also addresses the issue of Christians being influenced by worldly entertainment and urges the congregation to consider these matters in the light of a holy God. He concludes by highlighting the concept of believers being a chosen generation, emphasizing that God has always desired to have a special and precious people to Himself. The sermon encourages listeners to seek guidance from the Scriptures and live as priests in this world.
Contentment and Covetousness
By Zac Poonen1.5K1:21:00ISA 57:20MAT 5:44ROM 7:7PHP 3:12HEB 4:12REV 15:2This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a life of rest and contentment in God. It highlights the need to focus on obeying all of God's commandments and claiming His promises, rather than being disturbed by circumstances or people. The goal is to be like a sea of glass, calm and at peace, unaffected by external disturbances, and to contribute to creating a church environment of rest and peace.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
But I say unto you, Love your enemies--The word here used denotes moral love, as distinguished from the other word, which expresses personal affection. Usually, the former denotes "complacency in the character" of the person loved; but here it denotes the benignant, compassionate outgoings of desire for another's good. bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you--The best commentary on these matchless counsels is the bright example of Him who gave them. (See Pe1 2:21-24; and compare Rom 12:20-21; Co1 4:12; Pe1 3:9). But though such precepts were never before expressed--perhaps not even conceived--with such breadth, precision, and sharpness as here, our Lord is here only the incomparable Interpreter of the law in force from the beginning; and this is the only satisfactory view of the entire strain of this discourse.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But I say unto you, love your enemies,.... That is, as the Apostle Paul may be thought to interpret the words of Christ, Rom 12:20. "If thine enemy hunger, feed him: if he thirst, give him drink": unless our Lord should be supposed rather to regard the internal affection of the mind; since outward expressions of love, by words and works, are urged in the following exhortations: the actions of a man may be hated, and just indignation be expressed against them, and yet his person be loved, tenderness be used to him, and pity shown him: all men, even enemies, are to be loved with a natural love, as men; though they cannot be loved with a spiritual affection, as brethren in Christ: and in natural affection there are degrees, according to the relation and circumstances that persons stand in to one another. Bless them that curse you: when wicked men curse you, as Shimei cursed David, do not "render evil for evil, or railing for railing, but contrariwise, blessing"; give good words, use kind language, mild and soft expressions; such as may either win upon them, or put them to shame and silence: "bless, and curse not"; the latter belongs to them, the former to you; "let them curse, but bless thou": curses better fit their mouths, and blessings thine. Blessing here, does not signify praising them, for that would be sinful, which is sometimes the sense of the word; nor wishing, or praying for a blessing on them, which is right and good; but this is mentioned afterwards, as distinct from blessing; wherefore, it is better to understand it of a sweet and engaging address unto, and behaviour and conduct towards such, whose mouths are full of cursing and bitterness. Do good to them that hate you; such as hate you in their hearts, and discover their hatred by their actions; do not make returns in the same way, but on the contrary, do them all the good you can; perform all the kind offices that lie in your power; let them partake of your bounty and liberality; if poor, feed, clothe, and supply them, as you are able, with the necessaries of life; and give them wholesome advice for the good of their souls: by "so doing", you will "heap coals of fire on their heads"; of enemies, make them friends; engage their affections to you, and you may be happy instruments in doing them good, both in soul and body: and pray for them that despitefully use you and persecute you. What Christ here commands and advises to, he himself did; for as he hung upon the cross, he prayed for his crucifiers, who were then using him in the most despiteful, as well as cruel manner; saying, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do": and in this he has left us an example, that we should tread in his steps; and here in he was quickly followed by his holy martyr Stephen; who, whilst he was being stoned, prayed for his persecutors and murderers, saying, "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge". This breathes out the true spirit of Christianity, and is peculiar to it. The whole of this is directly opposite to the tenets of the Jews, particularly the Scribes and Pharisees; who allowed of revenge, and keeping anger against any person that had done them an injury, as has been observed: and which were also the sentiments of the Karaites, or Scripturarians, another sect among them who kept to the letter of the Scriptures, and rejected the traditions of the elders, which the Pharisees held: but in this they agreed with them, "that it was right to do good to their friends, and to forgive them that asked pardon of them; but to such men who rendered evil, and did not return to do well, that they might receive forgiveness, , "it is not forbidden to revenge, and to keep anger against them" (s).'' It is indeed said (t) of their former holy men, "Hasideans", which some have thought to be the same with the "Essenes", and a sort of Christians; however, were a better sort of Jews; that these "heard their reproach, but did not return it; and not only so, but they pardoned him that reproached them, and forgave him.'' And it is reported of these men, that they used to pray to God to pardon and forgive all that disturbed them. But the Pharisees, whom Christ had to do with, and against whom he inveighs, were men of another complexion. (s) R. Eliahu in Adderet, c. 3. apud Trigland. de Sect. Karaeorum, c. 10. p. 166, 167. (t) Maimon. Hilch. Talmud Tora. c. 7. sect. 13.