Matthew 5:20

Dialogue of Justin

For He exhorted His disciples to surpass the pharisaic way of living, with the warning, that if they did not, they might be sure they could not be saved; and these words are recorded in the memoirs: `Unless your righteousness exceed that of the Scribes and Pharisees, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.'[409]

Irenaeus Against Heresies Book IV

For all these do not contain or imply an opposition to and an overturning of the [precepts] of the past, as Marcion's followers do strenuously maintain; but [they exhibit] a fulfilling and an extension of them, as He does Himself declare: "Unless your righteousness shall exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."[155]

Clement of Alexandria Stromata Book III

Revera enim, ut dixit Dominus: "Nisi abundavetit justitia vestra plus quam scribarum et Pharisaeorum, non intrabitis in regnum Dei."[26]

Clement of Alexandria Stromata Book VI

Through the knowledge, then, as appears, of a bad and good life is the Gnostic saved, understanding and executing "more than the scribes and Pharisees."[222]

Clement of Alexandria Stromata Book VI

After abandoning idols, then, they will hear the Scripture, "Unless your righteousness exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees "[306]

Tertullian On Idolatry

How will our "righteousness abound above that of the Scribes and Pharisees," as the Lord has prescribed,[10]

Tertullian On Monogamy

as relate to righteousness not only permanently remain reserved, but even amplified; in order, to be sure, that our righteousness may be able to redound above the righteousness of the scribes and of the Pharisees.[43]

Constitutions of the Holy Apostles Book II

For the Lord says to you in the Gospel: "Unless your righteousness abound more than that of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall by no means enter into the kingdom of heaven."[169]