A. The Subjects of the Kingdom, Matthew 5:3-16.

(1) Their character and privileges, Matthew 5:3-12.

3. Blessed are the poor in spirit The beatitudes so called from the opening word "beati" (blessed), in the Vulgate. Mark the Christian growth step by step. First, spiritual poverty, the only character which is receptive of repentance, therefore alone admissible into the Kingdom. Secondly, sadness for sin. Thirdly, meekness, implying submission to the will of God, a characteristic of Jesus Himself, who says "I am meek and lowly in heart." Fourthly, the soul-hunger for righteousness. Then three virtues of the Christian life, each of which wins, without seeking it, a reward in an ascending scale mercy, purity, peacemaking. (It is a little remarkable that the English language supplies no abstract term to express this last, the highest grace of the Christian life.) The last two beatitudes Matthew 5:10-11 may be regarded as encouragements to the disciples, and as tests of their true discipleship.

poor in spirit Opposed to the spiritually proud, the just who need no repentance. St Luke omits "in spirit," showing that the literal poor are primarily meant, St Matthew shows that they are not exclusively meant.

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