Matthew 5:1

CHAPTER V.

Christ begins his sermon on the mount, 1, 2.

The beatitudes, 3-12.

The disciples the salt of the earth, and light of the world,

13-16.

Christ is not come to destroy, but confirm and fulfil, the Law

and the Prophets, 17-19.

Of the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, 20.

Interpretation of the precepts relative to murder, anger, and

injurious speaking, 21, 22.

Of reconciliation, 23-26.

Of impure acts and propensities, and the necessity of

mortification, 27-30.

Of divorce, 31, 32.

Of oaths and profane swearing, 33-37.

Of bearing injuries and persecution, 38-41.

Of borrowing and lending, 42

Of love and hatred, 43-46.

Of civil respect, 47.

Christ's disciples must resemble their heavenly Father, 48.

NOTES ON CHAP. V

Verse Matthew 5:1. And seeing the multitudes] τους οχλους, these multitudes, viz. those mentioned in the preceding verse, which should make the first verse of this chapter.

He went up into a mountain] That he might have the greater advantage of speaking, so as to be heard by that great concourse of people which followed him. It is very probable that nothing more is meant here than a small hill or eminence. Had he been on a high mountain they could not have heard; and, had he been at a great distance, he would not have sat down. Matthew 5:14.

And when he was set] The usual posture of public teachers among the Jews, and among many other people. Hence sitting was a synonymous term for teaching among the rabbins.

His disciples] The word μαθητης signifies literally a scholar. Those who originally followed Christ, considered him in the light of a Divine teacher; and conscious of their ignorance, and the importance of his teaching, they put themselves under his tuition, that they might be instructed in heavenly things. Having been taught the mysteries of the kingdom of God, they became closely attached to their Divine Master, imitating his life and manners; and recommending his salvation to all the circle of their acquaintance. This is still the characteristic of a genuine disciple of Christ.