Matthew (Written)

Thursday, 26 December 2024

But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, Matthew 6:3

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

“And you doing compassionateness, not it know your left what it does your right” (CG).

In the previous verse, Jesus told His disciples to not trumpet their charitable deeds before others like the hypocrites do. In doing so, there will be no reward from the Father. Now, He continues that thought, saying, “And you doing compassionateness.”

Jesus acknowledges that doing such deeds is something expected of people. Otherwise, He would have said, “If you do…” It is assumed that people will, in fact, do such things. This is especially so because those under the law were told to do certain charitable things. To not do them would then be sin. However, Jesus says that in their doing them, “not it know your left what it does your right.”

Both words are introduced into the New Testament. The first, aristeros, left, comes from the same root as the word ariston, meaning a breakfast or midday meal. The word ariston properly signifies “undetermined.” Thus, it is a meal eaten at any point before the main meal.

As such, the aristeros, left, gives the sense of second best. That then is contrasted to dexios, right. That is from dechomai, to take, receive, accept, welcome, etc. The right throughout the world is considered the predominant hand. It is the one that is generally used for grabbing things, hailing others, receiving gifts, and so forth.

Thus, in the Bible, it signifies the position of power (such as “sit at My right hand” in Psalm 110:1) and blessing, both in receiving and in bestowing (such as Psalm 16:11, receiving, and when the hand is placed on another to bless him, as in Genesis 48:13, bestowing).

The left is considered the weaker and less predominant side, but it is generally not so in a negative sense. Rather, it speaks of a different or lesser position.

Jesus is letting the disciples know that in the giving of alms or doing other charitable deeds, one should be so secretive that the hands – metaphorically speaking of positions of authority – shouldn’t know what one another has done. It may not be a great way to run a government or a business, but it is the appropriate way to do one’s acts of charity.

Life application: It is not always easy to live up to these words. As social beings, we desire recognition. We also want things credited to our accounts with others. In doing something nice for another, we can then hope for something in return if a need were to arise.

These thoughts will often permeate our thinking. However, if we trust that the Lord has everything figured out, then future needs will be met according to His wisdom. Having account balances with others shouldn’t be a consideration.

And for those who could not help in the future, such as the poor, why should helping them be something we want others to see? But we do. It is again something that we find desirable. As it is so, we should make a conscious effort to try to quell those feelings and simply be pleased that the Lord is seeing and approving of our actions.

Jesus is speaking to His disciples while still under the law, but the premise of His words holds true at any time. God’s standards of approval will not change in such matters. The only difference is that those under the law had mandates on them that we don’t.

We do not have sin imputed for not doing the things required under the law. As Paul says, “sin is not imputed where there is no law” (Romans 5:13). Therefore, we can be grateful for the grace, receive that as a blessing, and be content with this knowledge and not seek further approval from others. The knowledge of what Jesus has done should be sufficient to motivate us to acts of goodness without extra recognition from others.

Heavenly Father, Jesus came and lived out the law, fulfilling it and then setting it aside. Now, You offer grace through faith in what He has done. What more could we ask for? It is sufficient to impel us forward, all the days of our lives. Help us to rest in this knowledge and be satisfied in the grace that comes through His work! Amen.

Merry Christmas!

Wednesday, 25 December 2024

Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. Matthew 6:2

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

“Therefore, when you do compassionateness, you trumpet not before you just as the hypocrites – they do – in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Amen! I say to you, they obtain their reward” (CG).

The previous verse began Chapter 6. Jesus said to not do one’s deeds of charity (compassionateness) before men in order to be seen. If that is the case, God will give no reward. Jesus now continues with, “Therefore, when you do compassionateness, you trumpet not before you.”

He uses the verb salpizó, literally, to sound a trumpet. Because the word trumpet can be used as either a noun or a verb, simply saying trumpet in the verbal position gets the point across. In the New Testament, the idea of sounding a trumpet is used as a metaphor at times for other things, such as the announcement of divine actions.

In this case, Jesus is saying, “Don’t draw attention to yourself,” something that sounding a trumpet will naturally do. He next adds, “just as the hypocrites – they do.”

Here is another new word, hupokrités. One can see the etymological root of our modern word. The word comes from hypo, under, and krino, to judge. Thus, it signifies “a judging under.” This is what someone with a mask on will do. As such, it is a two-faced person. He says one thing but then does another.

In this case, his supposed action is helping another, but the true intent is to look good in front of others. He does this by doing his charitable deeds “in the synagogues and in the streets.”

These are both places where people are gathered. Thus, they are the perfect places for hypocrites to supposedly do kindnesses to others. The person will be seen and will receive all kinds of accolades for his generosity or care of others. But this is exactly what he wanted in the first place. Such people do this “that they may have glory from men.”

Jesus, knowing the human heart, explains why such a person did something nice for another or toward God in the first place. It wasn’t because he cared at all about the recipient. Rather, he cares about himself, hoping to receive accolades or other benefits from those around him. In such a situation, Jesus exclaims, “Amen! I say to you, they obtain their reward.”

Such a person is looking for worldly acclaim, not care of or toward the recipient. If worldly acclaim is what he wants, in doing his deeds in the open, he receives the reward he is looking for. Such a person will get no approval from the Lord. Why should he?

And yet, this is usually on the minds of such people. They give in hopes of immediate approval, but then they assume that because those who see are pleased, then God must also be pleased. This is as common as peanuts in a peanut butter processing plant. We equate our human thoughts about things to our thoughts about God, assuming He is just like us.

Life application: One of the common things seen in charitable donors is a plaque saying who gave money for a particular cause. Quite often it will include the sum given. People will often give specifically for this type of notability.

This is also the idea behind large, notable grave markers. Many people have a need to be noticed by others in both life and death. They want to be remembered for the lives they live (or lived). But if one’s life is not lived for the Lord, it is a life truly wasted. No matter how long a person is remembered in this world, the Bible tells us that this world will come to an end.

For those who miss out on the heavenly highway, there is an eternity ahead that will be spent apart from the good things that God will do for His people. What a sad trade to make! Who cares if you are appreciated by others for the good things you do in this life? What really matters is if God has accepted you for the next life. And that is only going to happen if you place your trust in Jesus Christ.

Believe the gospel today. Don’t worry about trumpeting your deeds now. Through faith in Jesus, God will trumpet you to glory –

“For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. ¹⁶ For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. ¹⁷ Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. ¹⁸ Therefore comfort one another with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18

Lord God, may our lives be lived out in a manner that will bring You glory and honor. Help us to be people who live out Your will now, knowing that the true rewards are ahead. Until that day, may we quietly do our good deeds without trumpeting what we are doing. You see. That is what matters. Amen.

Tuesday, 24 December 2024

“Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Matthew 6:1

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

“You beware of your compassionateness, not to do before men to be seen by them. And if otherwise, no reward you have from your Father, the ‘in the heavens’” (CG).

The previous verse concluded Matthew 5. Matthew 6 begins with Jesus’ continued discourse to His disciples. He now says, “You beware of your compassionateness.”

The word translated as “beware,” prosechó, is introduced here. It gives the sense of setting a course and staying on it, or giving one’s full attention to something. Thus, one is to beware and pay heed. The specific thing Jesus says to heed in this verse is their compassionateness.

The Greek word eleémosuné is used. It is a noun that is exactingly translated as compassionateness, as in alms. Thus, the word alms is how it is often translated. It is a benefaction bestowed upon someone. The word is derived from eleos, signifying compassion, such as pity, mercy, etc.

Some manuscripts, however, instead have the word dikaiosuné, righteousness. Thus, “Beware not to do your righteousness…” Either way, the point is to “not to do before men to be seen by them.”

Jesus is making a point about the conduct of such a display of doing good. If you are going to do a good deed where others will see, it demonstrates that your intent is less in helping the object of the deed, meaning the poor person, but in being viewed by others to become the subject of their praise.

People do this for a variety of reasons, such as being complimented, getting a job promotion or a favorable status among others, getting an appointment to a position (such as in the government), and so forth. If this is the intent, which is expressed by doing the thing in front of others rather than without eyes watching, Jesus says, “And if otherwise, no reward you have from your Father, the ‘in the heavens.’”

If the goal is to gain earthly benefit, then whatever you receive here is all you will get. However, God will give you no reward. What would be the point? You obtained what you desired, which was something other than pleasing Him.

Under the law, there were mandates for caring for others. Some of them were things that, by default, others would see. They occurred during the annual pilgrim feasts and so forth. However, there were things the people were commanded to do that could be done at any time.

If someone was doing them for everyone to see, it meant that he was not necessarily doing them to be pleasing to the Lord who gave the law, but to show off to others about how obedient to the law he was. It demonstrated that the law itself was more important to this person than the One who gave the law.

Life application: Though Jesus is speaking to Israel under the law, this verse essentially carries a moral precept about the heart. Paul says –

’The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart’ (that is, the word of faith which we preach): ⁹ that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰ For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:8-10

He refers to belief in the heart. Anyone can say, “I believe in Jesus” with it not being true. Politicians do it all the time. What matters is not what one says openly, but what the heart believes.

God is evaluating the heart of man in Matthew 6:1, just as He is doing throughout Scripture. If the heart is right with Him, then the action that accompanies what one is doing will be acceptable. This is the point of Jesus’ words.

Lord God, may our hearts be right with You. When they are, our actions will be considered appropriate as well. Help us in this, O God, so that we may be perfect in Your sight as we live out our lives in Your presence. Amen.

Monday, 23 December 2024

Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. Matthew 5:48

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

To read the CG translation of Matthew 5 online, click here to listen. Or you can see it on Rumble by clicking here.

“Therefore, you, you shall be complete, just like your Father – the ‘in the heavens’ – He is complete” (CG).

The previous verse conveyed Jesus’ words concerning greeting others. Even the tax collectors greet their brethren. So what reward is there in doing such a thing? The reward comes in greeting those you are not friendly with or maybe even those with whom you have a sense of enmity or loathing.

Based on this and the other principles stated by Him, He now sums up His thoughts saying, “Therefore, you, you shall be complete.”

The word translated as complete, teleios, signifies reaching an end goal by going through necessary stages. HELPS Word Studies says, “[This root (tel-) means ‘reaching the end (aim).’ It is well-illustrated with the old pirate’s telescope, unfolding (extending out) one stage at a time to function at full-strength (capacity effectiveness).]”

As such, it signifies that which is complete. In this case, however, the word “perfect” gives the correct sense of Jesus’ words. This is because of the next words, “just like your Father – the ‘in the heavens’ – He is complete.”

Though not found in all manuscripts, Jesus uses the word hósper, it is derived from hós, meaning like or as, and per, an emphatic particle. Therefore, it means just as, even as, or just like.

Jesus is saying that in order to meet the demands of the law, the standard by which God – who is the One in the heavens – judges man, a person must come to a state of completion, meaning absolute perfection, that is exactly like God. No wonder Paul wrote these words to those in Philippi –

“But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. ⁸ Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ ⁹ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; ¹⁰ that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, ¹¹ if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.” Philippians 3:7-11

Paul knew that his righteousness, which was from his efforts under the law of Moses, was wholly insufficient to bring him to the necessary state of completion where he could be exactly like God. Thus, he needed something more, a perfection in and of itself, that could be credited to him. That something is the righteousness of God which is found in Christ Jesus.

Life application: Although it seems in Matthew 5 that Jesus is telling His disciples that they must merit salvation through the law, He is actually telling them exactly the opposite. He is showing them the impossibility of meeting the demands of the law. But He already told them that through Moses –

“You shall therefore keep My statutes and My judgments, which if a man does, he shall live by them: I am the Lord.” Leviticus 18:5

To live is to not die. The Lord was telling Israel that by keeping the law, they would live. But every person who ever lived under the law (with the exception of Elijah who was translated directly to heaven) died.

This demonstrated to Israel, and it should be a learning tool to us, that the law cannot bring life. We cannot be perfect just like our heavenly Father through law observance. However, Jesus could. He died under the law, but not for His own sins. Rather, He died for the sins of others.

Then, on the third day, He rose again. What does this prove? It proves that He is exactly like His Father who is in the heavens. He bears the perfection of God. As only God can bear the perfection of God under the law, it tells us that Jesus is God come in human flesh.

What was stated in Jonah is proven true in Jesus: Salvation is of the Lord. Jesus is the Lord, Jehovah. This is what Scripture is telling us. Understanding this, Jesus’ words of Matthew 5 are not a call for Israel to work harder under the law, something that will never reconcile them to God. Instead, His word cries out to them that they must trust Him for this.

With the introduction of the New Covenant, Gentiles are included in this process of salvation. Those who were never under the law are granted the same chance of obtaining salvation as those who were under the law.

Jesus! Jesus is the answer. So why would anyone want the burden of the law imposed on them? In Christ Jesus is complete restoration because we are made to be exactly like our Father in the heavens through the imputation of Christ’s righteousness.

Lord God, You demand absolute perfection because the new heavens and new earth will be absolutely perfect. How can we be a part of that? It is through faith in Christ Jesus alone. Thank You that we have merited perfection through Him and not through our own failing attempt at it. Yes, thank You for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Sunday, 22 December 2024

And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Matthew 5:47

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen).

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

“And if you embrace only your brothers, what extra do you do? And do not the taxmen, the ‘himself’ they do?” (CG).

In the previous verse, Jesus noted the pointless nature of expecting rewards when you love those who love you, noting that even tax collectors do that. Now, He continues that thought, saying, “And if you embrace only your brothers.”

He uses the word aspazomai. Strong’s Lexicon says, “Derived from a (as a particle of union) and a presumed form of spao (to draw); meaning to enfold in the arms, i.e., to greet or embrace.” Although most translations simply say greet, salute, hail, or something similar, the word indicates a hearty welcome where the arms enfold around someone.

Today, we might grab someone, pull him closer, put one arm around him, and then give him a pat on the back. It is a welcome that demonstrates felicity. When greeting a brother like this, Jesus questions them about it, asking, “what extra do you do?”

The obvious answer is, “nothing.” It is what everyone who greets a brother or a friend does. This is so obvious that He next says, “And do not the taxmen, the ‘himself’ they do?”

Some manuscripts use the word ethnikoi, those from non-Jewish ethnicity, rather than telonai, taxmen, as was seen in the previous verse. Either way, the point is made. Jesus uses an example of someone who is considered contemptible by the Jews, demonstrating that this is what everyone does, regardless of culture, social status, etc.

He will next finish the chapter with words that sum up His thoughts on the matter that He has been addressing.

Life application: There are various ways that manuscripts will wind up with differences in them. In the case of Matthew 5:47, what seems likely is that it was a case of dittography. This is where a letter or word is repeated by accident. In the Greek NT Text, the final sentence is almost identical to the final sentence of verse 46 – except for one word, translated as tax collectors by the NKJV:

ἐὰν γὰρ ἀγαπήσητε τοὺς ἀγαπῶντας ὑμᾶς, τίνα μισθὸν ἔχετε; οὐχὶ καὶ οἱ τελῶναι τὸ αὐτὸ ποιοῦσιν;
καὶ ἐὰν ἀσπάσησθε τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς ὑμῶν μόνον, τί περισσὸν ποιεῖτε; οὐχὶ καὶ οἱ ἐθνικοὶ τὸ αὐτὸ ποιοῦσιν;

46. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?
47. And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors [ethnicities] do so?

When translating verse 47, the Greek copyist looked up, his eyes probably glanced at verse 46 by accident, thus writing taxmen a second time instead of pagans or ethnicities. This is obviously speculation, but somehow an error crept into one of the two texts.

To understand why there are various differences in the biblical texts, take time to read up on copyist errors. Along with dittography, some of the errors you will discover are haplography (omitting a repeated letter or word), metathesis (reversing letters or words), homeoteleuton (skipping a section due to similar line endings), and homeoarchy (skipping a section due to similar beginnings of lines).

These and other copyist mistakes frequently crept into texts. Does this mean that the word of God is tainted? Not at all. It is there, but we must spend time and careful consideration to determine why the error occurred and which is the original. Though disputed by various scholars, the original exists.

The Greek New Testament has thousands and thousands of manuscripts. Add in lectionaries, commentaries, and other ancient sources, and the originals can be determined. God has allowed fallen man to handle His word. Because of this, errors in transmission can be expected. But diligence and perseverance will lead to a fuller and closer understanding of what was originally given under inspiration of the Spirit.

Lord God, thank You for those who have carefully recorded Your word over the ages, passing down what You originally gave us so that we can understand what You have done in the giving of Jesus. Help us to diligently search out Your word and faithfully transmit it to those around us so that they, too, can know. Amen.