MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 6:2 HYPOCRITES originally referred to Greek actors who wore different masks to play various roles. Jesus expected his disciples to GIVE TO THE NEEDY. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 6:5 Prayer was also expected of God’s people. Public prayer was a common practice in NT times. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 6:7 HEAP UP EMPTY PHRASES. Pagans repeated the names of their gods or the same words over and over without thinking (see 1 Kings 18:26; Acts 19:34). Jesus prohibits mindless repetition, not the earnest repetition that flows from a worshiping heart (see Psalms 136:1; Mark 14:3... [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 6:9 Jesus gives his disciples an example to follow when praying. The prayer consists of an invocation and six petitions. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 6:10 Christians are called to pray and work for the continual advancement of God’s KINGDOM on earth (the second petition; see note on vv. 9–13). The presence of God’s kingdom in this age refers to the reign of Christ in the hearts and lives of believers, and to the reigning p... [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 6:11 The fourth petition focuses on the disciples’ DAILY BREAD, which includes all of their daily physical needs. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 6:12 FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS (the fifth petition) does not mean that believers need to ask daily for justification, since believers are right with God from the moment of initial saving faith (Romans 5:1; Romans 8:1). Rather, this is a prayer for the restoration of personal fello... [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 6:13 LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION. In this sixth and final petition, “temptation” can also indicate testing (see notes on 4:1; James 1:13). The sense here most likely is, “Allow us to be spared circumstances that would tempt us to sin” (compare Matthew 26:41). DELIVER US FROM... [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 6:14 FORGIVE YOUR TRESPASSES refers to restoring relationship following sin, not salvation. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 6:16 Various kinds of fasts were practiced in OT times, though the law required only one fast a year, on the Day of Atonement. (Fasting is probably implied by the command to “afflict yourselves”; Leviticus 16:29). WHEN YOU FAST. Jesus assumes that his disciples will fast. Ano... [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 6:19 MOTH... RUST... THIEVES. See note on Luke 12:33–34. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 6:21 Throughout Scripture, the HEART refers to the center of one’s being. It includes one’s emotions, reason, and will. See note on Prov. 4:20–23. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 6:22 The EYE (similar to the “heart” in Jewish literature) is a LAMP that reveals the quality of a person’s inner life. A HEALTHY eye (clear vision) suggests loyal devotion to God. A BAD eye (impaired vision) suggests moral corruption. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElements... [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 6:24 SERVE indicates the work of a slave, not an employee. A slave belongs to one master, so he must give the master exclusive service. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 6:30 GRASS was a natural source of fuel for fire and a common biblical metaphor for human frailty (e.g., Psalms 102:4). LITTLE FAITH implies a deficiency rather than an absence of faith (see Matthew 8:26). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElement [ Continue Reading ]