Ta Pruett’s Commentary on the New Testament

By T. A. Pruett

Are you ready? This book was not written to just inform the believer. It was written to warn the lost. It is our challenge and duty to inform and seek out the lost so that we can have as many brothers and sisters filling the rooms that Christ has gone to prepare. After all, how far off can eternity be for us all?

Peace to all of you - My Brothers and Sisters.

• Language: English
• Publisher: LifeRich Publishing
• Release date: Jun 5, 2023
• ISBN: 9781489747754

T. A. Pruett

When Tom was 6 years old, he went fishing with his grandfather at a nearby catfish pond. While fishing, holding onto his cane pole, a fish hooked on the line, as Tom wrestled to keep the fish while his grandfather came to help, he was pulled in. Not wanting to lose the fish, he held on. His Grandfather had a choice, jump in after his grandson or be creative. His grandfather used his own pole to hook Tom's pant leg and pulled both Tom and the fish onshore. When they got home, Tom's grandfather used the account to tell him the Matthew 4:19 account when Jesus is calling Peter and Andrew to be disciples "...Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." This began Tom on a path that later in his life led to the composition of this commentary that he hopes will enrich lives and set others on the path to be "Fishers of Men."

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ISBN: 978-1-4897-4774-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4897-4775-4 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023910198

LifeRich Publishing rev. date: 05/16/2023

CONTENTS

Survey Of Matthew

Survey On Mark

Survey Of Luke

Survey On John

Survey On Acts

Survey On Romans

1 Corinthian Survey

2 Corinthians Survey

Survey On Galatians

Survey On Ephesians

Survey On The Philippian Church

Survey On Colossians

Survey Of 1 Thessalonians

Survey On 2 Thessalonians

Survey Of 1 Timothy

2 Timothy Survey

Titus Survey

Survey On Philemon

Survey Of The Epistle Hebrews

Survey On James

Survey Of 1 Peter

Survey Of 2 Peter

Survey Of 1 John

Survey Of The Second Epistle Of John

Survey Of The Third Epistle Of John

Survey On Jude

Survey Of Revelation

SURVEY OF MATTHEW

MATTHEW 1

B eginning our study with the Book of Matthew, one’s background and perspective is helpful to help others with the narrative being given. Being Jewish, Matthew’s account is focus on Jesus as the Messiah. As Messiah, verse 1 begins with Matthew establishing the genealogy of Jesus from the first Jew – Abraham, up to His own miraculous birth. Each of the Gospel writers have a different perspective regarding our Savior:

o Matthew – Jesus as Messiah

o Mark – Jesus the suffering servant

o Luke – Jesus the Son of Man

o John – Jesus the Son of God

In verses 2 – 16 we there are many individuals noted throughout the generations. I would also point out that there is no Hebrew word for grandfather and grandson so the father of could imply a forefather to some individual. One important aspect to the genealogy is that Matthew provides the lineage of Jesus to the Throne of David through Joseph.

As we go through the list of individuals, it is noteworthy to point out that Tamar (v.3) sired 2 illegitimate sons by Judah. Tamar was married to 2 of Judah’s sons, when he withheld the 3rd son, she posed as a harlot and was impregnated by Judah hence the illegitimate birth of her twins. Now every detail in the Bible has a purpose, in Genesis 38 and by Levitical law it would be 10 generations before the blood stain of that sin was lifted (Deuteronomy 23:2)…which happens to be David (Ruth 4:18-22). The Israelites were so bent on a king and God, I suspect strongly, had one in mind but they were not patient enough for God and demanded one and so they got Saul. Saul was succeeded later by the man God intended all along to give them in David but there is a lesson in that for us – patiently trust in God!!

Observational note: Ruth 4:12 " And let thy house be like the house of Pharez…. This statement which could be culturally as an insult because statement in effect says may your house be as the illegitimate Pharez"; However, it God, who is in control, utilizes the all the fault and foibles of humanity to fulfil His purpose – in essence has this prophetic statement recorded because it is through Pharez that 10 generations later the theocratic king that God intentioned to give Israel all along is born. It is through David that Jesus lineage give claim to the throne of Israel.

Here are some other 10th generation gaps in the OT that I observe:

In verse 6 we see David’s sin led to an union that strictly speaking should not have happened…yet again God chooses to utilize the fumbling of man to be a part of His Master plan for Man’s redemption. David may have been a man after God’s heart (Acts 13:22) but he certainly had his human failings and v.6 highlights what people would consider the worst – manipulating circumstances to sleep with another man’s wife (Uriah’s wife Bathesheba) and then trying to cover up the adultery by contriving circumstance to have Uriah killed in battle (which is in essence murder). I do believe David genuinely regretting his failings and did repent – hence a man after God’s heart.

In verse 8 we have Jehoram to Uzziah listed. Three men were omitted: Ahaziah, Joash, and Amaziah. Ahaziah was called the son-in-law of the House of Jacob in 2 Kings 8 and was killed by Jehu in 2 Kings 9. Joash was killed by servants in 2 Kings 12. Amaziah was killed by people in Jerusalem in 2 Kings 14. This occurred because of their infidelity with idols and God reaped upon them what they sowed and did so to the 3rd and 4th generation and just as Deuteronomy 29 states would happen, their names were blotted out! We are told of their deeds, but God is serious about His Word and the integrity of His Word – as such, we find these three men’s names blotted out of the genealogical record for their sinful idolatry.

In verse 11 we have what many believe to be a copyist error since we know that Johoiakim was between Josiah and Jeconiah…plus Josiah was not Jeconiah’s father but his grandfather and Jeconiah did not have brothers.

Verse 12 the mention of Salathiel is interesting as controversy – thought by many that Salathiel was adopted and thus avoiding the blood curse of Jeconiah. The question is: Was Salathiel the son of Jeconiah or Neri?. I believe Neri is the logical choice keeping in mind the integrity of God’s Word – the blood curse is unavoidable. Scanning forward to verse 16 we see that Joseph was the legal father of Jesus as Mary’s husband but Joseph was a descendant of Jeconiah who had a blood curse pronounced on him from Jeremiah 22:30 because of his wickedness. This genealogy serves to establish Jesus’ legal claim to the Throne of David through Solomon’s line…HOWEVER, when we get to Luke 3 we will see the Genealogy (from the Son of Man perspective) points out the blood line of Jesus through Mary’s lineage does not go through Solomon but through his brother Nathan (the third son of David and Bathesheba)…thus circumventing the blood curse and still fulfilling the promise God made to the Patriarch regarding from their line the Messiah would come from. Hence Neri is a more logical choice

Remark: Looking ahead to the genealogy provided in Luke 3 – Jesus’ maternal lineage will go through Nathan and not Solomon – thus avoiding the blood curse, it also dependent on an obscure OT clause established in Numbers 27 when Zelophehad made a request of Moses for his 5 daughters to inherit. Part of this clause was that the daughters of a man with no sons was the father adopted the husband of his daughter. The Hebrew literally translates a son as reckoned by law (son-in-law). Thus Jesus has the legal right to the throne as reckoned by law and avoids the blood curse! Fascinating the completeness of God and His Word!!

Verse 17 summarizes the generations from Abraham to David to Babylon to Christ.

Verses 18 – 25 conclude this chapter by alluding to the prophesied virgin birth (Genesis 3:15, Isaiah 7:10-14) and letting the legal father, Joseph, know that His wife to be was indeed faithful to him and that he need not worry about the baby she is supernaturally carrying inside. The fact that he was willing to discretely allow her an honorable divorce says something to what a compassionate man he was. Fortunately, none of it was needed and he honored the Word of God by following the instruction of the angel regarding Mary and the Baby to be.

MATTHEW 2

As we look at the first 3 verses today we see that Magi have come in search of the prophesied King. Now the town was in a uproar over their visit. At first I wondered about this because I had in my mind 3 men – However, the 3 that actually presented documented gifts to the Lord were only a part of the caravan. The Magi were a powerful priesthood that preceded but is first mentioned Biblically in Daniel when He was placed over the Magi (Daniel 4:9; 5:11). The Madi were known for Oneiromancy (ability to interpret dreams). So when a caravan of people entered into the town, it was a noticeable occurrence. Their question to Herod rocked what I suspect was an already unstable man…at the least an insecure man – hence the fortress at Masada he built. He is described as being half-Jewish (of Edomite descent). Since he was appointed to his position (through bribery) by the Roman authorities and not by Hebrew lineage, he was immediately threatened by this announcement. It is also believed that the question that the Magi posed to him was a deliberate insult as they asked who has been born king of the Jews?

Verses 4 – 10 we see a microcosm of 2 basic categories or people: Those with hatred in their heart and those that are desirous to pay homage to the King. The Magi were the latter and I would also point out the Magi were also Gentiles. It is speculated by many that when Daniel was placed over the Magi, at some point he disclosed to them some undocumented prophecy regarding the Messiah which included this mysterious Bethlehem Star that would be their sign.

Now we knew from Micah (5:2) where the Messiah would be born but the when was not known…hence the Daniel prophetic disclosure to the Magi.

Interesting detail regarding v.9: The Star of Bethlehem. There is much speculation regarding this heralding marker that led the Magi to Messiah. Many speculate that this is a fulfilment of Balaam from Numbers 24:17 "…there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel…. Perhaps Isaiah 60:3 is also fulfilled with the Matthew 2 account: And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising." There are speculative secular views as well (i.e. Kepler based on (an errorneous) inference from Josephus citing constellation of Pisces). Setting the speculation aside, this Star is obviously a supernatural phenomenon from God that leads the Magi to our Messiah.

Verses 11 – 12 we see that the Magi find the infant King and present Him with three gifts – though there is reasonable speculation that there were other gifts as well but we have only these three gifts documented as they related specifically the deity of Christ.

Regarding the gifts:

o Gold – representative of Deity

o Frankincense – representative of the Priesthood

o Myrrh – representative of burial anointment (as it emits a pleasant odor when crushed)

Jesus – who is described as Priest and King would find all three gifts appropriate. It is interesting that when we read in Isaiah only Gold and Frankincense are given in the Millennium Kingdom – there would be no need for Myrrh as Christ would have already died and resurrected so we get a hint of what would come from Messiah on earth in the OT.

Verses 13 – 15 we see Matthew making allusions to the history of Israel and how Christ relates to their history. Israel was driven into Egypt and then called out and thus the establishment of the Passover Lamb. Likewise, Christ as a baby was also driven into Egypt and then called out…thus fulfilling Hosea 11:1 which says When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.

Many theologians have pointed out that Prophecy is pattern. Matthew alludes to that here regarding the nation Israel and the Messiah. Another example include (but not limited to) Exodus 4:22 with Jeremiah 31:9 and Romans 9:4-5.

Verses 16 – 18 we see Rachel, as cited by Jeremiah, as being the mother (idiomatically) of Israel. Rachel did have ties to Bethlehem and the verse quoted from Jeremiah 31:15 "Thus saith the LORD; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rachel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not." ties up what was an obscure reference from the prophet to the current slaughter of the babies in Bethlehem.

Verses 19 – 23 conclude this chapter with the calling out of Egypt, which apparently was a supernatural occurrence for the faithful Joseph, and on their return, were directed to Nazareth. Culturally Nazareth was considered a place of ignorance…perhaps akin to the stereotyping of remote country locations. This place of physical development for Christ does get brought up in a slanderous manner with the Jewish leadership – mostly because Nazareth maintained a gentile population and thus was despised culturally.

MATTHEW 3

Thirty years have passed from the conclusion of chapter 2 to the events detailed in chapter 3. Just to clarify, John the Baptist is not to be confused with the gospel writer John who was an apostle. John the Baptist was the son of Zacharias who was a priest. John the Baptist has a special calling that was not an apostolic one but rather as a herald of the Lord’s coming which fulfilled the prophesy of Isaiah 40:3-5: "The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.". Interesting if you look at the text of Isaiah 40:3-5, the description is also somewhat prophetic regarding the journey from Jerusalem to the Judean desert where he was preaching. The journey requires you to have to walk through mountains where the terrain is quite rough in places. This area west of the Dead Sea is a barren desert. The Essenes maintained significant communities in the area. John’s ministry was in the northern part of this territory. John’s message in addition to heralding the Messiah is one consistent with the Bible: repentance and turning from habitual sin.

In verses 4 – 6 John has attired himself similar to Elijah and ate locusts and honey (some speculate that he may have eaten pods from the locust tree which is a carob-like fruit as mentioned in 2 Kings 1:8). His attire of camel’s hair with a leather belt would not be one of comfort or of fashion – perhaps an outward sign identifying himself with Elijah as well as a personal constant reminder of the purpose/focus of his ministry. The baptism that John initiates is not a new concept, as it is introduced in Leviticus 15:13 for purification. It was a long established observance to baptize gentiles who proselytized to Judaism. The Jews that embraced John’s message realized they had lived separately from God and had been much like the gentiles and through the act of baptism they were professing that their focus would be on Godly things and not worldly things.

I would note that the Christian observance of baptism takes on a different connotation than John’s baptism as for Christians we are identifying with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.

The dating of this event is somewhat controversial. Chronologically we know from history that Tiberius was appointed in 14AD after the death of Augustus on August 19, 14AD. The text of Luke 3:1 says within the 15th year of Tiberius would place this event around 28AD. This would also place the Passover on April 6, 32 AD which would make the crucifixion on a Wednesday. Now there are many scholars that argue a Friday crucifixion and there are some valid reasons for that to. I, however, tend to support a Wednesday view and secular and Talmudic texts seem to support this as well.

In verses 7 – 12 the Pharisees and Sadducees have made the day long journey to try and determine why their crowds at the Temple are so small (and for different reasons are looking for reasons to accuse). Keep in mind that 2 major political parties of the Sanhedrin can be summed up as follows:

o Pharisees: separatists; the legalists, the ritualists, out of them came the traditions of the Talmudic Jew. The name means separate ones. Their number in Jesus’ day was around 6000. Often their interactions were adversarial. Jesus often confronted their reliance on human traditions to nullify Scripture (Matthew 15:3-9).

o Sadducees: liberalists, rationalists, reformed (modernists, humanists) who denied the inspiration of the Word, the supernatural, the existence of angels, and didn’t believe in the resurrection (so they were sad, you see.). They controlled the Temple Mount in Jesus’ day, rejected human tradition, and scorned legalism. Generally they were from wealthy aristocracy.

As they approach, John calls them out and circumvents any potential crowd subversion by the Sanhedrin before it can begin. John then goes on to declare that he is preaching as a herald of the Messiah soon to follow and even baptizes others who take this as a profession of belief for what John is saying.

John makes a point in verse 9 that the Sadducees trusted in and frankly many Christians do today – they felt that being descendants of Abraham made them a part of God’s chosen race and thus spiritually secure. Likewise, many feel that because they identify themselves as Christian they are secure. I believe this is part of the deception that Lucifer would have us believe. Security in Christ stems solely on the personal relationship between the person and their creator. Heritage can be an advantage in that you are exposed and educated in the faith, however, one’s choice to embrace and accept and live the life is completely up to the individual.

Here is a provocative point of consideration stemming from the end of v.11: "…he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:" We know God promised Noah He would never again use a global flood as judgement on the earth. 2 Peter 3:10 tells us next time global judgement will be by fire next time. Idiomatically for a rabbi, fire infers judgement. Is it possible that the language in Matthew 3:11 (who is a Jew) is inferring that at the second coming of Messiah, the fire comes at the climax of the end times when Messiah returns? It seems to be a fitting application to Matthew’s words.

Verses 13 – 17 conclude this chapter with Jesus’ Baptism. Here is where we may have some differing views over what exactly was accomplished with this Baptism. Jesus professes to John that He (Jesus) has to be baptized in order to do what God would have him do – to fulfil all righteousness. There is no question that this is a profession of faith that we all should do as faithful followers.

o Was it essential? Christ seems to think so.

o Does Baptism automatically save an individual? I would say no and cite Acts 8 where Simon was baptized but did not have a conversion of the Heart.

o Do you need Baptism? I believe it is an integrally designed part of our conversion into the Kingdom.

I feel when you examine the Scripture it is placed on equal footing with Belief, Repentance, and Confession. It is all an integral part of our conversion.

Now I know some will say that Christ was sinless so why should he be baptized? I suspect that since He came here to redeem us, this was the kick start of His public ministry by identifying Himself with us – who is sinful. His baptism not only identifies Himself with those who he came to save, He anticipates bearing the sins of humanity on the Cross and this act is the anticipatory act for those that will identify with Him and accept Him a Savior.

This formal commemoration of His ministry is also entreated to appearances to the Father and the Holy Spirit and thus the Holy Trinity was present and affirms Him as Messiah for the people. I would also point out that The Trinity appear as soon as Christ arose from the Water. It seems evident that the Father publicly affirms the Son and Spirit testimony of salvation to humanity and empowers their ministry to all. The language used by the Father draws from Psalm 2:7 and Isaiah 42:1 – both messianic in tone and intent that would be easily recognized by the Sanhedrin.

MATTHEW 4

As we dive into this 4th chapter of Matthew, There are a couple of points I want to put before us for consideration before getting into the Text:

Satan, as an individual, is a knowledgeable, malevolent, powerful ruler. He is your personal Satan – your adversary.

Here are two common errors regarding Satan:

1. People pretend he doesn’t exist or we become so conscious of him that he receives more credit than he deserves.

2. He is a created being—he is not omnipresent; he has location. He is a dignitary, real, powerful, yet defeated.

The first 11 verses detail for us the famous encounter between Jesus and Lucifer. I would point out that textually, when Jesus makes His public profession and initiates His ministry, it is at this time that Lucifer tries to derail it. I submit to you, when we as individuals identify ourselves as servants of the King, we put a bull’s-eye on ourselves and Satan is coming after us like he never did before.

Jesus has made an important public profession and He does something that we should all take note of: He fasts. This is an exercise that we do not typically undertake but it is one way to help focus the mind on an important task. Medically speaking, extended fasts are not too bad once you get past the 2nd or 3rd day but by the 40th day the body is in serious need of nourishment. So when the flesh is weak, Lucifer makes his move.

These verses show in action that Our refuge is indeed in the Word of God. Lucifer tempts Jesus 3 times by misquoting scripture and Jesus responds 3 times from the Book of Deuteronomy. The first temptation (v. 2-3) regarding the turning rocks to bread draws a response from Deuteronomy 8:3 where God used Israel’s hunger to instruct them that He would feed them with Manna and teach them to trust Him to provide for them. Jesus’ response affirms that Every Word that proceeds out of the Mouth of God is indeed sustenance that is more important than food as it nurtures our spiritual needs for eternal existence.

In verses 4-7 Lucifer misquotes Psalm 91:11-12 – which also brings another excellent lesson to us: Lucifer will try to deceive us by misapplying scripture and lead us astray. We remedy this by knowing our Bible and through truth apply God’s Word in our lives. It is thought that Lucifer takes Jesus to the portico of the Temple in the SE corner that overlooks the Kidron valley. According to Josephus this corner has a 450 ft drop off. The misquote by Lucifer here twists the meaning of trusting God by trying to justify that trust by testing God. Jesus’ reply cites from Deuteronomy 6:16 where the Israelites tested God through the grumbling demanding that Moses produce water for them in the dessert as told in Exodus 17:2-7.

In verses 8 – 10 the god of this world in some supernatural manner takes Jesus to a place that the world is observable and makes an offer to Jesus to rule over it if He will worship Lucifer. Now this could not be a truly genuine offer if it did not have some merit. God has truly allowed Lucifer dominion over this world…for a time. So with that as leverage Lucifer attempts to thwart God’s plan by winning over the Messiah. Jesus again quoting Deuteronomy (6:13-14) spurns the offer and Lucifer departs.

This departure also implies that Lucifer is not omnipresent. He is bound by locality.

Also I would point out that the Angels attended to Jesus. Though Jesus passed the tests of Lucifer, the human body is weak and these servants from Heaven cared for their Lord.

The gap of time between verse 11 and 12 is roughly 1 year. Matthew, being a Jew, does not detail the Judean ministry that has occurred. He highlights the ministry aspect to the 12 Tribes of Israel.

Verse 12-13 mentions that John the Baptist is in custody – due to his bold rebuke of Herod Antipas. Also we see that Jesus leaves Nazareth. Looking at Luke 4:16-30 we see that Jesus’ departure was not a cordial one as the people there tried to kill Jesus. So he departs for Capernaum which was home to a major trade route.

In verses 13-16 we see geographically that Jesus has traveled to Capernaum off the Sea of Galilee in the northeastern part of Israel. Jesus goes there and thus fulfils another of Isaiah’s (9:1-2) prophecies regarding the Messiah and how He would minister to the People of God. This quoting by Matthew from Isaiah 9 also alludes to the blessings and prophecies mentioned in Genesis 49:13 regarding Zebulon and Genesis 49:21 regarding Naphtali. Matthew highlights that the prophecies regarding these 2 tribes were fulfilled because the Messiah did begin at their borders to preach.

In verses 17 – 22 Jesus not only kicks off his public ministry much as John the Baptist did with a message of "repent for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand, the first followers, hence disciples, of Jesus are selected. We know from John 1 that this is not their first encounter with Jesus and that they were interested in His Ministry. Here in the Matthew 4 account, they are called by Jesus to service and they heed the call. This calling not only involves embracing Christ as Messiah, it was also breaking a cultural way of life by walking away from a trade that is taught from father to son. This was their profession and in a sense they made a career change which was not some trivial matter. Peter and Andrew are called first and then the sons of Thunder; James and John are called. These 4 become what some call the inner circle though I think it more appropriate to narrow the inner circle" down to Peter, James, and John (Matthew 17); However, these are the four that are given private instruction regarding the Second Coming in Matthew 24 and 25 (which we call the Olivet Discourse).

Side note on James son of Zebedee: There are many James’ in the Bible. This James is easily distinguished as he is never mentioned in Scripture without his brother John. He was also martyred by Herod Agrippa I in Acts 12:2 which initiates severe persecution of the early church.

Personal Note: The calling of Peter and Andrew is a personal one to me. When I was ~6 years old, I went fishing with my grandfather at a nearby catfish pond. While fishing, with a cane pole, I hooked a fish and held on desperately to it. My grandfather was coming to me to help pull the fish in, but the fish was too much for me. However, rather than let it go, I held on to the pole and the fish pulled me into the water. My grandfather used his own pole to hook my pant leg and pulled both me and the fish onshore. When we got back to my grandfather home, He used the account of Matthew 4:19 where Jesus called Peter and Andrew to be disciples ...Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. I credit my grandfather and his using life experiences like this catfish to put me a path of faithfulness. I hope this account makes you smile and this study will enrich lives and set you on the path to be Fishers of Men.

Verses 23 – 25 Jesus lays the foundation of His ministry by teaching and healing. News of this spreads quickly to Syria (which we know today as the Golan region). The diseases listed from Demons, epilepsy, and paralysis deal with supernatural issues, mental issues, and physical issues…thus covering all possible aspects of ailments one can experience.

Side note: The Ten Towns (also called the Decapolis) was a heavily populated Gentile region that was known for a bohemian lifestyle. This town was one of the towns formed and Hellenized shortly after Pompey’s invasion of the region in 64 BC.…and Jesus went there preaching and teaching.

MATTHEW 5

As we look at the first 12 verses we have what is often called the Beatitudes. It is interesting that as this chapter leads into the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus did not give it to the crowd but rather to the Disciples. These Be-Attitudes are attitudes that we all are to exhibit as citizens of Heaven. Christ uses the term blessed 9 times. It is interesting the Psalms 1:1 opens with the same term when it says, Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly…

As we look these Be-Attitudes (note that the term beatitude is not in the Bible but is a Latin term that means blessing which we as people have attributed to this passage), they show how a person begins their individual progression into the kingdom by coming to grips with their own sinfulness and how to transform themselves into a true Child of God. I would also point out that at the beginning of this listing, the term Blessed is more than a surface emotion, it is a demonstrative expression of Heavenly inspired behavior we are to express. These expressions are also the antithetical solution to the worldly methods of pursuing happiness. So, the attitudes listed are all attributes that a truly child of God will lean on in this transformation:

• Poor in Spirit – (v.3) Is our attitude toward ourselves in which we feel our need and admit it.

• Mourn – (v.4) is our attitude toward sin and the genuine sorrow we feel for our sinfulness

• Meek – (v.5) Is our attitude toward others, to be teachable, and understand that when wrong there is not self defense

• Hunger and Thirst – (v.6) Is our expressive attitude toward God; which is a willingness to receive His Righteous through faith

• Merciful – (v.7) is the forgiving and loving spirit we are to extend to others

• Pure in Heart – (v.8) is the living example we are to exude in our lives by keeping our motives clean and be true to the Holiness that Christ lived for us

• Peacemakers – (v.9) is willingness that we are to strive for by brokering peace between the sinfulness of Man and the Holiness of God.

• Persecuted – (v.10) is the understanding that our lifestyle and message will not be popular and that we will be oppressed for it.

A more expansive view is offered here as I have excerpted from the khouse.org Commentary:

POOR IN SPIRIT

• We must be empty before we can be full. The opposite of this is self-sufficiency. Our sufficiency is not of ourselves (2 Cor 3:5).

• The world promotes self-sufficiency, yet God dwells with the person whose heart is broken (Isa 57:15).

• This does not mean false humility or cowardice; it means a proper attitude toward self, realizing how weak and sinful we are apart from Christ.

• Compare the two men in Luke 18:9f: Proud Pharisee vs. humble publican…

Contrast to the Mosaic Law

• Joshua was told that when the people of Israel were come over Jordan, they were to stand on Mount Gerizim to receive the blessings and Mount Ebal for the presentation of the curses.

• The blessings from the Sermon on the Mount are in sharp contrast to the curses from Mount Ebal, and they far exceed the blessings from Mount Gerizim... because Christ alone can bring those blessings.

MOURN

• This is sincere sorrow for sin, our sin and the sins of others.

• How careless we are about sin! We excuse it, yet God hates it, and sin breaks God’s heart.

• Beware of the sorrow of this world (2 Cor 7:8-10). Peter mourned with godly sorrow and was forgiven; Judas had remorse—the sorrow of this world—and he took his life.

• Micah is an example of those who mourn and are comforted (Micah 7).

MEEK

You may have heard of the preacher who had a message entitled Meekness and How I Attained It. He said that he hadn’t delivered his message yet, but as soon as he got an audience big enough, he was going to give it! Well, I have a notion that he had long since lost his meekness. — JV McGee.

• Meekness is not weakness!

• Jesus was meek (Mt 11:29), yet He drove the changers from the Temple.

• Moses was meek (Num 12:3), yet he judged sinners; even faced Aaron with his sin.

• Meekness means not asserting my own rights, but living for the glory of God.

• Christians are to show meekness (Eph 4:1–2; Titus 3:2).

• So good that you have nothing to prove (Ps 37).

• We find this in Psalm 37:11.

• The meek are not inheriting the earth today.

• They will when Christ is reigning on the earth.

HUNGER AND THIRST

• A true Christian has an appetite for spiritual things.

• Ask people what they desire and you will know what they are like.

• Character is what you are when no one is looking.

• This is evidence of your new life in Christ. How do you know if you’re saved? One way you can tell is by checking your appetites, what do you hunger and thirst after?

• The natural man will have nothing of this.

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Corinthians 2:14

• The Sermon on the Mount is the statement of the problem.

• Jesus Christ—and the Holy Spirit—is the solution.

MERCIFUL

• Not legalism, but merely the working of the Biblical principle of sowing and reaping.

• If we show mercy, because Christ has been merciful to us, then mercy will come back to us (Lk 16:1–13; James 2:13; Prov 11:17).

• We cannot earn mercy, but we must have hearts prepared to receive it. This beatitude is so misunderstood in our day because it makes our obtaining mercy conditional on our being merciful. This is not the condition on which we obtain mercy.

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Titus 3:5

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. 1 Peter 2:9, 10

PURE IN HEART

• Not sinlessness but the truth within (Ps 51:6; 1 Jn 1:8).

• It means a single heart, not divided between God and the world.

• No honest man can say that his heart is pure. How can the heart of man, which is desperately wicked, be made clean? The Lord Jesus said, Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you (Jn 15:3). It is by the washing of regeneration that we are made clean. Only the blood of Christ can cleanse us from all sin Cf. Jn 1:7.

PEACEMAKERS

• This world is at war (Titus 3:3).

• Christians have the Gospel of peace on their feet, so that wherever they go, they bring peace (Eph 6:15).

• This is not peace at any price, for holiness is more important than a peace based on sin (James 3:17; Heb 12:14).

• Compromise is not peace; but Christians should not be contentious as they contend for the faith.

• God hates discord (Prov 6:16-19).

• The Lord loves peace (Rom 14:19; 15:33).

• There is no one today who can make peace, but Christ alone, the great Peacemaker. He made peace by His blood between a righteous God and an unrighteous sinner.

• Things which are not of peace (Gal 5:19-21).

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envying, murders, drunkenness, reveling, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ Romans 5:1

PERSECUTED

• We should be accused falsely. We should never be guilty of deliberately inviting persecution (2 Tim 3:12).

• If we live godly lives, suffering will come! Note the rewards: we are in the same company as Christ and the prophets, and we shall be rewarded in heaven.

Eight Beatitudes: a new beginning. (The ninth: Blessed are the flexible, for they will not be broken.)

Verses 13 – 16 discuss us being the salt of the earth. I have heard Kent Hovind (drdino.com) lean on this verse and say that Salt is an irritant. If we are not irritating the earth then we are not being salty enough. I think that is pretty fair assessment. From a rabbinical perspective; salt is a preservative and in essence that is what we are called on to do – preserve the world and take them into the Kingdom. Salt also create thirst and introduces flavor – what better thing to thirst for than the Living Word.

Regarding the Light analogy, this is idiomatic of the outward testimony that we are each to exude in our lives to show how God has transformed us into better people. The good in our lives should be augmented by our dedication to the principles of our Great King!

Verses 17 – 20 are some of the most interesting in my view spoken of by Christ. Note that Jesus is saying that He did not come to invalidate, rewrite, or to provide a different way of getting to God…NO! He came to fulfil what was written in advance. The OT (Which the Jews call the Tenakh) was being fulfilled by Him. HE was validating the OT. As Psalms 40:7 says, The volume of the book was written for HIM! I truly believe that we are to take this Word of God very seriously, and anytime I have mis-viewed some aspect of Biblical instruction, it is because I did not take God’s Word literally enough. Christ is calling for us to recognize that all the prophetic inferences to the Messiah were of Him.

Christ continues on and strikes a condemning blow to the Hebrew establishment by pointing out that their zeal to uphold the letter of the Law caused them to lose their love of Law and who established that law – God the Father. The commandments are not a way of salvation, rather they are a means to show us (mankind) the way of salvation is through faith in Christ. The Pharisees were not insincere but they lost their way by trying to reconcile man with God through actions, rules, and legalism. God is not about works but IS ABOUT FAITH!!!!

The commandments mentioned are listed in Matthew 5, 6, 7, 28:18-20, John 14, and 1 John 5:23 (just to provide a short list). What these commandments tell us is that we do need to try and keep the standard that God established, and realize that we cannot meet that standard (but continually strive to meet it), and to be even more thankful that Christ paid our debt at Calvary!!

In verses 21 – 26 Christ teaches us about Anger Management. Anger can be like a murder of the heart. It can lead to evil words and deeds…even actual murder. This teaching is not that anger is sinful, as Christ Himself was angered and cleaned house at the Temple, but this is the difficult teaching of not seeking retribution or the idea of do to others before they can do to you. Also in giving this teaching, Christ is in essence lifting His words about those of Moses…which I am sure the Sanhedrin found very difficult to swallow.

Verses 27 – 30 Jesus teaches us that in addition to the actual act of adultery, that action first started with allowing inward feelings and lust consume an individual. This is not a teaching on self-mutilation but rather extreme hyperbole to point out the seriousness of sin, lust, and evil desires that brew in our hearts. These fantasies or desires can often turn into actual deeds and that is a quick way to destruction. We MUST DEAL ruthlessly with ourselves if this is a struggle or weakness in our lives. I have seen this type of action destroy or nearly destroy the marriages (or even the engagements) of people that I hold dear. Controlling one’s carnal nature is not always an easy part of our lives; yet it is vital for our soul, our witness, and for our own development – all of which is pointed out here by Christ.

Verses 31 and 32 come back to hardness of man’s heart at times. Whether it by lust, abuse, or whatever else, it is not God’s intention for man and wife to be separated. There is one escape clause but that is dealt with in verses 27 – 30. The point here is that just because man can do something that society allows or that God conceded to them to do because of their hardheartedness does not mean that they should do it. I am also not advocating that a person should remain in the dwelling of an abusive spouse. I am simply stating that the Lord’s plan for man is not to marry and divorce. Our society almost treats this as a dating relationship with benefits now (which might be an overstatement). This is about commitment both to the person you marry and to the Lord you serve.

A verse 33 – 37 comes back to the integrity of a man. Jesus is not forbidding us from taking a legal oath but is warning us not to embellish an oath by trying to ascribe some type of strengthening to it. Let our yes be yes and no be no. My word is my Bond. That is how we should live our lives: Plain, Simple, Precise.

Verses 38 – 42 speak to the Lex Talionis – The Law of Retaliation. The Law of Moses prevented offended people from taking the law into their own hands. So does our own laws. Magistrates are also limited from dictating exorbitant sentences for punishments not warranted by the action (Leviticus 24:19-22 & 19:17-18). Jesus is asking the people to bear the brunt of society for His Sake – thus show an unyielding example of strength and fortitude for the name of Christ. This does present itself as a powerful example to the world.

I should point out that mentioning of going the extra mile comes from a Roman Law that Roman soldiers could compel a citizen to take them one mile. Here Jesus is asking them to adhere to the Kingdom Law and go two if asked.

Verses 43 – 48 conclude this chapter with a plea to love your fellow man. It is not always easy. Jesus cites some individuals that were the most despised of the day…like Tax collectors that were renowned for their corrupt natures and greed. Collaborators were also hated. We are to disarm those we despise with kindness. We are to win over those that hate us with love and generosity.

This teaching that Jesus is introducing is contrary to how the scribes and Pharisees applied the OT Law as Jesus’ instruction requires all to be held to a higher standard. The love of a neighbor should be extended to those that are enemies. Now truthfully this is not a new concept as Proverbs 25:21 tells us to be good to our enemies, something Jesus highlights for all to be aware and practice.

We are to teach the world that though we may be willing take the short straw in life, we will be rewarded for our deeds by a loving Father in Heaven. We can claim benefits here on earth or in Heaven. I would choose the latter.

Last thought from v.48 – we are called to be perfect. This in itself is not possible for us as we are fallible beings. However, we must measure ourselves by the proper standard – a perfect standard, and not by one another who are imperfect. To lower our standard of measure would be to compromise Christ’s perfection and sacrifice for each of us. Christ met this standard for us, we have a responsibility to Him and to ourselves to strive daily for this same standard.

MATTHEW 6

Looking at this chapter as a whole we see that the Jesus gives us practical advice for how we as Children of God should demonstrate righteousness as subjects of the King in our daily lives. It’s not the outward appearance that garners accolades from others that should motivate us but rather an inner desire to make life a bit easier and give credit to Christ for that desire that should motivate us. Not the outer but the inner man.

This chapter also expounds on what Christ was teaching in the previous chapter regarding the Pharisee’s Righteousness being hypocritical in matters of giving to the poor, prayer, and fasting. One should do these acts out of devotion and sincerity before the Lord and not as a show before others for attention or as a demonstration of self-righteousness.

The first 4 verses state as plainly and one can express that if we are motivated for human recognition for the things we do, then we have received our reward. I suspect that if we do something for others with the intent of doing it anonymously then any reward from God will likely be forthcoming even if man discovers what was done and acknowledges it…but that is just my suspicion. The point here is to do things for the glory of God and not for glory of one’s self.

Verses 5 – 14 deal with prayer. Have you ever noticed that almost every Biblical prayer recorded can be read in about 3 minutes or less. I am not advocating that longer prayers are not warranted but often people who pray in assembly or some other avenue go on and on and you can get a fairly real sense that it is not from the heart (but actually scripted for a self-perceived sense of appropriateness). There are those that I have witnessed have the gift of giving beautiful prayers that have gone for many minutes and they were incredible prayers because you could sense that the man praying was doing so from the heart and talking to God in a venue that just happened to be in a public worship setting. Prayer is about coming to the Father with concerns of the heart, personal feelings, and an earnest desire to talk to Him. It is not about doing something to impress others. From the Words of Christ; Sincerity and Simplicity seem to be more cherished that long winded embellishment. If you want to see an excellent example of prayer from Christ directly and not from the model prayer provided here in Matthew 5, at John 17.

As to this model prayer, I often wonder when we ask for the Kingdom to Come how many people really believe that this will occur. Those that tend to allegorize scripture are not typically supportive of a literal Kingdom view – which strikes some as somewhat insincere, However, the allegorical end view as I understand it is looking to the heavenly kingdom. So the perspective of the Kingdom coming may differ, but I believe the sincerity is there. Jesus continues by showing us to pray for daily needs (but underlying this prayer is a desire for us to not worry about those needs – it is a trust factor. We are to trust in the Lord to provide.) We are told to ask for forgiveness and here I believe that it is not so that we will be cleansed at the time of asking but more as a self-reminder that we are being cleansed by Christ. People have short memories and prayer is God’s way of enlisting us in his battle plan!

One other important aspect here is the deliver us from temptation which goes to our responsibility of living a righteous life. We all have short comings and temptations are a part of that. We get bombarded with television, internet, and others venues regarding entitlements, self-gratification vices, and many other things. As Children of God, if we know there is something that would adversely appeal to our carnal nature and not our spiritual nature then it is our responsibility to do our best to avoid such a distraction. It may not be easy but it is an effort we must take.

The last part here is the forgiving of others…which is also not so easy to do at times; especially if they would put salt in your wounds if given the opportunity. The point is to be focused on Heavenly things and not the corrupt things of this earth.

Verses 16 – 18 discuss one’s worship with Christ. Now on the surface it would seem that forgiveness is conditional if you were to just read the words…However, I believe that when viewed contextually you will find that forgiveness is not so much conditional as it is that our maturing in Christ brings us to the realization that our forgiveness and righteousness comes not from our individual acts but from an act that was completed on a Cross at Calvary by One Man – Jesus Christ. When we come to grips with that, then the example of not putting on airs for others is more understandable…and frankly becomes embarrassing between the individual and their Lord.

Verses 19 – 24 deal with the material things that man often wrestles with over the spiritual well-being within us. Psalms 135:18 makes an interesting statement implying we (people in general) will become like the gods we worship. Do we worship or covet the material things of this earth which are perishable or do we covet that which is not perishable – a relationship with our Creator? If you want to make an investment that pays true dividends then invest in the Father. Send your riches ahead of you to Heaven and then reap the reward in the Kingdom to Come! We must realize that material things are not what should motivate us. Our motivation should come from what God would have us do. Christ is giving us valuable investment tips.

Additionally, Jesus admonishes the religious establishment of the day with the analogy eye being the light (or darkness) of the body. The point is simple, if your eye is bad, then no light can come into your heart and that leaves the darkness. Darkness will corrupt ones perception, focus, and nature. One’s true self is an emanation from within and it that is dark, then ones nature is dark. Jesus is telling us that superficial earthly religious practices leave the heart dark. We must have sincerity within us to show a true light to the world.

Verses 25 – 34 conclude this chapter with advice on giving up worries. I submit to you that constant worry is sinful. I think that you could make the argument that it is a form of blasphemy as it is assuming a responsibility that God does not intend for us to bear. Now Christ is not telling us to not consider aspect of the near future. I think it irresponsible to not plan ahead. However, worry is a consuming aspect of life’s events that we are not to constantly dwell on. God is the Provider. We are to trust in that. We are to work with what we are given and trust God to supply the balance. Verse 34 states the summation of this section of Scripture as succinctly as can be stated: …don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will have its own worries. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

MATTHEW 7

Examining the first 6 verses, this passage (and the whole chapter) is directed at believers (as are Romans 14:4-13 and 1 Corinthians 4:5). This particular passage is dealing with making assessments of others by the fruit their bear (their actions and witness). WE ARE NOT to judge their intentions. That alone is for God to determine. What is described here is different than when we have to take matters up within the brotherhood with a fellow believer as described in 1 Corinthians 5… Matthew discusses best practices regarding legal matters among the faithful, Paul discusses best practices regarding moral matters among the faithful (with extension to all people) largely because moral matters can negatively influence others and thus are cancerous to a faithful person – there is a distinction that needs to be understood.

Regarding the examples in these 6 verses:

• The litigious society we live in today are often a sue happy people and for matters of dispute among Christians we should follow the example of Matthew 18:15 before we run to court.

• The imagery used regarding the dust and wood is pretty straight forward: what seems so glaring in our view may not be as clear because of the jaded hypocrisy in our own life skewing our perspective. Make things right in our own lives before trying to fix others.

• Lastly do not squander resources or opportunities as dogs and pigs do. They are animals with destructive and vindictive instincts…we are given a special intelligence and soul by God directly – and as such have certain responsibilities to use what is given to us. When we do so properly, we glorify God.

In verses 7 – 11 we have an imperative instruction. This is dealing with the heart not the acquisition of stuff. We are to ask so that we can demonstrate a trust in the Lord. Similar teaching can be found in Philippians 4:6-7, James 1:5, Isaiah 26:9, Psalm 65:2, and Luke 11:5-10. To solidify the point, Jesus points out that as parents we would not purposely give our children harmful things in lieu of necessities…in the same line our Heavenly Father would not do the same but will graciously give to those that ask.

Verse 12: The Golden Rule. When it comes to eternal matters, this following examples are trivial but perhaps hit home on the Golden Rule application – if you are a sports fan or seriously into politics – when your side wins, how do you interact with people that support the losing side? If you are vociferous or braggadocios then you are not following the Golden Rule! We are to respect others despite their views because failure to do so will severely impact our ability to influence them in matters that are truly important – like Jesus the Christ!

Interestingly, this teaching is often confused with K’ung Fu-Tze, a writer in China, also known as Confucius: He says don’t do that which you don’t want people to do to you. Rabbi Hillel’s version states, What is hateful to yourself do not to someone else. The same idea is also found in the Talmud, again in the negative; don’t do that to somebody else that which you don’t want him or her to do to you. The concept of the Golden rule as described by Confucius or the Talmud is not a declaration of God’s love: this is. It is positive, and an active imperative. Jesus’ application provides a positive and enriching meaning and application that aptly summarizes the ethical principles contained in the Law and the prophets teaching for us.

Looking in overview to the remainder of the chapter (v.13-29) The Sermon on the Mount discusses two gates, two ways, two destinations, two groups of people (v.13-14); two kinds of trees and fruit (v.17-20); two groups at judgment (v.21-23); two kinds of builders and foundations (v.24-28). Christ is clearly contrasting these kinds as one of destruction and one of salvation. Destruction seems attractive but not long lasting. Salvation comes with the end result in mind where it is most filling and most satisfying personal experience we can have as individuals.

Verses 13 and 14 discuss the narrow gateway into Heaven. This is an excellent rebuttal to universalism that teaches that there are many paths to God and that the only important aspect to these paths is the sincerity of one’s heart. This is in direct conflict to what Christ is teaching in the NT. If you find that you are entering a gate with a lot of other people – you may want to do some self-examination. Sincerity is not enough.

Verses 15 – 23 come back to the fruit inspector aspect of our lives. It starts with the wolves that claim prophet hood and lead people astray. Deuteronomy 18:20 gives us an excellent measuring stick for those claiming prophet hood – in essence if they ever made one prophetic claim and it never came to pass as they said then they are speaking for self-motivation and not for God and they were to be stoned. These people lead sincere people astray. If you are following ANYONE of a religious nature, then honestly and objectively you have the responsibility to examine what they have said. If they were EVER WRONG (even once) you are to shun them. We even have that responsibility to Christ. Of course in the 2000 years since His first advent on earth, He has never been wrong so that is our standard. Anyone must be held to the same standard.

Verse 23 concludes this section by pointing out that it is not what you know but WHO you know. Head knowledge is not enough. Biblical knowledge is not enough. Even Lucifer has quoted (and usually misquotes) scripture. It is about knowing Jesus Christ and having that PERSONAL relationship. Do you know