Matthew 5:2

King James Version (KJV)

And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

Matthew Henry
Concise Bible Commentary

None will find happiness in this world or the next, who do not seek it from Christ by the rule of his word. He taught them what was the evil they should abhor, and what the good they should seek and abound in.

Was this helpful?

SDA Bible Commentary (limited)
Volume 1-7

2. Opened his mouth. Luke observes that Jesus “lifted up his eyes” (ch. 6:20) as He began to speak. In spite of certain differences in the report of the sermon and its attendant circumstances, as reported by Matthew and Luke, there can be little question that the two reports refer to the same occasion. The similarities exceed the seeming differences in the two accounts, and the differences are apparent rather than real. The sermon was doubtless much longer than here indicated, and the two writers give independent summaries of the address. They embody in their synopses those features the Holy Spirit impressed them to include (see p. 274). Thus the reports are not mutually exclusive, but, rather, complementary. We are then to accept all points mentioned by both evangelists. Thus it is our privilege to have a more complete report of what Jesus said upon this occasion than either report alone would provide. See Additional Notes on Matt. 3, Note 2.

Matthew’s report of the sermon is practically three times as long as that of Luke. This may be due to the fact that Matthew, more than Luke, was concerned with, and devoted special space to, the teachings of Jesus. Luke, as he plainly states in his prologue (ch. 1:1-4), had a prime concern for the historical narrative. Matthew’s account of the Sermon on the Mount contains much that Luke does not mention, though Luke reports some things that Matthew omits. See p. 191. The major points of similarity are as follows:

Matthew	Luke
5:3, 4, 6	6:20, 21
5:11, 12	6:22, 23
5:39-42	6:27-30
5:42-48	6:32-36
7:1, 2	6:37, 38
7:3-5	6:41, 42
7:12	6:31
7:16-21	6:43-46
7:24-27	6:47-49

Numerous other sections of the Sermon on the Mount as given in Matthew appear in scattered places throughout the Gospel of Luke, no doubt as Christ repeated these same thoughts upon various occasions later in His ministry. See on Luke 6:17-49.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Christ discussed the nature of His kingdom. He also refuted the false ideas about Messiah’s kingdom that had been inculcated in the minds of the people by the Jewish leaders (MB 1, 3; see on chs. 3:2; 4:17). The Sermon on the Mount sets forth in striking contrast the character of Christianity and that of the Judaism of Christ’s day.

To appreciate fully the significance of the Sermon on the Mount it is important to understand not only each principle as it is individually set forth but also the relationship of each principle to the whole. The discourse is bound together by an over-all unity which is not apparent to the casual reader. The outline given below stresses this inherent unity and sets forth the relationship of the various parts of the discourse to the sermon as a whole.

Was this helpful?

Ellen G. White
Evangelism, 171

No Long, Far-fetched, Complicated Reasoning—Christ seldom attempted to prove that truth is truth. He illustrated truth in all its bearings, and then left His hearers free to accept or reject it, as they might choose. He did not force anyone to believe. In the sermon on the mount He instructed the people in practical Godliness, distinctly outlining their duty. He spoke in such a manner as to commend truth to the conscience. The power manifested by the disciples was revealed in the clearness and earnestness with which they expressed the truth. Ev 171.1

In Christ's teaching there is no long, far-fetched, complicated reasoning. He comes right to the point. In His ministry He read every heart as an open book, and from the inexhaustible store of His treasure house He drew things both new and old to illustrate and enforce His teachings. He touched the heart, and awakened the sympathies.—Manuscript 24, 1891. Ev 171.2

Simple, Forcible Doctrinal Teaching—A few forcible remarks upon some point of doctrine will fasten it in the mind much more firmly than if such a mass of matter were presented that nothing lies out clear and distinct in the mind of those ignorant of our faith. There should be interspersed with the prophecies practical lessons of the teachings of Christ.—Letter 48, 1886. Ev 171.3

Read in context »

Was this helpful?

Ellen G. White
The Ministry of Healing, 52-3

The childhood of Jesus, spent in poverty, had been uncorrupted by the artificial habits of a corrupt age. Working at the carpenter's bench, bearing the burdens of home life, learning the lessons of obedience and toil, He found recreation amidst the scenes of nature, gathering knowledge as He sought to understand nature's mysteries. He studied the word of God, and His hours of greatest happiness were found when He could turn aside from the scene of His labors to go into the fields, to meditate in the quiet valleys, to hold communion with God on the mountainside or amid the trees of the forest. The early morning often found Him in some secluded place, meditating, searching the Scriptures, or in prayer. With the voice of singing He welcomed the morning light. With songs of thanksgiving He cheered His hours of labor and brought heaven's gladness to the toilworn and disheartened. MH 52.1

During His ministry Jesus lived to a great degree an outdoor life. His journeys from place to place were made on foot, and much of His teaching was given in the open air. In training His disciples He often withdrew from the confusion of the city to the quiet of the fields, as more in harmony with the lessons of simplicity, faith, and self-abnegation He desired to teach them. It was beneath the sheltering trees of the mountainside, but a little distance from the Sea of Galilee, that the Twelve were called to the apostolate and the Sermon on the Mount was given. MH 52.2

Christ loved to gather the people about Him under the blue heavens, on some grassy hillside, or on the beach beside the lake. Here, surrounded by the works of His own creation, He could turn their thoughts from the artificial to the natural. In the growth and development of nature were revealed the principles of His kingdom. As men should lift their eyes to the hills of God and behold the wonderful works of His hand, they could learn precious lessons of divine truth. In future days the lessons of the divine Teacher would thus be repeated to them by the things of nature. The mind would be uplifted and the heart would find rest. MH 54.1

Read in context »

Was this helpful?

Ellen G. White
Sons and Daughters of God, 267

Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it Proverbs 3:27. SD 267.1

So ready, so eager is the Saviour's heart to welcome us as members of the family of God, that in the very first words we are to use in approaching God, He places the assurance of our divine relationship,—“Our Father.” ... In calling God our Father, we recognize all His children as our brethren. We are all a part of the great web of humanity, all members of one family. In our petitions we are to include our neighbors as well as ourselves. No one prays aright who seeks a blessing for himself alone.^{40Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, 103-105.} SD 267.2

Read in context »

Was this helpful?

Ellen G. White
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, 4-5

Hundreds of thousands of copies of Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing have been printed and distributed in nearly a score of languages since it was first published in 1896. In English-reading countries several editions with identical textual content but with variations in format and pagination have been widely distributed. To eliminate confusion in the use of the volume in reference work, a standard page has been adopted which will serve as the basis of present and subsequent printings. MB v.1

In several former editions, in an endeavor to achieve a certain format, selections from verses of poetry were, with the consent of the author, inserted by the publishers in a number of places throughout the text. In this edition, only poetry selected and made a part of the text by the author herself is retained. The addition of both scripture and subject indexes makes this volume more useful. MB v.2

Read in context »

Was this helpful?

Ellen G. White
Reflecting Christ, 61.4

Seated upon the mount, surrounded by His disciples and a large ... gathering, Jesus “opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” These are not murmurers and complainers, but those who are content with their condition and surroundings in life. They do not cherish the feeling that they deserve a better position than that which Providence has assigned them, but manifest a spirit of gratitude for every favor bestowed upon them. Every proud thought and exalted feeling is banished.... RC 61.4

Read in context »

Was this helpful?

Ellen G. White
The Desire of Ages, 298-306

This chapter is based on Matthew 5; Matthew 6; Matthew 7.

Christ seldom gathered His disciples alone to receive His words. He did not choose for His audience those only who knew the way of life. It was His work to reach the multitudes who were in ignorance and error. He gave His lessons of truth where they could reach the darkened understanding. He Himself was the Truth, standing with girded loins and hands ever outstretched to bless, and in words of warning, entreaty, and encouragement, seeking to uplift all who would come unto Him. DA 298.1

Read in context »

Was this helpful?

More Comments

Cross References

Related Verses