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Matthew 5:12

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Matthew 5:12

Verse 12 of 48

Scripture focus

Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great [is] your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Matthew 5:12 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Matthew 5:12

Theological / Devotional

Rejoice. Christians are to rejoice always (Phil. 4:4), knowing God works all things for good (Rom. 8:28). This is especially true in trials (James 1:2-4), which develop patience and character essential for kingdom citizenship.

Be exceeding glad. Compare Luke’s “leap for joy” (Luke 6:23).

Great is your reward. See Luke 6:24-26. Mature Christians do not obey solely for reward but because cooperation with God is their supreme joy. Sacrifice may be great, but reward is greater. The Son of man will reward every man according to his works (Matt. 16:27; Rev. 22:12).

The prophets. Such as Elijah, persecuted by Ahab and Jezebel (1 Kings 18:7-10; 19:2), and Jeremiah, persecuted by countrymen (Jer. 15:20; 17:18; 18:18; 20:2). Persecution purifies and purges character (Job 23:10).

By SdaBc