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Matthew 5:12-16

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

Scripture focus

12. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great [is] your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. 13. Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 14. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 5:12-16 — 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