Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 5:1-2

"And seeing the multitudes, he went up into the mountain: and when he had sat down, his disciples came unto him: and he opened his mouth and taught them, saying," — Matthew 5:1-2 (ASV)

And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

Our Saviour soon gathered a congregation. The multitudes perceived in him a love to them, and a willingness to impart blessing to them, and therefore they gathered about him. He chose the mountain and the open air for the delivery of this great discourse, and we should be glad to find such a place for our assemblies; but in this variable climate we cannot often do so. And when he was set.

The Preacher sat, and the people stood. We might make a helpful change if we were sometimes to adopt a similar plan now. I am afraid that ease of posture may contribute to the creation of slumber of heart in the hearers. There Christ sat, and his disciples came unto him. They formed the inner circle that was ever nearest to him, and to them he imparted his choicest secrets, but he also spoke to the multitude. Therefore, it is said that he opened his mouth, as well he might when there were such great truths to proceed from it, and so vast a crowd to hear them: He opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,