Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 5:1

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

The “crowds” are those referred to in 4:23–25. Here Jesus stands at the height of his popularity. Although his ministry touched the masses, he saw the need to teach his “disciples” closely, though this word must not be restricted to the Twelve, whom Matthew has yet to mention (10:1–4). Those who especially wanted to attach themselves to him, Jesus takes aside to instruct. As such, they are paradigms for believers of any age.

At this point in his ministry, Jesus could not escape the mounting crowds; and by the end of his sermon (7:28–29), he was surrounded by yet larger crowds. This suggests that his teaching covered several days, not just an hour or two. The place of retreat Jesus chose was in the hill country (see comment on Lk 6:17). He “sat down” to teach. Sitting was the accepted posture of synagogue or school teachers .