Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 5:23

"If therefore thou art offering thy gift at the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee," — Matthew 5:23 (ASV)

Jesus gives two illustrations exposing the seriousness of anger, the first in a setting of temple worship (vv.23–24) and the second in a judicial setting (vv.25–26). The first concerns a “brother”; the second an “adversary.” Remarkably neither illustration deals with “your” anger but with “your” offense that has prompted the brother’s or the adversary’s rancor. We are more likely to remember when we ourselves have something against others than when we have done something to offend others. If we are truly concerned about our anger and hate, we should be no less concerned when we engender them in others.

The “altar” is the one in the inner court. There amid solemn worship, recollection of a brother with something against one should in Christ’s disciples prompt immediate efforts to be reconciled. Only then is formal worship acceptable.