John Calvin Commentary Matthew 5:16

"Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." — Matthew 5:16 (ASV)

Let your light shine before men. After He taught the apostles that, because of the rank in which they are placed, both their vices and their virtues are more widely known for good or bad example, He now instructs them to regulate their lives in such a way as to inspire everyone to glorify God. That they may see your good works: for, as Paul tells us, believers must,

provide for honest things, not only in the sight of God, but also in the sight of men (2 Corinthians 8:21).

The command, which He gives shortly afterwards, to seek privacy for their good works (Matthew 6:4), is intended only to forbid ostentation.

In the present instance, He has quite a different purpose: to direct them to the glory of God alone.

Now, if the glory of good works cannot be properly ascribed to God unless they are traced to Him, and unless He is acknowledged as their only Author, it is evident that we cannot, without offering an open and gross insult to God, extol free will, as if good works proceeded wholly or in part from its power.

Again, we must observe how graciously God deals with us when He calls the good works ours, though the entire praise of which would justly be ascribed to Himself.