John Calvin Commentary Matthew 6:4

"that thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father who seeth in secret shall recompense thee." — Matthew 6:4 (ASV)

That your alms may be in secret. This statement appears to contradict many passages of Scripture, in which we are commanded to edify our fellow believers by good examples. But if we consider Christ's intention, we must not assign a broader meaning to these words.⁴²⁷ He commands His disciples to devote themselves to good works purely and without any ambition. To do this, He tells them to turn their eyes away from the sight of others and to consider it enough that their duties are approved by God alone. Such simplicity of perspective does not at all interfere with concern and zeal to promote edification; indeed, a little earlier, He did not expressly forbid them to do good before others, but condemned ostentation.

Your Father, who sees in secret. He subtly hints at a kind of folly, common everywhere among people, that they think their efforts are wasted if there have not been many witnesses to their virtues. He tells them that God does not need a strong light to perceive good actions, for those things which appear to be buried in darkness are open to His view. We have no reason, therefore, to suppose that what escapes notice, and does not receive human testimony, is lost, for the Lord dwells in the thick darkness (2 Chronicles 6:1). A most appropriate remedy is thus applied for curing the disease of ambition when He reminds us to fix our eye on God, for this banishes from our minds, and will utterly destroy, all vainglory.

In the second clause, which immediately follows, Christ reminds us that in looking for the reward of good works, we must wait patiently until the last day, the day of resurrection. Your Father, He says, shall reward you openly. But when? It will be when the dawn of the last day arises, when all that is now hidden in darkness will be revealed.

⁴²⁷ “Verba longius trahere non oportet.” In some of the best Latin editions we find, “.” In some of the best Latin editions we find, “verba longius trahere nos oportet,” which entirely alters the meaning. But the discrepancy of the reading is set aside by the French version: “,” which entirely alters the meaning. But the discrepancy of the reading is set aside by the French version: “il ne faut point estendre les paroles plus avant;” — “we must not extend the words farther.” — ;” — “we must not extend the words farther.” — Ed.