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1
The Altar is Greater Than the Gift
Commentators explain that Jesus is exposing the Pharisees' flawed logic. They taught that an oath by a gift on the altar was more binding than an oath by the altar itself. Jesus corrects this, pointing out that it is the altar—representing God's presence and holiness—that makes the gift sacred. This highlights the error of valuing our material offerings more than God Himself, whom the altar represents.
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Matthew
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Commentaries
7
Albert Barnes
On Matthew 23:18
18th Century
Theologian
The altar. The altar of burnt offerings, in the court of the priests. See Barnes on Matthew 21:12.
It was made of brass, about thir…
Charles Spurgeon
On Matthew 23:16–19
19th Century
Preacher
The form of the fourth “woe” differs from all the rest. In the other seven, our Savior said, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!”…
Expositor's Bible Commentary
On Matthew 23:18
See comments on 5:33–37 and 15:14 for the background and thrust of these verses. While it may be true that the rabbis fought the abuses of oaths an…
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John Calvin
On Matthew 23:18
16th Century
Theologian
And whosoever shall swear by the altar. Here our Lord does what should be done in correcting errors, for He leads us to the source and sho…
John Gill
On Matthew 23:18
17th Century
Pastor
And whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing
These are again the words or sayings of the scribes and Pharis…
Matthew Henry
On Matthew 23:13–33
17th Century
Minister
The scribes and Pharisees were enemies of the gospel of Christ, and therefore of the salvation of people's souls. It is bad to keep away from Chris…
Thomas Aquinas
On Matthew 23:13–33
13th Century
Philosopher
After He instructed the disciples and the multitudes about the caution they should have regarding the Jews' doctrine, He now directs His words to t…