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Verse Takeaways
1
The 'Publican' Standard
Commentators explain that "publicans" were despised tax collectors, viewed as corrupt, oppressive, and the lowest members of society. Jesus's point is that loving only those who love you back is the bare minimum standard of behavior. It's a bar so low that even those considered the worst of sinners can meet it, making it an insufficient goal for a follower of Christ.
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Book Overview
Matthew
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Commentaries
12
Albert Barnes
On Matthew 5:46
18th Century
Theologian
What reward have you?, The word reward seems to be used in the sense of deserving of praise, or reward. If you only love…
Charles Spurgeon
On Matthew 5:44–46
19th Century
Preacher
It is our part to persist in loving, even if people persist in enmity. We are to offer blessing for cursing, prayers for persecutions. Even in the …
Expositor's Bible Commentary
On Matthew 5:46
Jesus allowed no casuistry. The real direction indicated by the law is love, rich and costly, and extended even to enemies. Many take the verb and …
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John Calvin
On Matthew 5:46
16th Century
Theologian
Do not even the publicans the same? In the same sense, Luke calls them sinners, that is, wicked and unprincipled men. Not that th…
John Gill
On Matthew 5:46
17th Century
Pastor
For if you love them who love you
That is, if you only love such that love you; for that such who love should be lov…
Matthew Henry
On Matthew 5:43–48
17th Century
Minister
The Jewish teachers understood ���neighbor��� to mean only those who were of their own country, nation, and religion, whom they regarded as their f…
Thomas Aquinas
On Matthew 5:43–48
13th Century
Philosopher
You have heard that it has been said, You shall love your neighbor. Above, the Lord fulfilled the Law concerning permissi…