Matthew 5:21-37
With thanks to page sponsor:
Pastor S. Blake Duncan
Peace Lutheran Church, Steeleville, IL

• Reading the Text:
  • NRSV (with link to Anglicized NRSV) at Oremus Bible Browser.
  • Greek Interlinear Bible, ScrTR, ScrTR t, Strong, Parsing, CGTS, CGES id, AV.
  • The Bible Gateway: NRSV, RSV, NIV, NASB, CEV, The Message, KJV, etc.
  • The Blue Letter Bible. KJV, alternate versions, Greek text with concordance, commentaries.
  • The World Wide Study Bible includes commentary & sermons.
• Historical References, Commentary and Comparative Texts:
  • The Five Gospels Parallels, John W. Marshall, University of Toronto.
  • Comparative primary texts at Mahlon H. Smith's Into His Own: Perspective on the World of Jesus, Rutgers University.
    • Purity and Social Relations (see esp "Reason for Divorce," and "Letter of Divorce,") from Mishna, Midrash, Tosefta, and Babylonian Talmud.
    • Sin and Justice from Mishna and Babylonian Talmud.
  • "Against Divorce," The Jesus Database, an online annotated inventory of the traditions concerning the life and teachings of Jesus. Dr. Gregory C. Jenks, FaithFutures Foundation.
  • Vision I.I, Commandment IV.1, Shepherd of Hermas. (c.145)
  • Chapter XV, Chapter XVI, The First Apology of Justin Martyr. (c 150)
  • VIII, 50-62; IX, 1-5; Tatian's Diatessaron (c. 150-160).
  • Chapter XXXII, Apology for the Christians, Athenagoras of Athens. (c 177)
  • I.XXV.4, II.XXXII.1, IV.II.5, IV.IV.1, IV.XIII.1, IV.XVI.5, IV.XVIII.1, IV.XXXVI.1, IV.XXXVI.5, Adversus Haereses, Irenaeus of Lyons. (c. 180) 
  • Chapter XI, On Prayer,  Tertullian (c. 199)
  • Chapter X, Exhortation to the Greeks, Clement of Alexandria (c 200)
  • II.6, III.3, III.5, III.11, Paedagogus, Clement of Alexandria (c 200)
  • Chapter XXVI, The Prescription of Heretics, Tertullian (c. 200)
  • II.11, II.14, II.15, II.18, II.23, III.2, III.4, III.11, III.14, IV.14, IV.18, Stromata, Clement of Alexandria (c 200)
  • Chapter VI, Chapter XII, On Patience, Tertullian (c. 202)
  • II.2, On The Apparel of Women, Tertullian (c. 202)
  • Chapter III, Considering Repentance,  Tertullian (c. 203)
  • Chapter XV, Chapter XXXV, Chapter XL, Chapter LVIII, On The Soul, Tertullian (c. 210)
  • IV.34, Against Marcion, Tertullian (c. 210)
  • Chapter IX, Exhortation to Chastity, Tertullian (c. 210)
  • Chapter II, Chapter XI, Chapter XXIII, On Idolatry, Tertullian (c. 211)
  • Chapter XXIII, On the Flesh of Christ, Tertullian (c. 211)
  • Chapter XV, Chapter XLII, On the Resurrection of the Flesh,  Tertullian (c. 211)
  • Chapter IX, Against Praxeas,  Tertullian (c. 213)
  • Chapter IX, On Monogamy, Tertullian (c. 215)
  • Chapter VI, Chapter XVI, On Modesty, Tertullian (c. 217)
  • II.I.3, II.IV.1, III.I.6, First Principles (De Principiis), Origen. (c.225)
  • V.II, The Refutation of all Heresies (Philosophumena), Hippolytus of Rome. (c. 225)
  • VI.23, X.16, Commentary on the Gospel of John, Philocalia [anthology of Origen prepared by St. Basil and St. Gregory Nazianzen], Origen. (c.230)
  • XIV.8, XIV.14, XIV.24, Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew, Origen. (c.247)
  • On the Dress of Virgins, Cyprian of Carthage (c. 249)
  • Concerning Works and Almsgiving -- Cyprian of Carthage (c. 254)
  • Augustine: "Our Lord's Sermon on the Mount." (Book I, Part I.)
  • Augustine Sermon V: Matthew 5:22.
  • Homily XVII - Matthew 5:27-28, Homilies on the Gospel of St. Matthew, St. Chrysostom (c. 380)
  • "The Fifth Commandment Explained," Matthew 5:20-26, Martin Luther, c. 1523.
  • Commentary on a Harmony of the Evangelists, John Calvin, 1558:
    • Matthew 5:23-26/Luke 12:58-59
    • Matthew 5:27-30
    • Matthew 5:31-32/Luke 16:18
    • Matthew 5:33-37
  • From the Catena Aurea, Patristic Commentary by St Thomas Aquinas.
  • From the Geneva Notes.
  • From Matthew Henry's Commentary.
  • The Heinous Sin of Profane Cursing and Swearing (Matt 5:34): sermon by George Whitefield.
  • From Wesley's Notes.
  • From the Commentary on the Whole Bible (Jamieson, Fausset and Brown, 1871).
  • From The People's New Testament, B.W. Johnson, 1891.
• Contemporary Commentary, Studies, and Exegesis:
  • Commentary, Matthew 5:21-37, Karoline Lewis, Epiphany 6, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2017.
    • "Who you are as a disciple is not just about you, but about you as a disciple in community."
  • Pulpit Fiction, plus podcast. Reflections of lectionary text, pop culture, current events, etc. Robb Mc Coy and Eric Fistler, 2017.
  • The Center for Excellence in Preaching, resources from Calvin Theological Seminary: Comments & Observations, Textual Points, Illustration Ideas, 2017.
  • "The Politics of Scripturing," D. Mark Davis, Political Theology Today, 2017.
  • Lectionary Greek, Rob Myallis, 2017.
  • Commentary, Matthew 5:21-37 | Jesse Middendorf | A Plain Account, 2017
    • "It is easier to live by lists of rules and laws than it is to live in authentic, dynamic, and redemptive relationship to people. Laws can be static and arbitrary. Jesus reached into the Law to reveal its objective: the valuing and the protection of others."
  • "Anger and Murder," Melisssa Bane Sevier, Contemplative Viewfinder, 2017.
  • "Good Enough Righteousness?" Glenn Monson, Law & Gospel Everywhere, 2017.
  • "From the Heart," Alan Brehm, The Waking Dreamer, 2016.
    • "The purpose for the commandments has always been to call us into a relationship with God that is defined by sincere love and trust, and by obedience that comes from the heart."
  • "Public Swearing," Nancy Rockwell, The Bite in the Apple, 2017.
  • Commentary, Matthew 5:21-37, Carla Works, Epiphany 6, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2014.
    • "The antitheses in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount challenge any would-be disciples to consider what it means to be bearers of God’s kingdom."
  • "The Relational God," David Lose, Dear Working Preacher, 2014.
  • Pulpit Fiction, plus podcast. Reflections of lectionary text, pop culture, current events, etc. Robb Mc Coy and Eric Fistler, 2014.
  • In the South African film Final Solution a young reformed racist needs to be reconciled with a black man whom he had wronged. Ed McNulty, Visual Parables.
  • "Scripturing the Presence of God," D Mark Davis, Left Behind and Loving It, 2014.
    • "Jesus is quite willing (and Matthew is quite willing – that is uber-important to me) to take the Scriptures and to re-cast them for a new moment. Neither Jesus nor Matthew can be accused of being biblical fundamentalists when one reads this text."
  • Lectionary Greek, Rob Myallis, 2014.
  • "Are You Contradicting Me?" Alyce M McKenzie, Edgy Exegesis, 2014.
    • "Intense and internal: this is what Jesus affirms about the heart of the Law and what he critiques as lacking in its current interpretation.
  • "Anger, Lust and Broken Promises," Nanette Sawyer, Question the Text, 2014.
    • "Trying means you admit the possibility of failure. Is a pledge the same? An admission of the possibility of failure?"
  • "Unlikely Love," Nancy Rockwell, The Bite in the Apple, 2014.
    • "Who are we to withhold blessing for love avowed, and who are we to refuse the confession of those whose love has died?"
  • "Outside Inside Out," Michael Coffey, 2014.
  • "The Price," Andrew King, A Poetic Kind of Place, 2014.
  • "You Have Heard It Said," a performance poem by Christopher Burkett, PreacherRhetorica, 2014.
  • "Who Is Without Sin?" Robert Cornwall, Ponderings on a Faith Journey, 2014.
  • "Go the Distance," Thomas Beam, 2014.
  • "Now THIS is something new," Steve Godfrey, Church in the World, 2014.
    • "Following Jesus was never supposed to be about a bad church sign. What it’s supposed to be about is seeing God pick up the pieces of our shattered lives and form them into something new and something wonderful."
  • "Raising the Bar," David F. Sellery, 2014.
  • "Finding Freedom," Alan Brehm,The Waking Dreamer.
    • "We find freedom when we commit ourselves to doing God's will on earth as it is in heaven. We find freedom when we live our lives in harmony with God's justice and peace and mercy. We find freedom when we embrace a way of living that is defined by love."
  • The Lectionary Lab, Epiphany 6, the Rev'ds Dr. John Fairless and Delmer Chilton (aka "Two Bubbas and a Bible"), 2014. Lectionary Lab Live podcast.
  • Comentario del San Mateo 5:21-37, Dana K. Nelson, Working Preacher, 2014.
  • "Messiah," sermon discussion from Frederick Buechner, Frederick Buechner Blog.
    • "As far as I know, there is only one good reason for believing that he was who he said he was. One of the crooks he was strung up with put it this way: 'If you are the Christ, save yourself and us' (Luke 23:39). Save us from whatever we need most to be saved from. Save us from each other. Save us from ourselves. Save us from death both beyond the grave and before. If he is, he can. If he isn't, he can't. It may be that the only way in the world to find out is to give him the chance, whatever that involves. It may be just as simple and just as complicated as that."
  • Commentary, Matthew 5:21-37, Amy Oden, Epiphany 6, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2011.
    • "The season of Ephipany proclaims the good news of God's presence with us. Our response to that proclamation, our recognition of God's life and work here and now, is more than going through the motions of church. Jesus calls us to a whole new life in God."
  • Difficult Teachings, audio telling, story in episodes, graphic, audio and written commentaries. Go Tell Communications, Biblical Storytelling for the Global Village, 2011.
  • Living by Heart, John van de Laar, Sacredise, 2011.
    • "The new law that Jesus brought about – or rather the fulfilled law, the complete law – is not blind. Rather it sees with incredible clarity right through to the dignity and humanity of all people."
  • "Radical," David Lose, Working Preacher, 2011.
    • "So I wonder what would it be like, Working Preacher, if we took a leaf from Jesus' notebook and asked our members to think with us this week about what kind of community we want to inhabit."
  • "The Telltale Heart," Alyce McKenzie, Edgy Exegesis, Patheos, 2011.
  • "Jesus' teachings in the gospels about matters of the heart (lev in Hebrew, kardia in Greek) form the frame within we are to read these verses."
  • "U Can't Touch This," Neil Chappell, aweirdthing, 2011.
  • "Have you ever had a moment of perfection? In the words of Lou Reed, have you ever had a perfect day?"
  • "The Law of Love, or the Love of Law?" Peter Woods, I Am Listening, 2011.
    • "There is something about human nature that wants to be told. “Do this.”  “Don’t do that.” It is the path of lazy and infantalised religion.  I never grow up if I never have to figure out the rules, for my own context, for myself. "
  • Lectionary Blogging, Epiphany 6, John Petty, Progressive Involvement, 2011.
    • "Oath-swearing is for people who don't trust each other, as if underlining our cheap words with a patina of piety might make them more believable.  Oaths actually serve to underline doubt, not certainty."
  • Cut It Off, Pluck It Out, Fr. Rick Moley, a garden path, 2011.
  • "Jesus uses incendiary language here that is so over the top to drive a message home: sin isn't just about what we do, it's also what we think about. What we look at. What we ogle. "
  • "First Thoughts on Year A Gospel Passages in the Lectionary: Epiphany 6," William Loader, Murdoch University, Uniting Church in Australia. The Compassion Code: A Bible Study on Conflict and Healing in Matthew's Gospel, William Loader.
    • "When we believe God's goodness and generosity towards us, then we will not write ourselves off and we will not write others off."
  • "Cut it Out," Carol Howard Merritt, The Hardest Question, 2011.
    • "The Law is instructive in showing us just how imperfect we are, how much we are in need of God’s abiding grace, and how we ought to live into the law of love. Is this what Jesus is doing when Jesus makes the stakes even higher than the Hebrew Law?
  • Holy Textures, Understanding the Bible in its own time and in ours, Matthew5:21-37, David Ewart, 2011.
    • "Why not take Jesus at his word? Take your offering home this week, and carry it to remind you to take safe, practical steps toward reconciliation and peace wherever there is brokeness in your life."
  • "Interpreting the Sermon on the Mount in Context," study guide for adults, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Sermon on the Mount," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2008.
  • "Matthew 5:20-37, The Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany," Let Your Light Shine: The Sermon on the Mount in Epiphany, David L. Tiede, Word & World: Theology for Christian Ministry, Luther Northwestern Theological School, 1984.
  • "Perfection," Rev. Bryan Findlayson, Lectionary Bible Studies and Sermons, Pumpkin Cottage Ministry Resources. Includes detailed textual notes.
  • "The Fatal Failures of Religion: #2 Legalism," from the Biblical Studies Foundation.
  • "Sermon on the Mount," wikipedia.
  • "Sermon on the Mount," multiple articles and resources, Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2008.
  • "Matthew's Nonviolent Jesus and Violent Parables," Barbara E. Reid, O.P., (other resources at) "Parables," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2006.
    • "Jesus' Sermon on the Mount instructs us to not return violence for violence; instead we should be like God, who offers boundless, gratuitous love to all. But in the same Gospel Jesus tells eight parables in which God deals violently with evildoers. Which of the divine ways are we to imitate?"
  • Adultery: "Fire in the Bosom," from And Adam Knew Eve: A Dictionary of Sex in the Bible by Ronald L. Ecker.
• Recommended articles from ATLAS, an online collection of religion and theology journals, are linked below. ATLAS Access options are available for academic institutions, alumni of selected theological schools, and clergy/church offices.Annotated list of "starting place" articles at ATLAS for this week's texts (includes direct links).
  • Bibb, Wade, "Preaching in Ordinary Time: The Extraordinary Subject of Jesus' Realm," Review & Expositor, 2007. (Section on this text begins on p. 313.)
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • "Homiletical Helps," Concordia Journal, 2011. (Section on this text begins on page 59)
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerial
  • Janzen, David, "The Meaning of PORNEIA in Matthew 5.32 and 19.9: An Approach from the Study of Ancient Near Eastern Culture," Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 2000.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Jones, David W., "The Betrothal View of Divorce and Remarriage," Bibliotheca Sacra, 2008.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Klouda, Sheri L., "Applying Fishbane's Hermeneutical Strategies: Aggadic Exegesis in Matthew's Use of the Old Testament (Matthew 5:21-48)," Southwestern Journal of Theology, 2004.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Metzger, Paul Louis, "Christ, Culture, and the Sermon on the Mount Community," Ex Auditu, 2008.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    • Pak, G. Sujin, "Response to Metzger," Ex Auditu, 2008.
        EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
        EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Stassen, Glen H., "The Fourteen Triads of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:21-7:12)," Journal of Biblical Literature, 2003.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Westerholm, Stephen, "The Law in the Sermon on the Mount: Matt 5:17-48," Criswell Theological Review, 1992.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
    
• Sermons:
  • "Living Happily Ever After," Russ Levenson, Day 1, 2017.
  • "Ala Carte Christianity," Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington - Sermons from Seattle.
  • Father Andrew M. Greeley, "Priest, Author, Sociologist," Commentary and Homily
    • Ordinary 6, 2011
    • Ordinary 6, 1999
    • Ordinary 6, 1996
• With Children:
  • "Sermon on the Mount," Illustrating the Story (lessons, children's sermons), coloring pages, activity sheets, crafts, children's songs. MSSS Crafts.
• Drama:
  • "Worthy Is the Lamb," Heather Cooper, dramatix.
  • "The Seven Deadly Sins," Ron Vandenburg, dramatix.
  • "Confessing Other People's Sins," Glenn A. Hascall, dramatix.
  • "Phar-A-Non," Glenn A. Hascall, dramatix.
  • "Hairsay," Erina Caradus, dramatix.
  • "Temptation," Denise Busenitz, dramatix.
  • "Letting Go," April Bennett, dramatix.
  • "The Sin Chair," Teresa Jensen, dramatix.
• Graphics & Bulletin Materials:
  • Clip Art Images: Matthew 5:20-37, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
  • Matthew 5:33-37, Matthew 5:33-37, Liturgical Drawing, Maria d.c. Zamora, Claretian Resources, Philippines. ("Download and use these for free.")
• Hymns and Music:
  • Hymnary.org, hymns, scores, media, information.
  • “Up On a Mountaintop”  Text:  Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, Tune:  Slane 10.10.10.10 (“Be Thou My Vision”)  This hymn is part of  "The Sermon on the Mount: A Worship Service of Lessons and Songs."
• Fine Arts Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Index:
• Movies scenes with the following themes, listed at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance:
• Study Links and Resources for the Book of Matthew