Commentary on Matthew 5:27
Verse Text: "Ye have heard that it was said of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:"
Introduction
Matthew 5:27 is part of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus elaborates on various aspects of the law, emphasizing not just the letter of the law but the intent of the heart. This verse serves as a crucial point in understanding Christ’s interpretation of the Law and illustrates the call towards a deeper spiritual integrity.
Contextual Background
The circa first-century Jewish audience would have been familiar with the command from the Decalogue, found in Exodus 20:14. This background is vital in understanding the gravity of the issue at hand. Jesus quotes the Law to highlight the shortcomings of the religious leaders who reduced it to mere behavioral compliance, neglecting its spiritual essence.
Commentary Insights
1. Matthew Henry's Commentary
Henry emphasizes that the moral law is eternal and uncompromising. He notes that the prohibition of adultery was not simply about the act itself but also about the heart's inclinations. The essence of this commandment reveals the need for purity in thoughts and intentions. Henry elaborates on the idea that sin originates in the heart, therefore, addressing inner desires is paramount for true righteousness.
2. Albert Barnes' Notes
Barnes elucidates that Jesus uses the phrase "Ye have heard" to refer to the traditional interpretations of the law. He argues that while the prohibition against adultery remains significant, Jesus expands its application to include lustful thoughts, thereby intensifying the moral responsibility on the believer. Barnes highlights that this teaching encourages vigilance over one’s thoughts as a means of fulfilling the law's true intent.
3. Adam Clarke's Commentary
Clarke provides a detailed exegesis, insisting that true obedience must encompass both actions and thoughts. He notes that the ancient Israelites had misinterpreted the command as solely external, failing to recognize that lustful thoughts were the precursors to sinful actions. Clarke argues for the necessity of purity in thought, suggesting that one should strive for spiritual wholesomeness that aligns both heart and conduct.
Theological Implications
The implications of Matthew 5:27 extend beyond mere adherence to regulations; it beckons a reconsideration of holiness as an inner state reflecting outwardly in action. This perspective aligns with various theological principles:
- Holiness and Purity: The call to purity resonates through the New Testament, demanding an internal transformation that manifests in all aspects of a believer’s life.
- Heart and Behavior: The unity of heart and behavior emphasizes that true discipleship requires introspection and the management of our desires.
- Spiritual Growth: Addressing lust highlights the need for continual spiritual maturity and the power of redemption over sin’s dominance in one’s life.
Practical Applications
Pursuing the teachings of Matthew 5:27 leads to several practical applications for pastors, students, and theologians:
- Self-Examination: Regularly assess one’s thoughts and desires for alignment with God’s standards to foster a heart that desires righteousness.
- Encouraging Accountability: Establish support structures within church communities to aid one another in the pursuit of purity of heart.
- Teaching Discipleship: Incorporate teachings about the mind and heart into discipleship programs to elevate the importance of internal transformation.
Conclusion
Matthew 5:27 challenges believers to transcend the simplistic interpretations of the law by recognizing that real righteousness stems from a heart transformed by grace. As scholars and practitioners of the faith engage with this passage, it becomes clear that the essence of Christ’s teaching is about sincere devotion that influences both thought and action. In doing so, a pathway towards deeper intimacy with God and a witness of His transformative power is cultivated.
