Commentary on Matthew 6:4

Verse Reference: Matthew 6:4 - "That your alms may be in secret: and your Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward you openly."

Introduction

This verse forms part of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus expounds on the nature of true piety, which emphasizes sincerity and humility over ostentation. Matthew 6:4 invites reflection on the practice of charitable giving, signaling the attitude with which believers should approach acts of kindness towards others. Public domain commentaries provide rich insights into its meaning and application for contemporary readers.

Exegesis and Context

Matthew 6:4 is situated within a broader section that discusses the principles of righteousness. Jesus contrasts the hidden acts of righteousness with the showy displays often practiced by the Pharisees and other religious leaders of the day.

• Matthew Henry: Henry emphasizes that the purpose of alms giving is not merely to fulfill a requirement but to reflect one's relationship with God. Private acts of charity not only please God but also serve as a testimony to genuine faith.
• Adam Clarke: Clarke elaborates on the notion that true charity should be an expression of love, rather than a means of self-promotion. He warns against the temptation to seek approval from others, which can taint the motive behind giving.
• Albert Barnes: Barnes notes that the secrecy attached to almsgiving highlights a significant theme in Christian practice: the pursuit of God’s favor over human applause. He argues that what is done in secret is seen by God, who values the heart’s intention and offers rewards that surpass earthly recognition.

Theological Significance

Matthew 6:4 speaks to the foundational Christian principle of humility and the inner workings of faith. The emphasis on the private nature of almsgiving holds rich theological implications:

• God's Omnipresence: The assertion that God sees what is done in secret underscores His omniscience. This not only assures the believer of divine awareness but also reinforces the personal aspect of one's relationship with God.
• Divine Reward: The promise of being rewarded "openly" serves to encourage believers that God's recognition far outweighs any human accolades. These rewards may manifest in various forms — spiritual, emotional, or material — as decreed by God's wisdom.
• Intent of the Heart: Herein lies the crux of Jesus’ teaching: the heart’s intention behind almsgiving is paramount. This aligns with scriptural themes found throughout both the Old and New Testaments, which uphold that God desires mercy and faithfulness over mere ritual observance (cf. Micah 6:8).

Practical Implications

For pastors, students, and theologians, Matthew 6:4 bears practical applications that can be employed within ministry settings, personal spiritual practice, and community engagement:

• Encouraging Authenticity: Leaders can urge congregants to engage in acts of charity with genuine intent, relying on God's approval rather than on the praise of men.
• Fostering a Culture of Generosity: Creating environments where giving is celebrated without strings attached encourages a communal spirit of goodwill and kindness.
• Challenges of Modern Giving: Addressing the challenges of public giving in the age of social media, it is crucial to instill the values of discretion and humility, reminding believers that not all acts of service or generosity need to be publicized.

Conclusion

In sum, Matthew 6:4 calls for reflection on the integrity of our actions concerning charity. The insights gathered from esteemed commentators such as Matthew Henry, Adam Clarke, and Albert Barnes encourage us to uphold the values of sincerity, humility, and a heart aligned with God's purposes in our acts of giving. As followers of Christ, we are reminded that genuine compassion, offered quietly, assures us of God's attentive presence and rewards.