The Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 5:13-16

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

Christian influence.

It was not to the outside multitude, but to his own disciples, that Jesus addressed these words. To these, more immediately, the whole sermon was preached (see Matthew 5:1, Matthew 5:2). We have to consider Christians—

I. AS THE SALT OF THE EARTH.

1. God's instruments for its purification.

2. They impart relish to life.

3. They preserve the world from destruction.

4. In preserving they are preserved.

II. AS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD.

1. They shine through union with Christ.

2. They shine in union with the Church.

3. They shine in good works.

4. They shine in noble motives.

5. They live in their shining.

More for Matthew 5:13-16

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

The Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 5:1-16Matthew 5:1-16 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe sermon on the mount. The first part of the sermon: the law of the kingdom of heaven. I. THE BEATITUDES. 1. The first Beatitude. 2. The second Beatitude. (a) It seems a paradox. Sorrow and joy are opposed to one anot…The Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 5:1-48Matthew 5:1-48 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION The Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 5:3-16Matthew 5:3-16 · The Pulpit Commentary1. The ideal character of his disciples.The Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 5:11-16Matthew 5:11-16 · The Pulpit CommentarySome critics (e.g. Godet, Weiss) think that Matthew 5:13-16 are no part of the original sermon, but only an interweaving of sayings which were originally spoken at other times. This is possible, but external evidence ex…Matthew Henry on Matthew 5:13-16Matthew 5:13-16 · Matthew Henry Concise CommentaryYe are the salt of the earth. Mankind, lying in ignorance and wickedness, were as a vast heap, ready to putrify; but Christ sent forth his disciples, by their lives and doctrines to season it with knowledge and grace. I…The Sermon on the MountMatthew 5:13-16 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleTHE SERMON ON THE MOUNT. Christ had lately called his disciples, and told them that they should be fishers of men; here he tells them further what he designed them to be—the salt of the earth, and lights of the world, t…

commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 5:1-48EXPOSITIONJoseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 5:1-16The sermon on the mount. The first part of the sermon: the law of the kingdom of heaven. I. THE BEATITUDES. 1. The first Beatitude. 2. The second Beatitude. (a) It seems a paradox. Sorrow and joy are opposed to one anot…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 5:3-161. The ideal character of his disciples.Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 5:11-16Some critics (e.g. Godet, Weiss) think that Matthew 5:13-16 are no part of the original sermon, but only an interweaving of sayings which were originally spoken at other times. This is possible, but external evidence ex…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryMatthew Henry on Matthew 5:13-16Ye are the salt of the earth. Mankind, lying in ignorance and wickedness, were as a vast heap, ready to putrify; but Christ sent forth his disciples, by their lives and doctrines to season it with knowledge and grace. I…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Sermon on the MountTHE SERMON ON THE MOUNT. Christ had lately called his disciples, and told them that they should be fishers of men; here he tells them further what he designed them to be—the salt of the earth, and lights of the world, t…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 5:13-16The startling salutation. The announcements of the Beatitudes were necessarily startling in their matter, even when considered as delivered simply generally, whether the world or any in it hear or forbear. They breathed…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 5:13Ye are the salt, etc.. Weiss thinks that St. Luke gives it in its original context; that St. Matthew is right in interpreting it as of special reference to the disciples; and that St. Mark applies it the most freely. It…Joseph S. Exell and contributors