Matthew 6:1

"Matthew."

Key Reflection

In first-century Jewish culture, charitable giving was a significant religious and social duty. The act of almsgiving was often done publicly to gain recognition and respect from peers. Jesus, by commanding his disciples not to seek such public attention for their acts of charity, subtly challenged the prevailing cultural norms. He encouraged them to perform good deeds in secret, ensuring that their actions were motivated purely by a desire to please God rather than to be seen by others.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

MATTHEW Chapter 6 Verse 1. Alms. Liberality to the poor and needy. Anything given to them to supply their wants. Our Saviour, here, does not positively command his disciples to aid the poor, but supposes that they would do it of course, and gives them direction how to do it. It is the nature of religion to help those who are really poor and needy; and a real Christian does not wait to be commanded to do it, but only asks the opportunity. See Ga 2:10; Jas 1:27; Lu 19:8. Before men, etc. Our Lord does not forbid us to give alms before men always, but only forbids our doing it to be seen of them, for the purpose of ostentation, and to seek their praise.

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