CHAP. V.
LInacer reading these fifth, sixth, and seventh Chapters of Matthew, burst out into this protestation, Either these sayings are not Christs, or wee are not Christians.
In this Chapter, and the two next, is contained Christs Sermon in the Mount, preached to his Disciples and others that were converted unto him among the multi∣tude. This Sermon may be called the Key of the whole Bible; for here Christ openeth the summe of the Old and New Testament. Christ quotes and repeates whole sen∣tences out of it else where, Luke 11.2. and 12.22.13. ch. 14.14. ch. 34.16. ch. 18. This Sermon is the same with that which is set downe by Luke 6.20. For they have one beginning and one matter, the same order of preaching and the same conclusion. Luke relates things more briefly, Matthew more fully, Chemnitius, Calvin, Perkins, though Piscator and others bee of another opinion.
Our Saviour sheweth here, that the happinesse which by him they were to expect, did consist in spirituall grace and eternall glory, the one being beatitudo viae, our hap∣pinesse in this life, the other beatitudo gloriae, our happinesse in the life to come.
Vers. 1. The Mountaine] By the highnesse of the place f 1.1 declaring that Hee would deliver nothing common or low. Eras.
And when he was set] It belongs to the Teacher to sit in a chaire or higher place, that he may be heard from far. Session also notes the tranquility of Christ, for the body sit∣ting, the Spirit is quieted, and is apt to meditate in, & teach divine things. Corn. à Lapide.
Vers. 2. g 1.2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them] Theophylacts note is witty. He makes a question whether the first word be not superfluous or no, for how could Christ teach but he must open his mouth? He answers that these words were not idle, for Christ did sometimes teach and opened not his mouth, viz. By his life and mira∣cles; but now he opened his mouth and taught them by doctrine.
It is a pleonasme, Calvin, as we use to say, I have heard it with mine eares. An Hebra∣isme. i.e. He bagan to speak. Some interpret it thus, he spake before by the mouth of his Prophets, now with his owne mouth.