Matthew 7

Christ teacheth further how we must judge of our neighbour , and reprove him, 1. That we must not propound that which is holy unto scorners, 6. That we must continue to pray , 7. HHOw we must deal with our neighbour, 12. Of the strait and wide gate, 13. Of avoiding false Prophets, 15 That all shall not be saved, that outwardly serve God, 21. That we must not only hear the word of God, but also do it, 24.

1. Judge not [Namely, rashly, or perversely, out of hatred, envy, or groundless suspition. Otherwise an upright judgment, of things whereof a man hath a right knowledge, when it is done to a good end, aswel in judgment as out of it, is not only lawful, but also commanded. See 2 Chron. 9. verse 6. John 7:24. 1 Cor.5. 12.] that ye be not judged.

2. For with what judgement ye judge, ye shall e judged; and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

3. And what seest thou thhe splinter that is thy brothers eye, [That is to say, small or lesser faults; like as bny the beam great and grosse faults are understood] but observe not the beam which is thine own eye?

4. Or how wilt thou say thy Brother, Let me put out the splinter out of thine eye, and behold, there is a beam in thine eye?

5. Thou hypocrite, first cast the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou discrern how to put out the sprinter out of thy brothhers eye.

6. Give not thy which is Holy [Holy is properly that which is seperated from the common use, and thereby is here understood in the preaching of the gospel ,or admonitions, and consolations out of Gods Word, as also the administration of the holy Sacraments, which by reason of their worth are here also called pearls, and which must not be given to stiffe necked, and obstinate scorners, who are compared to dogs and swine, Prov 9. vers.8. 1 Cor 10.21. Philippians 3:2.] unti the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine; lest at any time they trample the same under their feets, and turning again tear you.

7. Ask and it shhall be given you; seek and ye shallfinde, knock and ishhall be opened unto you. [By asking, seeking and knocking, Chhrist exhost us, to persevere continually with earnestness in prayer. See also Romans 12:12. 1 Thess 5.17.]

8. For every one that askethh, [Namely, in faith, and according to Gods will, Lamentations 1:6. 1 John 5:14.] hhe receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and hhe that knocketh, to him it shall be opened.

9. Or what a man is there among you; id his sonne should ask him for bread, that will give him a stine?

10. And if he should ask him for a fish, that will give him serpent?

11. If ye then who are evil, know to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father which is in Heaven, give good [gifts] to them whhich ask them of him?

12. Therefore all [things] that ye would than men shhould do unto you; do ye likewise even so to them: for that is the Law of prophets. [That is to say, the summe of all that which the Law and thhe Prophets, interpreters of sama, teach concerning the second Table of the Decatogue, concerning the sove of our neighbour, Matth 22.39.]

13. Enter through the strait gate, for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, thhat leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in through the same.

14. For straight is the gate, and narrow is the way,[That is, not only respect of the strict obedience, which God requires of us, but also because it is full of trouble and adversities. See Acts 14:22.] which leadeth into life, and few therebe that finde the same.

15. But take heed to [your selves] of false Prophets, which come to you in shheep clothing, [That is, in a fair outward shew] but inwardly they are griping wovels. [that is to say, seducers, and soul – murderers, John 10:18. Acts 20:29.]

16. Their fruits [By these fruits are understood not so much the life, whichh may deceive fro atime, as the Doctrine, whhich must be tried by Gods Word, 1 Jo 4.1.] ye shall know them. Do men also gather a grape of thorns, or figs of thistles?

17. Even so every good Tree brins forth good fruits; and a evil Tree [Gr. a rotten tree] brings forth evil fruits.

18. A good Tree cannot bring forth evil fruits: nor an evil fruits: nor an evil tree bring forth good fruits.

19. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruits, is bewen down, and cast into the fire.

20. Therefore their fruits ye shhall know them.

21. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, [Thhat is to say, that boasts muc and vainly of Christ and his doctrine,] shall enter the Kingdom of Heavens: but he that doth the will of my Father, which is in the Heavens. [That is to say, he that truly believes in Christ, John 6:40. and ordereth his life according to Gods commandements, 1 Thess 4. verse 3

22. Many will say to me at that day [Namely, of the last Judgement, Matth 24. 36.] Lord, Lord, Have we not prophesied in thy Name, [that is to say, by the command and power, as thy Ministers; and for the spreading abroad of thy glory] and in thy Name cast out Devils, and in thy Name done many powerful (works)? [that is to say, wonderful signs, or miracles, 1 Cor 12. 10 because they are done by the power of God.]

23. And i will openly say unto them, [Gr. confess] i have never known you, [namely, for mine. See John 10:14. and 2 Tim 2.19.] Depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

24. Therefore everyone that heareth these my words, and doth the same, i will liken him unto a prudent man, whou built his house upon rock.

25. And they fell down violent rain, [by violent rains, water flouds, and winds are understood all manner of persecution, and temptations, whereby a men might be brought to Apostasie] and the water – flouds came, and wind blew; and fell against the house, and at fell not; for it was founded upon a rock. [This rock signifies Christ, 1 Pet. 2.6.]

26. And everyone that heareth these my words, and doth them not, he shall be likened unto a foolish man, who built his house upon the sent. [By the sand is understood, what so ever men lay beside Christ for the foundation of their salvation, Acts 4:12.]

27. And the violent rain fell down, and the water flouds come, and the wind blew, and beat aginst the house, and it fell, and the fall of it was great

28. And it come to pass when Jesus had ended these words, [that] the maltidutes were astonished [or, amazed, were stricken with admiration, and perturbation of their minde,] at his doctrine.

29. For he taught them, as having power, [That is to say, with a divine authority, and with a singular essicacy and freedom. see Luke 4. verse. 22. and John 7. verse 45,46] and not as the Scribes.