For vv. 2-4, see notes in Matt. 6:9-13.

Some MSS read, Our Father who is in the heavens.

For vv. 9-13, see notes in Matt. 7:7-11.

Some MSS read, whose son asks for bread, will hand him a stone? Or if also for a fish, will instead...?

See note Matt. 7:11^2b.

Before His death the Lord told the disciples to ask for the Holy Spirit; after His death and resurrection He told them to receive the Holy Spirit (John 20:22). Regarding the commandments in the Scriptures for which the requirements have not been fulfilled, we must ask; regarding the commandments for which the requirements have been fulfilled, we must receive.

For vv. 14-15, see notes in Matt. 9:32-34 and Matt. 12:22-24.

See note Matt. 10:25^1a.

For vv. 17-23, see notes in Matt. 12:25-30 and Mark 3:23-27.

In the sense of machinations.

A Hebraic expression. The finger (v. 46) is smaller than the hand and the arm. The casting out of demons does not require the hand of God (John 10:28-29) or the arm of God (Isa. 53:1); the finger of God is powerful enough to do it. Still, it is done by the Spirit of God (Matt. 12:28).

Lit., courtyard.

Christ, the Son of God, is much stronger than Satan, the strong man. Thus, He can subdue and overcome Satan for us.

See note Mark 9:40¹.

For vv. 24-26, see notes in Matt. 12:43-45.

For vv. 29-32, see notes in Matt. 12:38-42.

See note Mark 4:21^1a.

See note Matt. 5:15¹.

See note Matt. 5:15^2b.

See note Matt. 6:22¹.

Or, illuminated.

See note Matt. 6:23¹.

The light in us, with which the eye illuminates the whole body (v. 34), is the light in our heart, which should be kept pure for God (Matt. 5:8). See note Matt. 6:23².

Primarily, the first meal, taken early in the morning (so in v. 38).

Lit., baptized (indicating a ceremonial washing).

Within refers to the contents of the cup and to the items on the platter (v. 39); these signify what was in the heart of the Pharisees. They had covetousness within their heart; hence, they were full of extortion and wickedness (v. 39). Therefore, the Lord commanded them to give as alms what they were coveting in their heart, that all things might be clean to them.

Or, judgment.

See note Matt. 23:23².

Or, outrage.

A term used by medical writers for gently feeling a sore or tender part of the body.

Or, monuments (so in v. 48).

Referring to Christ as the wisdom of God in God's New Testament economy (1 Cor. 1:30); He is the "I" in Matt. 23:34. The Lord's word in Matt. 23:34-36 and Luke 11:49-51 was based on the record in 2 Chron. 24:20-22 concerning the slaying of Zechariah, and it expanded the word in 2 Chron. 24:19, applying it to those who were sent by God in both the Old Testament and the New Testament.

Required not only of the individual but also of that generation collectively.

Or, prevented, forbade.

I.e., to ensnare in hunting (Matt. 22:15). The religionists, who claimed to be devout, did this to the One who expressed God.