Douay-Rheims Bible: Matthew — Introduction, Chapter Summaries and Notes by Richard Challoner
Chapter 5
SummaryChrist's sermon upon the mount. The eight beatitudes.
[5:3] The poor in spirit. . . That is, the humble; and they whose spirit is not set upon riches.
[5:17] To fulfil. . .By accomplishing all the figures and prophecies; and perfecting all that was imperfect.
[5:18] Amen. . . That is, assuredly of a truth. . . This Hebrew word, amen, is here retained by the example and authority of all the four Evangelists. It is used by our Lord as a strong asseveration, and affirmation of the truth.
[5:20] The scribes and Pharisees. . . The scribes were the doctors of the law of Moses: the Pharisees were a precise set of men, making profession of a more exact observance of the law: and upon that account greatly esteemed among the people.
[5:21] Shall be in danger of the judgment. . . That is, shall deserve to be punished by that lesser tribunal among the Jews, called the Judgment, which took cognizance of such crimes.
[5:22] Raca. . .A word expressing great indignation or contempt. Shall be in danger of the council. . . That is, shall deserve to be punished by the highest court of judicature, called the Council, or Sanhedrim, consisting of seventy-two persons, where the highest causes were tried and judged, which was at
[5:22] Jerusalem. Thou fool. . . This was then looked upon as a heinous injury, when uttered with contempt, spite, or malice: and therefore is here so severely condemned. Shall be in danger of hell fire. . . literally, according to the Greek, shall deserve to be cast into the Gehenna of fire. Which words our Saviour made use of to express the fire and punishments of hell.
[5:29] Scandalize thee. . . That is, if it be a stumblingblock, or occasion of sin to thee. By which we are taught to fly the immediate occasions of sin, though they be as dear to us, or as necessary as a hand or an eye.
[5:34] Not to swear at all. . .It is not forbid to swear in truth, justice and judgment; to the honour of God, or our own or neighbour's just defence: but only to swear rashly, or profanely, in common discourse, and without necessity.
[5:39] Not to resist evil, etc. . . What is here commanded, is a Christian patience under injuries and affronts, and to be willing even to suffer still more, rather than to indulge the desire of revenge: but what is further added does not strictly oblige according to the letter, for neither did Christ nor St. Paul turn the other cheek. St. John 18., and Acts 23.
[5:46] The publicans. . . These were the gatherers of the public taxes: a set of men, odious and infamous among the Jews, for their extortions and injustice.