Pentecost Season · Year B
All Saints
Or first Sunday in November · November 1, 2027
Overview & Insights
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3)
The narrative introduction to Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (5:1–2) indicates that Jesus’ disciples are the more focused audience of the sermon, with the crowds as recipients who, in a sense, listen in (7:28–29). The first segment of the sermon (5:3–16) focuses on a description of Jesus’ followers as they begin experiencing the arrival of God’s kingdom; Jesus’ commands to his followers do not begin until 5:17 (see the sidebar “Outline for the Sermon on the Mount”). The beatitudes (5:3–12) indicate the great reversals that God’s kingdom is bringing about and will usher in. These blessings will be enacted in Jesus’ healing ministry (chaps. 8–9). A contrasting set of woes will be spoken in chapter 23. The beatitudes along with the description of Jesus’ followers as salt and light, emphasizing their missional purpose, set the tone for the rest of the Sermon on the Mount by introducing themes of covenant faithfulness and the inauguration of God’s kingdom.
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Commentary
Commentary on Matthew 5:1-12 Working Preacher
Luther Seminary exegesis of the Beatitudes as the charter of the blessed life for the feast of All Saints.
Matthew 5: The Sermon on the Mount Begins Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik's verse by verse evangelical commentary on the chapter.
Matthew Commentaries Precept Austin
A deep gathering of word studies and cross references on the Sermon on the Mount.
Matthew 5:1 Commentaries BibleHub
Aggregates classic commentaries such as Barnes, Gill, and Ellicott on the Beatitudes in one place.
The Solemnity of All Saints Catholic Productions · Brant Pitre
Dr. Brant Pitre reads the readings of the feast, opening the Beatitudes as the shape of holiness.
All Saints, Cycle B, Sunday Connection Loyola Press · Sunday Connection
Catholic background, reflection questions, and family prayer for the feast of All Saints.
Background & Word Study
Enter the Bible: Matthew Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary background on Matthew and its five great teaching discourses.
Gospel of Matthew Overview (Ch. 1-13) BibleProject
An animated overview of the first half of Matthew where the Sermon on the Mount stands.
Matthew 5:1 Greek Interlinear BibleHub
Greek word by word with parsing and Strong's numbers for close study of the Beatitudes.
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
Why are the Beatitudes read on All Saints?
The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1–12) describe the character of the people of God, the poor in spirit, the mourners, the meek, the merciful, the pure in heart, and pronounce them blessed. On All Saints they name the communion of the faithful of every age, joined to the great multitude of Revelation 7.
When is All Saints observed?
All Saints’ Day is November 1 (often transferred to the following Sunday). In Year A the Revised Common Lectionary appoints Matthew 5:1–12 with Revelation 7:9–17 and 1 John 3:1–3.
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