Time after Pentecost · All Saints' Day · Year C
Matthew 5:1-12
The Beatitudes
November 1, 2028
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
Matthew 5 Commentary: The Sermon on the Mount Enduring Word · David Guzik
A verse-by-verse walkthrough of the Beatitudes and their setting.
Matthew 5:1-2 Commentary Precept Austin
An inductive-study commentary on the opening setting of the Sermon on the Mount.
Matthew 5:1 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentary excerpts gathered for this verse.
Matthew 5 (Barnes' Notes) StudyLight
Albert Barnes' close exegetical notes on the Beatitudes.
Matthew 5 (Jamieson-Fausset-Brown) StudyLight
A concise Reformed cross-reference commentary on the chapter.
Commentary on Matthew 5:1-12 Working Preacher
An All Saints reading of the Beatitudes as a portrait of living and departed saints.
Matthew 5:1-12 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
A Reformed preaching-focused reading of the Beatitudes.
Background & Word Study
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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