Early Christian Commentary Matthew Chapter 5:1-12

Summary:

The “disciples” are distinguished from the “multitudes” (ORIGEN). 

Jesus does not give the same blessedness to all (METHODIUS). 

Those who do righteousness will enter the kingdom and receive the promises (SECOND CLEMENT).

Blessedness belongs to the poor, whether in spirit or circumstance, for righteousness' sake (CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA),

but not the rich (TERTULLIAN, ORIGEN). 

Poor in spirit refers to obedience (ORIGEN) and humility (ARCHELAUS).

Consolation and laughter is promised to those who weep and mourn (TERTULLIAN).

Righteous men suffer and mourn more because they are proved (CYPRIAN).

Be meek, since the meek shall inherit the earth (THE DIDACHE).

The meek are the gentle (TERTULLIAN) and obedient to the Word (ORIGEN).

The meek will inherit the earth, that is the future kingdom at the resurrection of the just (IRENAEUS).

Those who hunger after righteousness itself are blessed (CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA).

God shows mercy only to the merciful (CLEMENT OF ROME, CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA, CYPRIAN, LACTANTIUS).

The pure in heart are those who have been purified from evil (ORIGEN) and have a circumcised heart (ARCHELAUS).

They will see God in the life to come (IRENAEUS, CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA), 

Thus, Christ was not God the Father (NOVATIAN).

If we are sons of God, we ought to be peacemakers (CYPRIAN).

The peacemaker has tamed their passions, leads others to the peace of the Word (CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA),

does not carry on war, or mix himself with the passions of others (LACTANTIUS).

We must closely follow Jesus, even in persecutions, to be blessed (TERTULLIAN).

Christians are killed, but not hurt (JUSTIN MARTYR).

We are to despise death (CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA), 

because there is a reward for those who are persecuted (TERTULLIAN, ORIGEN, CYPRIAN).