Early Christian Commentary Matthew Chapter 7:1-6

Summary:

Do not judge, that you will not be not judged (POLYCARP, IRENAEUS, TATIAN, CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA, TERTULLIAN, CYPRIAN, ORIGEN). 

As you judge, so shall you be judged (CLEMENT OF ROME).

Judge righteously, do not respect persons in reproving for transgressions (THE DIDACHE). 

The meaning is not that we should not find fault with sinners, nor that we should consent to those who act wickedly (IRENAEUS).

We do not prejudge when the Lord is to be the judge (CYPRIAN).

For with what judgment you judge, it is righteous that you be judged all the same (JUSTIN MARTYR).

This passage announces a retribution proportioned to the merits (TERTULLIAN).

Both IRENAEUS and HIPPOLYTUS taught that the heretics were hypocrites with the beam in the eye.

The phrase, “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs” is uniquely applied to the Eucharist in THE DIDACHE (7.380).

The dogs and swine were untrained hearers (CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA),

the heathen (TERTULLIAN),

the foolish (CYPRIAN),

the lost (ARCHELAUS),

or those who are given up to impiety and pleasures (METHODIUS)