Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - Matthew 23

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Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - Matthew 23


Verse Commentaries:



Chapter Level Commentary:
Matthew 23

PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS

UBS4 NKJV NRSV TEV NJB
The Denouncing of the Scribes and Pharisees Woe to the Scribes and Pharisees Woe to the Scribes and Pharisees Jesus Warns Against the Teachings of the Law and the Pharisees The Scribes and Pharisees: Their Hypocrisy and Vanity Mat_23:1-12 Mat_23:1-36 Mat_23:1-12 Mat_23:1-12 Mat_23:1-7 Mat_23:8-12 Jesus Condemns Their Hypocrisy Sevenfold Indictment of the Scribes and Pharisees Mat_23:13 Mat_23:13-15 Mat_23:13 Mat_23:13 Mat_23:14 Mat_23:14 Mat_23:14 (not included) Mat_23:15 Mat_23:15 Mat_23:15 Mat_23:16-22 Mat_23:16-22 Mat_23:16-22 Mat_23:16-22 Mat_23:23-24 Mat_23:23-24 Mat_23:23-24 Mat_23:23-24 Mat_23:25-26 Mat_23:25-26 Mat_23:25-26 Mat_23:25-26 Mat_23:27-28 Mat_23:27-28 Mat_23:27-28 Mat_23:27-28 Jesus Predicts Their Punishment Mat_23:29-36 Mat_23:29-36 Mat_23:29-36 Mat_23:29-32 Their Crimes and Approaching Punishment Mat_23:33-36 The Lament for Jerusalem Jesus Laments Over Jerusalem Lament Over Jerusalem Jesus' Love for Jerusalem Jerusalem Admonished Mat_23:37-39 Mat_23:37-39 Mat_23:37-39 Mat_23:37-39 Mat_23:37-39

(Mat_23:39 b)

READING CYCLE THREE (from "hyperlink")

FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL

This is a study guide commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject divisions with the five translations above. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one subject.

1. First paragraph

2. Second paragraph

3. Third paragraph

4. Etc.



CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS

A. The rift between Jesus and the Jewish power structures in Jerusalem was becoming more intense.



B. Jesus had often tried to reach them but they would not give up their traditional, nationalist concepts. They continuously tried to trap Him with questions. Their questions usually focused on the controversies (1) between the rabbinical schools of Hillel (liberal) and Shammai (conservative) or (2) between the Romans and the Jewish people. They hoped that Jesus would alienate one group or the other.



C. Jesus' cleansings of the Temple (cf. Joh_2:15 and Mat_21:12-17) intensified the conflict.



D. Jesus' cursing of the fig tree, a symbol of Israel (cf. Mat_21:18-22), and the two parables of rejection (cf. Mat_21:28-46; Mat_22:1-14) were the final breaking points.



E. This chapter culminates in Jesus' rejection by the religious leaders. It is uncertain if Jesus' words reflect a rejection of Israel as a whole or merely her religious leaders.



F. Some other biblical parallels to His criticism of the religious leaders are Mar_12:38-40, Luk_11:39-54; Luk_20:45-47. Jesus used His most severe language to address these religious leaders.



DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

This is a study guide commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought provoking, not definitive.

1. Why is Jesus so critical of the religious leaders of His day?

2. How do we know what to believe and practice?

3. Is attitude more crucial than action?

4. Is tithing a clearly taught New Testament principle?

5. Has Jesus totally rejected Israel?