Luke gives nothing more than a simple metaphor: but as the
poverty of many is accursed and unhappy, Matthew expresses more clearly the
intention of Christ. Many are pressed down by distresses, and yet continue to
swell inwardly with pride and cruelty. But Christ pronounces those to be happy
who, chastened and subdued by afflictions, submit themselves wholly to God,
and, with inward humility, betake themselves to him for protection.
Others explain the poor in spirit to be those who
claim nothing for themselves, and are even so completely emptied of confidence
in the flesh, that they acknowledge their poverty. But as the words of Luke and
those of Matthew must have the same meaning, there can be no doubt that the
appellation poor is here given to those who are pressed and afflicted by
adversity. The only difference is, that Matthew, by adding an epithet, confines
the happiness to those only who, under the discipline of the cross, have
learned to be humble.
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. We see that
Christ does not swell the minds of his own people by any unfounded belief, or
harden them by unfeeling obstinacy, as the Stoics do, but leads them to
entertain the hope of eternal life, and animates them to patience by assuring
them, that in this way they will pass into the heavenly kingdom of God.
It deserves our attention, that he only who is reduced to
nothing in himself, and relies on the mercy of God, is poor in spirit: for
they who are broken or overwhelmed by despair murmur against God, and this
proves them to be of a proud and haughty spirit. (Commentaries)
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