.

To fulfil... By accomplishing all the figures and prophecies; and
perfecting all that was imperfect.

5:18. For amen I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot, or
one tittle shall not pass of the law, till all be fulfilled.

Amen... That is, assuredly of a truth... This Hebrew word, amen, is here
retained by the example and authority of all the four Evangelists. It is
used by our Lord as a strong asseveration, and affirmation of the truth.

5:19. He therefore that shall break one of these least commandments, and
shall so teach men shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven.
But he that shall do and teach, he shall be called great in the kingdom
of heaven.

5:20. For I tell you, that unless your justice abound more than that of
the scribes and Pharisees, you shall not enter into the kingdom of
heaven.

The scribes and Pharisees... The scribes were the doctors of the law of
Moses: the Pharisees were a precise set of men, making profession of a
more exact observance of the law: and upon that account greatly esteemed
among the people.

5:21. You have heard that it was said to them of old: Thou shalt not
kill. And whosoever shall kill, shall be in danger of the judgment.

Shall be in danger of the judgment... That is, shall deserve to be
punished by that lesser tribunal among the Jews, called the Judgment,
which took cognizance of such crimes.

5:22. But I say to you, that whosoever is angry with his brother, shall
be in danger of the judgment. And whosoever shall say to his brother,
Raca, shall be in danger of the council. And whosoever shall say, Thou
fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

Raca... A word expressing great indignation or contempt. Shall be in
danger of the council... That is, shall deserve to be punished by the
highest court of judicature, called the Council, or Sanhedrim,
consisting of seventy-two persons, where the highest causes were tried
and judged, which was at Jerusalem. Thou fool... This was then looked
upon as a heinous injury, when uttered with contempt, spite, or malice:
and therefore is here so severely condemned. Shall be in danger of hell
fire... literally, according to the Greek, shall deserve to be cast
into the Gehenna of fire. Which words our Saviour made use of to express
the fire and punishments of hell.

5:23. If therefore thou offer thy gift at the altar, and there thou
remember that thy brother hath anything against thee;

5:24. Leave there thy of