Matthew 23:3 — Community Reflections

MATTHEW 23:3 — KING JAMES VERSION 0

“All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.”

So do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. The distinction between what the Pharisees say (observe) and what they do (do not imitate): the teaching may be correct even when the teacher's life does not model it. The do and observe their teaching is qualified by the do not do their works — follow the substance, not the example.

Church Fathers on Matthew 23:3

When the Lord had overthrown the Priests by His answer, and shewn their condition to be irremediable, forasmuch as clergy, when they do wickedly, cannot be amended, but laymen who have gone wrong are easily set right, He turns His discourse to His Apostles and the people. For that is an unprofitable word which silences one, without conveying improvement to another.
Pseudo-Chrysostom · 5th century

The disciples of Christ are better than the common herd; and you may find in the Church such as with more ardent affection come to the word of God; these are Christ’s disciples, the rest are only His people. And sometimes He speaks to His disciples alone, sometimes to the multitudes and His disciples together, as here.
Origen · 3rd century

But that none should say, For this cause am I slack to practise, because my instructor is evil, He removes every such plea, saying, 'All therefore whatsoever they say unto you, that observe and do,' for they speak not their own, but God’s, which things He taught through Moses in the Law. And look with how great honour He speaks of Moses, shewing again what harmony there is with the Old Testament.
Chrysostom · 4th century · Hom. lxxii

Read all 11 entries in the readerCatena Aurea · St. Thomas Aquinas, tr. J. H. Newman · public domain

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