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MATTHEW 7:12 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
Matt 7:11Matt 7:13
“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.”
So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. The golden rule is the summary of the Sermon's ethical teaching: the standard of treatment I desire for myself is the standard I apply to others. The proactive formulation — do to others what you wish — is stronger than the negative formulations found in other traditions (do not do to others what you do not wish). The for this is the Law and the Prophets connects the golden rule to the Sermon's earlier claim (5:17) that Jesus has come to fulfill the law and the prophets: the fulfillment of the law is the active love for others that the golden rule describes. Romans 13:10 says love is the fulfillment of the law.

Church Fathers on Matthew 7:12

Firmness and strength of walking by the way of wisdom in good habits is thus set before us, by which men are brought to purity and simplicity of heart; concerning which having spoken a long time, He thus concludes, 'All things whatsoever ye would, &c.' For there is no man who would that another should act towards him with a double heart.

Augustine · 4th century

Otherwise; He had above commanded us in order to sanctify our prayers that men should not judge those who sin against them. Then breaking the thread of his discourse He had introduced various other matters, wherefore now when He returns to the command with which He had begun, He says, 'All things whatsoever ye would, &c.' That is; I not only command that ye judge not, but 'All things whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, do ye unto them;' and then you will be able…

Pseudo-Chrysostom · 5th century

Otherwise; The Holy Spirit is the distributor of all spiritual goods, that the deeds of charity may be fulfilled; whence He adds, 'All things therefore, &c.'

Gloss (Glossa Ordinaria) · medieval compilation · ord.
Read all 13 entries in the readerCatena Aurea · St. Thomas Aquinas, tr. J. H. Newman · public domain
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