Matthew 1–5
The Holy Bible interpreted through Divine Principle insight and the words of True Father.
This page begins Matthew as a single-book HTML section. Commentary is added where the text strongly reflects Divine Principle themes such as providential lineage, the coming of the Messiah through prepared history, the need for a forerunner, victory over temptation, and the opening of the kingdom ethic in the Sermon on the Mount.
1:1–17 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham... So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations... and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations... and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.
1:18–25 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph... Joseph her husband, being a just man... thought on these things... behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream... thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins... Joseph... took unto him his wife: and knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
2:1–12 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem... behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews?... and, lo, the star... came and stood over where the young child was... and they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
2:13–18 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise... flee into Egypt... for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him... Then Herod... slew all the children that were in Bethlehem.
2:19–23 But when Herod was dead... Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel... and he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth.
This chapter is significant because it shows the contrast between those who recognize Heaven’s central figure and those who fear him. Divine Principle strongly resonates where prepared seekers from afar respond better than the established center. Providence often exposes unexpected faith and unexpected blindness.
True Father often emphasized that the Messiah’s course begins under persecution from fallen power. Herod represents sovereignty terrified by Heaven’s new beginning. Joseph’s obedience in dreams again shows that providence can be preserved only when central human figures respond quickly and faithfully.
3:1–12 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand... Prepare ye the way of the Lord... O generation of vipers... Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance... he that cometh after me is mightier than I.
3:13–17 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him... And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water... and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him... and lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
This chapter is deeply significant because it reveals the providential necessity of a forerunner. Divine Principle strongly resonates where John prepares the environment through repentance, warning, and testimony. The foundation to receive the Messiah requires hearts turned back toward Heaven and fruits worthy of repentance.
True Father often emphasized that Heaven publicly affirms the central figure at the proper providential moment. The baptism scene is not mere ritual. It marks a transition into public mission, with heaven, spirit, and voice converging to testify who Jesus is before history.
4:1–11 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil... If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread... Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God... All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me... Get thee hence, Satan.
4:12–17 Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee... From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
4:18–25 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren... Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men... and he went about all Galilee, teaching... and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
This chapter is central because Jesus must win where earlier central figures failed. Divine Principle strongly resonates here: temptation strikes at appetite, presumption, and dominion. Jesus rejects satanic shortcuts and restores the proper order by standing only on God’s Word and God’s worship.
True Father often taught that victory over temptation is not the end, but the preparation for public mission. Once Jesus overcomes in the wilderness, he begins proclaiming the kingdom, gathering disciples, and healing. Private victory becomes public ministry.
5:1–12 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain... Blessed are the poor in spirit... blessed are they that mourn... blessed are the meek... blessed are the pure in heart... blessed are the peacemakers... blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake.
5:13–20 Ye are the salt of the earth... Ye are the light of the world... Think not that I am come to destroy the law... but to fulfil... except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
5:21–48 Ye have heard that it was said... Thou shalt not kill... but I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger... Ye have heard... Thou shalt not commit adultery... but I say unto you... Love your enemies... Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
This chapter is deeply significant because Jesus opens the constitution of kingdom life. Divine Principle strongly resonates where blessedness begins with humility, mourning, meekness, purity, and peacemaking. The kingdom is not built first by external power, but by restored heart and character that reflect God’s nature.
True Father often emphasized that Heaven’s standard must reach the root of fallen nature, not merely regulate outer behavior. Jesus therefore moves from murder to anger, adultery to lust, revenge to enemy-love. The standard rises toward the heart of the Father. The call to perfection is the call to resemble God in love and maturity.
This chapter is significant because Matthew begins not with abstraction but with lineage and providential history. Divine Principle strongly resonates here: the Messiah does not appear randomly, but through a long course of preparation, indemnity, failure, and restoration in history. The genealogy shows Heaven’s patient work through generations.
True Father often emphasized that God’s providence advances through real families, real decisions, and the obedience of central figures. Joseph’s role matters because Heaven required a protective and faithful response in a critical moment. The chapter presents Jesus as entering history through a prepared providential setting, not outside history.