Mat 5:13-16 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Matt 5:13-16: 5:13-16 The disciples’ good deeds will have profoundly positive effects on the world around them, to the glory of God. With this comes a warning from Jesus: Do nothing that might jeopardize that positive influence. 5:13 Salt was used for cleansing and preservation from decay (Ezek 16:4 ), in forming covenants (Lev 2:13 ; Num 18:19 ; see study note on 2 Chr 13:5), and as flavor (Job 6:6 ; Mark 9:50 ). • Salt that lost its flavor became useless, insipid, or dull (see Mark 9:50 ; Luke 14:34 ).

Summary for Matt 5:13-16: 5:13-16 ^a The disciples’ good deeds will have profoundly positive effects on the world around them, to the glory of God. With this comes a warning from Jesus: Do nothing that might jeopardize that positive influence. 5:13 ^b Salt was used for cleansing and preservation from decay (Ezek 16:4 ^c), in forming covenants (Lev 2:13 ^d; Num 18:19 ^e; see study note on 2 Chr 13:5), and as flavor (Job 6:6 ^f; Mark 9:50 ^g).

• Salt that lost its flavor became useless, insipid, or dull (see Mark 9:50 ^h; Luke 14:34 ⁱ).
5:14 ^j light of the world ... city on a hilltop: The attractive quality of the disciples’ lives will draw other people to live similarly and to glorify God (see Isa 2:2-5 ^k; 42:6 ^l; 49:6 ^m; 51:4 ⁿ; 56:6-8 ^o; 60:1-3 ^p; Phil 2:15 ^q).
5:16 ^r praise your heavenly Father: Religious hypocrites seek praise for themselves; Jesus’ disciples should seek praise for God (see 1 Pet 2:12 ^s).