Mat 6:1-4 | TNotes | STEP | 6:1 This verse introduces the theme of 6:2-18 , that righteousness should not be done for public recognition but as a service to God. • Good deeds are acts that conform to God’s pattern for proper behavior: e.g., gift giving (6:2-4 ), prayer (6:5-15 ), and fasting (6:16-18 ). Jesus urges secrecy to counteract the human propensity to seek praise for oneself rather than for God (cp. 5:16 ).

a6:1►

b6:2-18►

c6:2-4►

d6:5-15►

e6:16-18►

f5:16►

g6:2►

h6:4►

i25:31-46►

‏ Matthew 6:1-4

6:1 ^a This verse introduces the theme of 6:2-18 ^b, that righteousness should not be done for public recognition but as a service to God.

• Good deeds are acts that conform to God’s pattern for proper behavior: e.g., gift giving (6:2-4 ^c), prayer (6:5-15 ^d), and fasting (6:16-18 ^e). Jesus urges secrecy to counteract the human propensity to seek praise for oneself rather than for God (cp. 5:16 ^f).
6:2 ^g the hypocrites: See study note on 23:13.

• The blowing of trumpets accompanied major rituals, including public fasts.
6:4 ^h your Father ... will reward you: Both now and at the final judgment at the end of history (25:31-46 ⁱ).