What does Matthew 6:5 teach about the nature of genuine prayer? Canonical Text “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their reward.” — Matthew 6:5 Immediate Literary Context Matthew 6:5 stands in the heart of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7), a unit that contrasts the righteousness of the kingdom with the distorted piety of the religious establishment (cf. 5:20). Verses 1–18 form a triad—almsgiving (vv. 2–4), prayer (vv. 5–15), and fasting (vv. 16–18)—each warning against ostentation and promising the Father’s reward for secrecy. The Lord’s Prayer that follows (vv. 9–13) supplies the positive alternative. Historical–Cultural Background Public prayer in first-century Judaism was expected at fixed hours (mid-morning, mid-afternoon). Devout Jews who found themselves “in the synagogues” or “on the street corners” (Greek plateiai, broad intersections) might pray aloud. While the practice itself was not condemned, Jesus targets those who “love” (philousin) the visibility. First-century inscriptions (e.g., Theodotus Synagogue Inscription, Jerusalem, c. 1 B.C.–A.D. 1) confirm that synagogues were community hubs; praying there ensured an audience. Roman-era street architecture in Galilee displays broad crossroads ideal for maximum exposure. Theological Themes 1. God-Centeredness of Prayer Prayer is communion with “your Father” (v. 6); genuine prayer orients vertically, not horizontally. 2. Authenticity vs. Performance Motive determines authenticity. External conformity without internal devotion yields no divine reward. 3. Divine vs. Human Reward Apodosis “they already have their reward” (apechousin ton misthon) uses a commercial term for a transaction paid in full; public acclaim exhausts the benefit. Intertextual Echoes • 1 Samuel 16:7 — “man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” • Psalm 51:17 — “a broken and contrite heart… You will not despise.” • Luke 18:9–14 — Pharisee vs. tax collector, illustrating Matthew 6:5 in narrative form. • Hebrews 4:13 — all is “naked and exposed” before God, reinforcing secrecy as sincerity. Contrast with Acceptable Public Prayer Acts 4:24-31 shows believers praying aloud after persecution, yet motive is corporate supplication, not display. Matthew 6:5 regulates intent, not forbidding all public or group prayer (cf. 1 Timothy 2:8). Practical Implications • Examine motive before verbalizing prayer—ask, “Would I still pray this if no one heard?” • Cultivate private prayer habits (v. 6) to safeguard intimacy with the Father. • Church leaders: design corporate prayer that magnifies God rather than personalities. Illustrative Biblical Examples • Daniel 6:10—opens windows toward Jerusalem yet prays “as he had always done,” motive unaltered by audience. • Elijah’s public but God-directed prayer on Carmel (1 Kings 18:36-37) seeks Yahweh’s vindication, not self-glory. • Jesus’ solitary prayers (Mark 1:35; Luke 5:16) model secret communion. Summary Definition Matthew 6:5 teaches that genuine prayer is an act of sincere communion with the Father, stripped of self-promotion, indifferent to human spectators, and certain of God’s unseen reward. Prayer’s authenticity rests not on posture, location, or eloquence, but on a heart wholly directed toward God. |
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