Matthew 6 · a question people ask
Who are "the hypocrites" Jesus speaks of in this chapter?
Jesus doesn't name them here. He says what they do, and why. Of giving: "as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may get glory from men" (6:2). Of praying: "they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men" (6:5). Of fasting: "they disfigure their faces that they may be seen by men to be fasting" (6:16) (tap hypocrites). His words are to those he is speaking to: "you shall not be as the hypocrites" (6:5), and "don’t be like the hypocrites" (6:16). These notes name no one either, and make Jesus's words a verdict on no people, church or group today.
The verses
“Therefore, when you do merciful deeds, don’t sound a trumpet before yourself, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may get glory from men. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward.”
““When you pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites, for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Most certainly, I tell you, they have received their reward.”
““Moreover when you fast, don’t be like the hypocrites, with sad faces. For they disfigure their faces that they may be seen by men to be fasting. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward.”