NOTES for Mat 7:1-12

Today's reading contains several passages with distinct meanings. Perhaps the first of them (vv. 1-5) is the clearest in meaning (although the hardest of all to put into practice!). Verse 6 gives an example of a stylistic device quite typical of oral speech, called a “chiasm,” in which a phrase is constructed according to the pattern “ABba.” In our case, “trample them underfoot” refers to the swine, while “turn and tear you to pieces” refers to the dogs. But what is all this about? Are we really supposed to regard someone as dogs and swine (let me remind you that both were considered unclean animals)? Hardly! The preceding verses do not allow it. It is probably about the fact that even things which are objectively very good (objects or ideas) are not necessarily subjectively good in particular situations, and therefore wisdom is needed in using them. The next passage (vv. 7-11) not only urges us to persistent prayer, but also assures us that the heavenly Father always answers it by “giving good things.” In another Gospel, this passage says that He “will give the Holy Spirit” (who, of course, is the ultimate “good”). In other words, God's answer may be “not quite” what we expect.