[2] The "disciples" spoken of here are not just those who came later to be known as the "Twelve Disciples" (see Matt. 10) ; rather, Jesus is directing His sermon to all of His faithful followers, all those who consider Him to be their Master and Teacher.

[3] J. C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on the Gospels: Matthew, pg. 32.

[4] Broadus, Commentary on Matthew, pg. 88.

[5] Leon Morris, The Gospel According to Matthew, pg. 98.

[6] John Calvin, The Harmony of the Gospels, Vol. I, pg. 169.

⁷ All Scripture citations in this study are taken from the King James Version.

[8] See (among others) Deut. 13:4; Josh. 24:14; I Chron. 16:30; II Chron. 19:7; Prov. 3:7; Eccl. 12:13; Isa. 8:13; Matt. 10:28; Rom. 11:20; I Pet. 1:17; I Pet. 2:17; Rev. 14:7.