The first part of the chapter,
Matthew 6:1–
18, deals with the outward and inward expression of piety, referring to almsgiving, private prayer and fasting. New Testament scholar
Dale Allison suggests that this section acts as "a sort of commentary" on
Matthew 5:21–
48, or a short "cult-didache": Matthew 5:21–48 details "what to do", whereas Matthew 6:1–18 teaches "how to do it". Sometimes called the "Discourse on Ostentation", these verses address the three most important outward expressions of Jewish piety,
almsgiving,
prayer, and
fasting. Jesus endorses the standard teachings that these acts are important. Throughout this section he stresses that worship and piety should not be ostentatious, and ideally should be done in secret. He strongly contravenes those who make public displays of their piety, which can be understood as teaching that those who are pious to impress others will only impress people, and will do nothing to impress God.
Matthew 6:19–
34 deals with possessions and the issues of priorities and trust. Wesley further analyses chapter 6 as follows: •
Verses 1–
4: the right intention and manner of giving alms •
Verses 5–
15: the right intention, manner, form, and prerequisites of prayer •
Verses 16–
18: the right intention, and manner of fasting •
Verses 19–
34: the necessity of a pure intention in all things, unmixed either with the desire of riches, or worldly care, and fear of want. == Verses ==