Matthew 5:20

5:20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness goes beyond that of the experts in the law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 7:21

Judgment of Pretenders

7:21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the kingdom of heaven – only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.

Matthew 10:5

10:5 Jesus sent out these twelve, instructing them as follows: “Do not go to Gentile regions and do not enter any Samaritan town.

Matthew 18:3

18:3 and said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn around and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven!

Matthew 19:23

19:23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, 10  it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven!


tn Or “that of the scribes.” See the note on the phrase “experts in the law” in 2:4.

sn See the note on Pharisees in 3:7.

sn The double use of the vocative is normally used in situations of high emotion or emphasis. Even an emphatic confession without action means little.

tn Grk “instructing them, saying.”

tn Grk “on the road of the Gentiles.” That is, a path that leads to Gentile regions.

tn Grk “town [or city] of the Samaritans.”

tn Grk “Truly (ἀμήν, amhn), I say to you.”

sn The point of the comparison become like little children has more to do with a child’s trusting spirit, as well as willingness to be dependent and receive from others, than any inherent humility the child might possess.

tn The negation in Greek (οὐ μή, ou mh) is very strong here.

10 tn Grk “Truly (ἀμήν, amhn), I say to you.”