Matthew 5:16 (BSB)

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

From Matthew 5. Also in the ESV.

Commentary on Matthew 5:16

  • John Calvin (Reformed), Calvin's Commentaries on Matthew 5:16: 16. Let your light shine before men After having taught the apostles that, in consequence of the rank in which they are placed, both their vices and their virtues are better known for a good or bad example, he now enjoins them so to regulate their life, as to excite all to glorify God.
  • Matthew Henry (Presbyterian), Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on Matthew 5:13-16: Christ had lately called his disciples, and told them that they should be fishers of men; here he tells them further what he designed them to be - the salt of the earth, and lights of the world, that they might be indeed what it was expected they should be. I. Ye are the salt of the earth.
  • John Gill (Reformed Baptist), Exposition of the Old and New Testaments on Matthew 5:16: Let your light so shine before men,.... Here Christ applies the foregoing simile to his disciples, and more fully opens the meaning and design of it. His sense is this; that the light of the Gospel, which he had communicated to them, the spiritual knowledge of the mysteries of grace, which he had favoured them with, were to be openly declared, and made manifest before men.
  • Albert Barnes (Presbyterian), Barnes' New Testament Notes on Matthew 5:16: Verse 16. Let your light so shine, etc. Let your holy life, your pure conversation, and your faithful instruction, be everywhere seen and known, Always, in all societies, in all business, at home and abroad, in prosperity and adversity, let it be seen that you are real Christians. That they may see your good works. This is not the motive to influence us, simply that we must be seen, (comp.