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New American Commentary Studies in Bible & Theology #11
Sermon On The Mount: Restoring Christ's Message to the Modern Church
Matthew 5-7, popularly known as the Sermon on the Mount, has been described as "the essence of Christianity" and inspired many commentaries. However, New Testament professor Charles Quarles believes a fair number of those volumes either present Christ's sermon as containing an impossible spiritual ethic or instead dilute its message so much that hardly any ethical challenge remains. Also concerning, a recent Gallup poll indicated only onethird of American adults recognize Jesus as the source of this teaching that has often inspired people who do not even embrace evangelical Christianity.
Quarles' new analysis, part of the New American Commentary Studies in Bible & Theology series, aims to fill the gap between these extremes by dealing with the important questions of whether believers can live by the Sermon on the Mount today, and, if so, how. Looking at the Beatitudes, what it means to be salt and light, and the demand for superior righteousness, he writes to restore this crucial section of our Lord's teaching to its proper place in His church.
466 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 14, 2011
54 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
About the author
Charles L. Quarles
21 books8 followersCharles L. Quarles serves as the Director of Ph.D. Studies and Professor of New Testament and Biblical Theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina.
He has published research in numerous international journals including New Testament Studies, Novum Testamentum, the Journal for the Study of the Historical Jesus, and the Bulletin for Biblical Research. In additional to many Bible studies, articles in reference works, and reviews, he is the editor or author of six books including Buried Hope or Risen Savior: The Search for the Jesus Tomb; The Cradle, the Cross, and the Crown: A Comprehensive New Testament Introduction (with Andreas Kostenberger and Scott Kellum); The Sermon on the Mount: Restoring Christ's Message to the Modern Church; and The Illustrated Life of Paul (forthcoming). He is presently writing a Theology of the Gospel of Matthew (2013) and a commentary on the Greek text of Matthew (2017).
He has published research in numerous international journals including New Testament Studies, Novum Testamentum, the Journal for the Study of the Historical Jesus, and the Bulletin for Biblical Research. In additional to many Bible studies, articles in reference works, and reviews, he is the editor or author of six books including Buried Hope or Risen Savior: The Search for the Jesus Tomb; The Cradle, the Cross, and the Crown: A Comprehensive New Testament Introduction (with Andreas Kostenberger and Scott Kellum); The Sermon on the Mount: Restoring Christ's Message to the Modern Church; and The Illustrated Life of Paul (forthcoming). He is presently writing a Theology of the Gospel of Matthew (2013) and a commentary on the Greek text of Matthew (2017).
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 13, 2025
Convicting and encouraging
April 25, 2014
One of the most beloved sections of Scripture is the Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew 5-7. Contained in this lengthy teaching by Jesus are matters of great importance for the daily Christian walk, issues which believers over the years have repeatedly read yet perhaps not fully understood as well as they should. Dr. Charles Quarles, in his excellent book on this subject matter called Sermon on the Mount: Restoring Christ’s Message to the Modern Church, part of the continuing New American Commentary Studies in Bible & Theology series, provides the reader with a biblically sound and valuable look into this important section of Scripture.
Quarles rightly notes in the preface to this book concerning the need for this book even in the midst of what is a large collection of works on the Sermon on the Mount, “Many of the commentaries are highly technical and seem to be written for fellow scholars rather than for the pastors and teachers who face the challenge of teaching Jesus’ message to the modern church.” With that said, this volume is also one that laymen, Bible College, and seminary students will also find quite helpful.
The Sermon on the Mount is of such importance that Quarles declares and rightly so that “For those who affirm the deity and authority of the Lord Jesus, no portion of Scripture could possibly be more important for defining the nature of Christian discipleship and the lofty ethic that should characterize God’s people.” Far more than just a collection of pithy sayings or wise advice for life and dealing with others, the Sermon on the Mount provides the believer with truly the height and breadth of the Christian walk, noting along the way what it truly means to love God and love others. It is this vital aspect that Quarles really hones on throughout his discussion of the Sermon on the Mount.
Before getting into the actual analysis, exegesis and application of the text, Quarles begins by working through the necessary background to the Sermon on the Mount to include an interesting discussion of the history of interpretation of Matthew 5-7. Starting with how the Didache viewed the Sermon on the Mount, continuing with an engagement of the views of Early Church Fathers such as Chrysostom, the approach of Augustine, the interpretation presented by Reformers such as Martin Luther and John Calvin, the stress by the Anabaptists on obedience to the Sermon on the Mount in a radical manner, as well as noting the views of scholars such as Chafer and Ryrie, Quarles takes the reader on an interpretive journey, one that is quite valuable. In doing so, Quarles demonstrates “the unwavering conviction of the church during the first millennium of its history that the SM (Sermon on the Mount) is applicable to all believers”, further recognizing that the promise given that “those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled is being progressively fulfilled here and now but will only be finally and completely fulfilled in the final redemption when believers are resurrected and glorified.”
With that as a foundation, Quarles next engages issues such as the relationship between the Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew 5-7 and the Sermon on the Plain found in Luke 6. Next, Quarles provides a helpful discussion of the overall structure of the Sermon on the Mount, noting its careful organization, the alliteration found in the Beatitudes, how the first and final Beatitude form what is known as an inclusio, all of which demonstrate that “This artistic structure prompts the interpreter to expect careful shaping of the remainder of the Sermon on the Mount.
Also of great importance is the overall theological framework of the Sermon on the Mount. Since Jesus was demonstrating and outlining for His hearers and for us today what it means to love God and love others, there is clearly a theological aspect to His teaching. Quarles rightly states that the themes found in the Sermon on the Mount closely follow the overall themes found in Matthew such as deliverance from bondage from Jesus the Deliverer, God’s people being a new creation through Christ, and the writing of a new covenant on the hearts of God’s people. All of these thematic elements find their way throughout Matthew and are also a foundational aspect of the message of the Sermon on the Mount.
Building on that foundation and discussion, Quarles divides the remainder of his commentary on the Sermon on the Mount into three sections, the first being an introduction to the Sermon on the Mount, the second a discussion of the overall body of the Sermon, with the final section addressing the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount. Quarles rightly notes that “At first glance Matthew’s introduction to the SM may appear mundane. A closer look demonstrates that the introduction is packed with theological significance.” Moreover, the introduction purposefully “signals that the great Teacher is a fulfillment of one of the most important prophecies of the OT.” This is an element certainly far removed from the boring and mundane.
Throughout his discussion on the introduction to the Sermon on the Mount, Quarles expertly elaborates on the themes mentioned earlier, for instance noting the comparison made between Moses the deliverer and Jesus the Great deliverer, touching on themes of freedom from bondage, the entrance of the Kingdom of God, the nature of that kingdom, and how that plays out in the Christian walk. These themes are woven throughout the Beatitudes and thus fully grasping what it means for instance to be poor in spirit has far reaching implications and application that just being meek as it is most commonly understood. In fact, Quarles rightly suggests “meekness refers to one who seeks to live righteously even though it appears that the wicked prosper and the good suffer because he trusts God to deliver him from the wicked and to act justly in His judgment.” Again the theme of deliverance is found as an important aspect of the Sermon on the Mount.
Quarles’ discussion on the body of the Sermon on the Mount forms the largest section of this book and rightly so as it is after all the largest portion of Matthew 5-7. He aptly states that while textually the movement from the introduction of the SM to the body of the overall sermon seems a bit abrupt, “the discussion in the body of the sermon flows naturally out of the preceding material. Jesus closed the introduction by referring to good works that prompt others to glorify the heavenly Father. The body of the SM then offers a detailed description of the righteous conduct and character that motivate others to praise God.
This section is truly the proverbial meat and potatoes if you will of the Sermon on the Mount and Quarles really digs into the material with sound exegesis and application of the words of Jesus to the daily life of the believer. Issues such as the demand for superior righteousness, obedience to God’s commands and how that is reflected in matters such as anger, adultery, divorce, dishonesty, retaliation, and hate are all addressed by Quarles with great precision and brilliant theological insight. For instance, in discussing hate, he elaborates on who and what is meant by the terms neighbor and enemy, noting concerning the term enemy that “In the context of the SM, the enemy is not merely an individual with whom the disciple has a personality conflict or a citizen of another country with which he is at war. The enemy is rather the one who persecutes the Christian disciple as an expression of his hatred for the Christian’s faith and his God.”
Quarles wraps up his excellent work with a discussion of the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount fully elaborating on Jesus’ commanded to enter through the narrow gate. He avers “God’s commands were narrow in the sense that they left no room for deviation. They required a straight walk from which one could not turn either to the right or to the left.” This builds on the foundation provided in the previous portions of the Sermon on the Mount and its repeated discussion of the need for righteousness and obedience to God’s commands. God’s word as noted by Quarles provides “clear boundaries for one’s behavior that are not to be crossed.”
I highly recommend Dr. Charles Quarles’ work Sermon on the Mount from B&H Academic. Replete with salient theological insight and focused on applying the truths found throughout the Sermon on the Mount to the daily Christian walk, this work stands tall with other valuable commentaries on Matthew 5-7 such as Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones Studies on the Sermon on the Mount. This is a volume that pastors, laymen, Bible College, and Seminary students will find extremely helpful not only for its valuable scholarly research, but more importantly for its pointed methodology rooted in the need for all believers to be an obedient bride and to understand what that means in our daily lives.
I received this book for free from B&H Academic for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Quarles rightly notes in the preface to this book concerning the need for this book even in the midst of what is a large collection of works on the Sermon on the Mount, “Many of the commentaries are highly technical and seem to be written for fellow scholars rather than for the pastors and teachers who face the challenge of teaching Jesus’ message to the modern church.” With that said, this volume is also one that laymen, Bible College, and seminary students will also find quite helpful.
The Sermon on the Mount is of such importance that Quarles declares and rightly so that “For those who affirm the deity and authority of the Lord Jesus, no portion of Scripture could possibly be more important for defining the nature of Christian discipleship and the lofty ethic that should characterize God’s people.” Far more than just a collection of pithy sayings or wise advice for life and dealing with others, the Sermon on the Mount provides the believer with truly the height and breadth of the Christian walk, noting along the way what it truly means to love God and love others. It is this vital aspect that Quarles really hones on throughout his discussion of the Sermon on the Mount.
Before getting into the actual analysis, exegesis and application of the text, Quarles begins by working through the necessary background to the Sermon on the Mount to include an interesting discussion of the history of interpretation of Matthew 5-7. Starting with how the Didache viewed the Sermon on the Mount, continuing with an engagement of the views of Early Church Fathers such as Chrysostom, the approach of Augustine, the interpretation presented by Reformers such as Martin Luther and John Calvin, the stress by the Anabaptists on obedience to the Sermon on the Mount in a radical manner, as well as noting the views of scholars such as Chafer and Ryrie, Quarles takes the reader on an interpretive journey, one that is quite valuable. In doing so, Quarles demonstrates “the unwavering conviction of the church during the first millennium of its history that the SM (Sermon on the Mount) is applicable to all believers”, further recognizing that the promise given that “those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled is being progressively fulfilled here and now but will only be finally and completely fulfilled in the final redemption when believers are resurrected and glorified.”
With that as a foundation, Quarles next engages issues such as the relationship between the Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew 5-7 and the Sermon on the Plain found in Luke 6. Next, Quarles provides a helpful discussion of the overall structure of the Sermon on the Mount, noting its careful organization, the alliteration found in the Beatitudes, how the first and final Beatitude form what is known as an inclusio, all of which demonstrate that “This artistic structure prompts the interpreter to expect careful shaping of the remainder of the Sermon on the Mount.
Also of great importance is the overall theological framework of the Sermon on the Mount. Since Jesus was demonstrating and outlining for His hearers and for us today what it means to love God and love others, there is clearly a theological aspect to His teaching. Quarles rightly states that the themes found in the Sermon on the Mount closely follow the overall themes found in Matthew such as deliverance from bondage from Jesus the Deliverer, God’s people being a new creation through Christ, and the writing of a new covenant on the hearts of God’s people. All of these thematic elements find their way throughout Matthew and are also a foundational aspect of the message of the Sermon on the Mount.
Building on that foundation and discussion, Quarles divides the remainder of his commentary on the Sermon on the Mount into three sections, the first being an introduction to the Sermon on the Mount, the second a discussion of the overall body of the Sermon, with the final section addressing the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount. Quarles rightly notes that “At first glance Matthew’s introduction to the SM may appear mundane. A closer look demonstrates that the introduction is packed with theological significance.” Moreover, the introduction purposefully “signals that the great Teacher is a fulfillment of one of the most important prophecies of the OT.” This is an element certainly far removed from the boring and mundane.
Throughout his discussion on the introduction to the Sermon on the Mount, Quarles expertly elaborates on the themes mentioned earlier, for instance noting the comparison made between Moses the deliverer and Jesus the Great deliverer, touching on themes of freedom from bondage, the entrance of the Kingdom of God, the nature of that kingdom, and how that plays out in the Christian walk. These themes are woven throughout the Beatitudes and thus fully grasping what it means for instance to be poor in spirit has far reaching implications and application that just being meek as it is most commonly understood. In fact, Quarles rightly suggests “meekness refers to one who seeks to live righteously even though it appears that the wicked prosper and the good suffer because he trusts God to deliver him from the wicked and to act justly in His judgment.” Again the theme of deliverance is found as an important aspect of the Sermon on the Mount.
Quarles’ discussion on the body of the Sermon on the Mount forms the largest section of this book and rightly so as it is after all the largest portion of Matthew 5-7. He aptly states that while textually the movement from the introduction of the SM to the body of the overall sermon seems a bit abrupt, “the discussion in the body of the sermon flows naturally out of the preceding material. Jesus closed the introduction by referring to good works that prompt others to glorify the heavenly Father. The body of the SM then offers a detailed description of the righteous conduct and character that motivate others to praise God.
This section is truly the proverbial meat and potatoes if you will of the Sermon on the Mount and Quarles really digs into the material with sound exegesis and application of the words of Jesus to the daily life of the believer. Issues such as the demand for superior righteousness, obedience to God’s commands and how that is reflected in matters such as anger, adultery, divorce, dishonesty, retaliation, and hate are all addressed by Quarles with great precision and brilliant theological insight. For instance, in discussing hate, he elaborates on who and what is meant by the terms neighbor and enemy, noting concerning the term enemy that “In the context of the SM, the enemy is not merely an individual with whom the disciple has a personality conflict or a citizen of another country with which he is at war. The enemy is rather the one who persecutes the Christian disciple as an expression of his hatred for the Christian’s faith and his God.”
Quarles wraps up his excellent work with a discussion of the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount fully elaborating on Jesus’ commanded to enter through the narrow gate. He avers “God’s commands were narrow in the sense that they left no room for deviation. They required a straight walk from which one could not turn either to the right or to the left.” This builds on the foundation provided in the previous portions of the Sermon on the Mount and its repeated discussion of the need for righteousness and obedience to God’s commands. God’s word as noted by Quarles provides “clear boundaries for one’s behavior that are not to be crossed.”
I highly recommend Dr. Charles Quarles’ work Sermon on the Mount from B&H Academic. Replete with salient theological insight and focused on applying the truths found throughout the Sermon on the Mount to the daily Christian walk, this work stands tall with other valuable commentaries on Matthew 5-7 such as Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones Studies on the Sermon on the Mount. This is a volume that pastors, laymen, Bible College, and Seminary students will find extremely helpful not only for its valuable scholarly research, but more importantly for its pointed methodology rooted in the need for all believers to be an obedient bride and to understand what that means in our daily lives.
I received this book for free from B&H Academic for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
October 2, 2017
Charles L. Quarles professor of New Testament and Biblical Theology and Director of PhD studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Quarles received both an MDiv and a PhD from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the author of numerous books, including a newly released commentary on the Greek text of Matthew in the Exegetical Guide to the Greek New Testament series, The Illustrated Life of Paul, and The Cradle, The Cross, and The Crown: An Introduction to the New Testament (with Andreas J. Köstenberger and L. Scott Kellum). Still, Quarles is likely most notably known for his outstanding commentary The Sermon on the Mount: Restoring Christ’s Message to the Modern Church.
The Sermon on the Mount begins with a 34-page introduction that traces the Sermon’s history of interpretation, the relationship of the Matthew 5-7 to Luke 6:17-49, the structure of the Sermon, and the theological framework for understanding the content of the Sermon. Quarles offers both careful and accessible interaction within the introduction, and allows readers to embody a sense of familiarity with the Sermon before attention turns towards the content. The reader will do well to acquaint themselves with Quarles’ brief history of interpretation. This context is pivotal for the pages that follow, as it provides readers a sense of historical direction and allows them to pinpoint the origin of various presuppositions concerning the passage. That said, the introduction is not an essential read for readers simply stopping by for insight into a specific passage.
The commentary proper is positioned well to excite the reader about the content of the Sermon. Quarles writes with an enjoyable demeanor and tone, which the reader will appreciate as the exposition unfolds from depth to destination. Quarles treats the Sermon in a passage-by-passage manner. This approach is beneficial for pastors and teachers who generally tend to focus on sections. Quarles is sensitive to the Jewish context of the Sermon, including its inherent connection to the Old Testament within early Judaism. Moreover, Quarles rightly recognizes the need to provide an exposition that is established within a biblical-theological approach to the Matthean Gospel holistically. The Sermon on the Mount demonstrates a proper balance between practical application and ministry-driven insight that is uniquely packaged with a shared depth and breadth of academic rigor.
Charles L. Quarles is accomplished scholar and The Sermon on the Mount: Restoring Christ’s Message to the Modern Church is testimony of his unique ability to reach multiple audiences at once. Honestly, there isn’t much to dislike about this volume. Quarles delivers as expected and does so with excellence. It would have been nice to see an original translation of the Sermon by Quarles with annotations concerning textual and translational matters. It also would have been enjoyable to see more intentional interaction with source and redaction critics. But neither detract. Quarles is unapologetically conservative in his approach and conviction regarding the Sermon, and the outcome reflects these values. Those who share similar convictions or not will be foolish to overlook this volume. It brings insightful exegesis and application, and comes strongly recommended.
The Sermon on the Mount begins with a 34-page introduction that traces the Sermon’s history of interpretation, the relationship of the Matthew 5-7 to Luke 6:17-49, the structure of the Sermon, and the theological framework for understanding the content of the Sermon. Quarles offers both careful and accessible interaction within the introduction, and allows readers to embody a sense of familiarity with the Sermon before attention turns towards the content. The reader will do well to acquaint themselves with Quarles’ brief history of interpretation. This context is pivotal for the pages that follow, as it provides readers a sense of historical direction and allows them to pinpoint the origin of various presuppositions concerning the passage. That said, the introduction is not an essential read for readers simply stopping by for insight into a specific passage.
The commentary proper is positioned well to excite the reader about the content of the Sermon. Quarles writes with an enjoyable demeanor and tone, which the reader will appreciate as the exposition unfolds from depth to destination. Quarles treats the Sermon in a passage-by-passage manner. This approach is beneficial for pastors and teachers who generally tend to focus on sections. Quarles is sensitive to the Jewish context of the Sermon, including its inherent connection to the Old Testament within early Judaism. Moreover, Quarles rightly recognizes the need to provide an exposition that is established within a biblical-theological approach to the Matthean Gospel holistically. The Sermon on the Mount demonstrates a proper balance between practical application and ministry-driven insight that is uniquely packaged with a shared depth and breadth of academic rigor.
Charles L. Quarles is accomplished scholar and The Sermon on the Mount: Restoring Christ’s Message to the Modern Church is testimony of his unique ability to reach multiple audiences at once. Honestly, there isn’t much to dislike about this volume. Quarles delivers as expected and does so with excellence. It would have been nice to see an original translation of the Sermon by Quarles with annotations concerning textual and translational matters. It also would have been enjoyable to see more intentional interaction with source and redaction critics. But neither detract. Quarles is unapologetically conservative in his approach and conviction regarding the Sermon, and the outcome reflects these values. Those who share similar convictions or not will be foolish to overlook this volume. It brings insightful exegesis and application, and comes strongly recommended.
December 31, 2018
This commentary on the Sermon on the Mount is worth every moment reading it with the open text by your side. Quarles has provided a go-to text that should be on the shelf of every serious student of the teachings of Jesus.
CQ was more than generous in including many Jewish sources in helping to interpret and understand the background of Jesus’ words. For that alone this commentary is worth the read.
Quarles was never reticent to deal with all the issues raised in this powerful message. He truly gave the reader much to contemplate in grappling with such issues as turning the other cheek or loving one’s enemies.
I disagreed with the author’s leanings towards replacement or fulfillment theology, but his position never got in the way of his clear explanation of the text. This commentary will find its place with other classic works on the SM such as Martin Lloyd Jones’s work.
CQ was more than generous in including many Jewish sources in helping to interpret and understand the background of Jesus’ words. For that alone this commentary is worth the read.
Quarles was never reticent to deal with all the issues raised in this powerful message. He truly gave the reader much to contemplate in grappling with such issues as turning the other cheek or loving one’s enemies.
I disagreed with the author’s leanings towards replacement or fulfillment theology, but his position never got in the way of his clear explanation of the text. This commentary will find its place with other classic works on the SM such as Martin Lloyd Jones’s work.
August 5, 2020
For those who enjoy reading heavy theology from an academic perspective, this book will not disappoint. Defending his view of the postponed kingdom perspective, Quarles walks meticulously through Jesus' most famous sermon (or series of sermons) found in Matthew 5-7. With copious amounts of cross-reference, explanation, and visual presentation, Quarles virtually forces the reader to agree or establish their own alternative explanation for much of Jesus' instruction.
December 31, 2018
I recommend buying and carefully reading Charles Quarles' commentary on the Sermon on the Mount. Quarles brought out many exegetical items that I needed to see and provided an almost exhaustive list of interpretive options for difficult sections. I found it invaluable as I preached through the SOTM this year.
July 17, 2025
An excellently helpful guide to the Sermon on the Mount, covering both background issues and section-by-section exposition. This would be a good intro book for preachers to read before doing sermons on the Sermon.
April 10, 2022
Definitely not a page turner, but it's not really expected to be. Dr. Quarles goes to great lengths to uncover every truth in the Sermon on the Mount. For that, well done!
March 3, 2024
Very thorough exposition with lots of background from Jewish, Christian, and Greco-Roman sources.
November 19, 2024
Excellent book, with clear writing, and fabulous exegesis. It just got really boring and tedious.
July 15, 2025
A very insightful commentary on the Sermon on the Mount
June 29, 2016
We went through the SoM in Bible study, so I read through this book as my main study on the topic. Excellent work by Charles Quarles, and very well done. This is the go-to resource on the Sermon on the Mount, although Quarles does not appear to be Dispensational. I would say I agree with 95% of this work.
January 14, 2015
Great book, some new insights, conservative perspective
September 16, 2014
School reading.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews