Matthew 5:47

“And if you salute your brethren only, etc.] This does not mean salutation by embraces or kisses, but by words, asking of each other’s welfare, and wishing prosperity and happiness to one another. “The manner of salutation among the wise men was this f366; he that salutes says, a good day to my lord; and he replies, saying, a good, and long day to my lord: always he that replies doubles the salutation.” The persons they usually gave their salutations to were those of their own nation, their countrymen, relations, and friends; and who are here designed by “brethren”; meaning, not brethren in the strict sense, but any kindred, acquaintance, or any of their own nation. Some copies read it…”

“And if ye salute your brethren only--of the same nation and religion with yourselves. what do ye more than others?--what do ye uncommon or extraordinary? that is, wherein do ye excel? do not even the publicans so?--The true reading here appears to be, "Do not even the heathens the same?" Compare Mat 18:17, where the excommunicated person is said to be "as an heathen man and a publican."”

“And if you salute your brethren ... - The word “salute” here means to show the customary tokens of civility, or to treat with the common marks of friendship. See the notes at Luke 10:4. The Saviour says that the worst men, the very publicans, would do this. Christians should do more; they should show that they have a different spirit; they should treat their “enemies” as well as wicked people do their “friends.” This should be done: Because it is “right;” it is the only really amiable spirit; and, We should show that religion is not selfish, and is superior to all other principles of action. return to 'Top of Page'”

“And if ye salute your friends only - Our Lord probably glances at those prejudices, which different sects had against each other, and intimates, that he would not have his followers imbibe that narrow spirit. Would to God this had been more attended to among the unhappy divisions and subdivisions, into which his Church has been crumbled! And that we might at least advance so far, as cordially to embrace our brethren in Christ, of whatever party or denomination they are! Matthew 5:48”

“5:47 If you are kind only to your friends (literally, If you greet only your brothers): Jews were instructed to greet Gentiles for the sake of maintaining peaceful relations, but such greetings were not the same as those for “brothers”—i.e., fellow Jews.”

“salute: Mat 10:12; Luk 6:32, Luk 10:4, Luk 10:5 what: Mat 5:20; Pe1 2:20 Matthew 5:48”