Matthew 5:16

Matthew 5:16 in the New King James Version (NKJV), reads: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” [15] 

Commentary and Theological Teaching 

This verse is part of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus Christ provides His disciples with profound teachings. In the context of Reformed Evangelical Christianity, this verse holds significant implications. 

1. The Light: The ‘light’ in this verse symbolises the transformative power of the Gospel and the changed life it brings [1]. It represents the understanding that God is our Father, Jesus is our Saviour, and our path is led forward by the Holy Spirit [1]. This light is not our own but is a reflection of the divine light of Christ within us [14]. 

2. Shining Before Men: The command to let our light ‘shine before men’ is an exhortation for Christians to live out their faith openly and authentically [2]. Our actions, words, and thoughts should bear witness to the transformative power of the Gospel [1]. 

3. Good Works: The ‘good works’ mentioned in the verse are the visible manifestations of our faith. They are not performed to earn salvation but are the fruit of a life transformed by Christ [14]. 

4. Glorifying the Father: The ultimate purpose of letting our light shine is that others may ‘glorify our Father in heaven’. Our lives should point others to God, leading them to recognise and worship Him [14]. 

Application to Modern Christian Living 

In today’s world, Matthew 5:16 calls Christians to be influencers in society, not by power or prestige, but through a life transformed by the Gospel [7]. We are to maintain our distinctiveness as Christians, influencing the world around us positively [7]. This involves serving others, promoting justice, and standing up for truth [2]. 

Bibliography 

1. “Let Your Light Shine – Matthew 5:16 Meaning Explained” [1] 

2. “What It Means to Let Our Lights Shine: 3 Lessons From Matthew 5:16” [2] 

3. “Matthew 5:14–16 – NIV Application Commentary” [4] 

4. “Salt and Light | Reformed Bible Studies & Devotionals at Ligonier.org” [7] 

5. “Beatitudes, Salt and Light: Matthew 5:1-16” [8] 

6. “Matthew 5:16,Matthew 5 NIV” [6] 

7. “Matthew 5:16 – King James Bible Online” [15] 

8. “Matthew 5:16 Commentaries” [14] 

1. Matthew 5:16 – King James Bible Online 

2. Let Your Light Shine – Matthew 5:16 Meaning Explained – Bible Study Tools 

3. Matthew 5:16 Commentaries: “Let your light shine before men in such a … 

4. What It Means to Let Our Lights Shine: 3 Lessons From Matthew 5:16 

5. Salt and Light | Reformed Bible Studies & Devotionals at Ligonier.org … 

6. Matthew 5:14–16 – NIV Application Commentary – Bible Gateway 

7. Beatitudes, Salt and Light: Matthew 5:1-16 

8. Matthew 5:16,Matthew 5 NIV – In the same way, let your light shine … 

9. Matthew 5:14–16 – NIV Application Commentary – Bible Gateway 

10. The Beatitudes in Matthew 5: Meaning and… | Zondervan Academic 

11. What Is Reformed Theology? – Ligonier Ministries 

12. What I Mean When I Call Myself a “Reformed Evangelical” 

13. What does Matthew 5:16 mean? | BibleRef.com 

14. Matthew 5 | Resources from Ligonier Ministries 

15. MATTHEW 5:16 – In the same way, let your light shine – Bible Gateway