Saying 54

English

Jesus said, ‘The poor are favored, because the kingdom of the sky is yours.’

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Interpretation

Matthew’s version literally spiritualized this divine favor, perhaps suggesting an apathy toward people who are literally poor. Luke, with its broader concern for people on the margins of (Judean?) society, deletes Matthew’s addition, unwittingly bringing it into cohesion with the version preserved by Thomas. The simplicity of Saying 54 points to it being an earlier part of the book.

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Parallels

Proverbs

22.9 Those who are generous are favored, for they share their bread with the poor.

Matthew

5.3 ‘The poor in spirit are favored, for theirs is the kingdom of the skies.’

Luke

6.20 Then he looked up at his disciples and said, ‘You who are poor are favored, for yours is the kingdom of God.’

James

2.5 Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters. Has not God chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him.