who had attached themselves to his ministry. Came unto him. Drew near to receive instruction. They formed the innermost circle, as the privileged friends of Jesus, and as the persons directly to be addressed. 2. He opened his mouth, &c. This is not a pleonasm, but a form of expression designed to show the solemnity and importance of the subject. Taught them, i.e. his disciples. 3. Blessed are the poor in spirit. How strangely must these words, so different from the instructions of the scribes and
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