John Trapp Complete Commentary - Matthew 6:17
17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; Ver. 17. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, &c. ] Not but that a man is bound at such a time to abridge himself of the comforts and delights of life, whence it is called a day of restraint, Joel 2:15 , and of afflicting the soul. a The Ninevites sat in sackcloth, as unworthy of any covering. Others put ashes on their heads, in token that they deserved to be as far under as now they were above ground. David... read more
John Trapp Complete Commentary - Matthew 6:16
16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. Ver. 16. Moreover, when ye fast ] Fast then they must, yea, even after the Lord’s ascension, when God’s grace and Spirit was poured upon them in all abundance, Luke 5:33 . This exercise hath still the warrant and weight of a duty, as well from precepts as examples of both Testaments. Joel 2:12 ;... read more