Jesus Begins Teaching on the Mountain

These lines open the long teaching section commonly called the Sermon on the Mount, following a narrative stretch where Jesus travels, announces his message, heals, and attracts increasing crowds (Matthew 4:23–25). Matthew shifts from action to instruction by describing Jesus’ movement to a higher place and his seated posture, then by formally introducing speech (“he taught them, saying”). The focus narrows from “multitudes” to “his disciples,” even though the crowd remains part of the wider setting. The passage signals that what follows should be read as an intentional, organized teaching moment rather than casual remarks.

The setting assumes first-century Galilee under Roman imperial control, where public teachers could draw sizable audiences outdoors. Hillsides and open spaces functioned like natural meeting places for instruction, especially when crowds became too large for indoor settings. Sitting to teach reflects a recognizable classroom-like posture for a respected teacher, while others stand or sit nearby to listen. The mention of “disciples” indicates a group attached to Jesus as learners, distinct from the broader public who also follows him. The mountain location also provides separation, visibility, and space for sustained instruction.

Shared ground

Matthew presents these verses as scene-setting for a major, sustained block of teaching. Jesus responds to “multitudes” by changing location (he goes up a mountain) and by taking a recognized teacher’s posture (he sits). The story then narrows the focus to “his disciples” coming near him, and the narrator formally signals that what follows is deliberate instruction: he “opened his mouth and taught them… saying.”

These lines do not yet give the content of the teaching. They mainly establish who is teaching (Jesus), how he teaches (as an authoritative instructor), and the setting (outdoors, elevated, able to hold crowds).

Where interpretation differs

Who is included in “them.” The text explicitly says the disciples come to him and then says he taught “them.” Many readers take “them” to mean primarily the disciples as the nearest audience. Others think it likely includes the crowds as well, since the crowds are the reason for moving to a larger setting and remain part of the scene.

What “mountain” implies. Some take it as a specific known location; others read it as a general hillside description. In either case, the narrative point still works: Jesus moves to a higher place suitable for instruction.

Why Jesus goes upward. Some emphasize practical reasons (space, visibility, reduced press of the crowd). Others think Matthew also wants the setting to feel weighty and symbolic (a major teaching moment in an elevated place), even if the immediate trigger is the crowd.

Why the disagreement exists The passage is brief and functions like a camera angle shift: it shows movement, posture, and audience arrangement, but it does not explain motives or audience boundaries in detail. The pronoun “them” naturally points back to the disciples, yet the earlier mention of crowds invites the question of whether the teaching is overheard and intended for more than the inner circle.

What this passage clearly contributes It frames the Sermon on the Mount as an intentional, organized teaching event, not an offhand speech. It also distinguishes “multitudes” from “disciples” without fully separating them, preparing the reader to pay attention to both the closer learners and the wider public context. Finally, by highlighting Jesus “teaching” (teaching) and introducing the speech with “saying,” Matthew marks what follows as a central presentation of Jesus’ instruction.