Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets who were before you.
All Commentaries on Matthew 5:12 Go To Matthew 5
John Chrysostom
AD 407
But if it be true that he who offers a cup of water does not lose his reward, consequently he who has been wronged but by a single word of calumny, shall notbe without a reward. But that the reviled may have a claim to this blessing, two things are necessary, it must be false, and it must be for God’s sake; otherwise he has not the reward of this blessing; therefore He adds, “falsely for my sake.”.
For by how much any is pleased with the praise of men, by so much is he grieved with their evil speaking. But if you seek your glory in heaven, you will not fear any slanders on earth.
