Matthew 24:9-14 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Answer: Part Two – The Acts of the Apostles Foretold

Matthew 24:9-14 – The Acts of the Apostles Foretold

|| Mark 13:9-13; Luke 21:12-19

MT24:9 {MK13:9 “But, (LK21:12 before all these things[1]) you look after yourselves:[2] they will turn you over to Sanhedrins[3] (LK21:12 and synagogues[4] and prisons) to be beaten and flayed. And you will stand before kings and governors[5] on my account (LK21:12 and on account of my name[6]) as a testimony to them.”} “They will hand you over to oppression[7] and kill you[8] and you will be hated by all nations for my name. MT24:10 And then many will stumble[9] and they will betray one another and hate one another. {MK13:12 Brother, relatives, and friends will hand you over to death. Children will turn against parents and put them to death.} MT24:11 Many false prophets will rise[10] and mislead many. MT24:12 Because of increasing lawlessness[11] the love of many will cool.[12] MT24:13 But the one who endures completely[13] will be saved. {LK21:18 Not a hair of your head will perish. LK21:19 By your endurance you will acquire your souls.[14]} MT24:14 And this good news of the Kingdom will be preached[15] {MK13:10 first} in the whole inhabited earth for a testimony to all the nations. And then The End[16] will come. {MK13:11 And when they lead you away to hand you over do not worry beforehand. (LK21:14 Do not premeditate a defense[17] regarding what you will say.) The holy Pneuma will speak for you. LK21:15 I shall give you a mouth of wisdom so all those lying about you will not be able to resist or contradict.}

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[1] Before all these things: Jesus foretells the very events recorded in the Book of Acts. These are the things the Apostles will experience before “the end” of Jerusalem and her Temple in the year 70 CE.

[2] You look after yourselves: The Apostles asking the question.

[3] Sanhedrins: Note the occurrences of “you” (meaning the disciples or Apostles) and now this word “Sanhedrin.” This proves Jesus has in mind the experience of his own Jewish followers as these finally occurred in the Book of Acts (Acts chs 2-8). He is discussing those events prior to the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD when any such “Sanhedrins” ceased to exist.

[4] Synagogues: Note Jesus still has his Jewish disciples in mind. See this fulfillment in Acts chs 4, 5, 16, 22-26 (John 16:1, 2).

[5] Before kings and governors: Again this foretold experience of the disciples can be read in Acts chs 4-7, 22-26.

[6] My name: There is a singular “name” for which Christians are hated. Note this is not the Father’s name here, that is Yahweh, or Jehovah. It is rather the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene (Acts 3:6; 4:10; 24:5; 1 Peter 4:14). A word search on “name” will show it pertains to “Jesus” almost always, and seldom the Father.

[7] Oppression: The Greek THLIPSIN root meaning is squeeze or press and so oppression. It may mean persecution or personal tribulation as an external or internal pressure. (See DNTT Volume 2, page 807: “press, squeeze, crush.”) The word is later used by the Nazarene when referring to “great oppression.” (Matthew 24:21) Compare Genesis 3:15; Romans 16:20.

[8] Kill you: This begins with the first martyr Stephen in Acts chs 7, 8.

[9] Many will stumble: Jesus foretells the stumbling of many during those decades leading up to the year 70. However, such stumbling has occurred throughout the centuries right to the present as a result of those false prophets and their predictions that “The Time Is At Hand!”

[10] Many false prophets will rise: See the writings of Josephus on the rise of false prophets preceding the destruction of Jerusalem. They may be false prophets because they proclaim “the appointed time is near” and point to various dates for the Return of Christ. These are dates foretold but which do not materialize in the manner predicted.

[11] Lawlessness: This lawlessness may be inside the Church itself as Jesus uses this word in his parable of the Wheat and Tares (Zizania) at Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43. Paul uses the word to describe the apostate “man of lawlessness” at 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12. Surely, this “lawlessness” includes false predictions claiming, “The Time Is At Hand.”

[12] The love of many will cool: Jesus counsels the Angelic Presbyter of Ephesus on this at Revelation 2:1-3. There “love” is highly associated with “works” and these must be foremost those of faith and charity as 1 John 3:23 shows.

[13] Endures completely: Or, to the end. This word “end” (TELOS) is without the Greek article and cannot be the same as “the end” elsewhere in Jesus’ answer. This is the “end” of the Christian race of endurance for each of these Apostles (Luke 21:19; Revelation 2:10).

[14] You will acquire your souls: Your future immortal life as a spiritual person or soul in heaven (1 Corinthians 15:45-52; Acts 2:27, 31).

[15] The Kingdom will be preached: Compare Colossians 1:23 and Acts 2:5. Before the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 the Kingdom Gospel had been preached throughout the known Roman world and to representatives of all the nations. This particular preaching campaign is that of the early disciples leading up to “the end” of Jerusalem.

[16] The End: The SYNTELEIAS the disciples had in mind with the destruction “the end” of the Jewish Temple Age. Here Jesus uses TELOS. Note this is the last occurrence of the word “end” and it is not used again later when the Nazarene’s focus turns to his own Arrival or Parousia.

[17] Do not premeditate a defense: Peter, Stephen and Paul are good examples of these defenses in the Book of Acts.

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Preceding

Signs of the last days when difficult times will come

Matthew 7:13-23 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The True Disciple #3 Matthew 7:21-23 The ones Jesus never knew

Matthew 7:15-20 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The True Disciple #2 False prophets and fruitage

Matthew 13:47-50 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Parable of the Dragnet

Matthew 24 about temples or Houses of God and the end of the age

Matthew 24:1-2 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Desolation, Oppression and the Parousia – The Setting

Matthew 24:3 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Desolation, Oppression and the Parousia – The Apostles’ Question

Matthew 24:4-8 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Answer: Part One – Beware Being Misled

Matthew 23:27-28 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Woe 6: Whitewashed Graves

Matthew 23:27-28 – Woe 6: Whitewashed Graves

MT23:27 “WOE to you hypocritical Scribes and Pharisees because you are like whitewashed graves[1] which outside seem to appear beautiful but within are full of the bones of the dead every uncleanness![2] MT23:28 Just so you also give the appearance to others of righteousness[3] but inside you are filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness![4]

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[1] You are like whitewashed graves: Or, KJV: whited sepulchres; RSV: white-washed tombs.

[2] Within are full of the bones of the dead every uncleanness: Or, KNX: all manner of corruption; NEB: all kinds of filth; MON: rottenness; BECK: every kind of decay.

[3] You also give the appearance to others of righteousness: RIEU: you are law-abiding men to outside view; NEB: outside you look like honest men; MOF: so to men you seem just; TCNT: to others you have the look of religious men. Compare 2 Corinthians 11:13-15. Such pious clergy give a public persona of warm smiles, false humility, and a pseudo-love; they are completely different men behind closed doors and in judgments of others during star-chamber courts. They may claim to be righteous, or preach righteousness, while living a contradictory life.

[4] Hypocrisy and lawlessness: KJV: and iniquity; RIEU: and wickedness; NEB: brim-full of hypocrisy and crime. On the word “lawlessness” see the notes on Matthew 7:23, Matthew 13:41, and Matthew 24:12. Compare also 2 Thessalonians 2:7-11.

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Preceding

Matthew 23:1-12 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Prominence and Humility

Matthew 23:13-14 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Shutting Up the Kingdom

Matthew 23:15 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Woe 2: Evangelists of Gehenna

Matthew 23:16-22 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Woe 3: Blind Guides and Gold

Matthew 23:23-24 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Woe 4: A Disregard for Justice and Mercy

Matthew 23:25-26 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Woe 5: Greed and Uncleanness

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Related

1. Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 4.9.19 “Integrity’ is the opposite of ‘hypocrisy’.
2. Hold Fast to Righteousness
3. Self-Righteousness Versus God-righteousness
4. Just a Thought Do we really want to see ourselves and the world changed, or are we just going through the motions to look good? Matthew 23:27
5. Just a Thought Followers of Jesus should express their commitment to God in their words and their deeds, as well as in their inner motivation.
6. Stand Firm in Your Faith
7. Just a Thought Integrity. You either have it or you don’t. Your life shows others just who you are. If you think you can fool others then you are just that. A fool. Matthew 23:27
8. A Proud Man
9. False Humility – Introduction
10. False Humility, Dangerous Silence, and Mindless Meditation

When a person looks for or has the need to Choose the Right Church

When encountering the article “Tips to Choose the Right Church Inner West Sydney to Visit” we first were surprised that in the region of the article writer all churches seem to

preach the same thing and they are bible based, still there are a few things that you may not find it to be comfortable or you may expect something higher. {Tips to Choose the Right Church Inner West Sydney to Visit}

It would be nice if all those churches are Bible base, but according what we could see at other writings is that perhaps more churches were “Church based” or based on church (read) human doctrines.

The Bible Based Church, Sydney has been formed in Australia. They claim

to lead people in an honest way; {Lead Life to the Way of God with the Bible Based Church Sydney}

and write that they

teach Bible to give the ultimate inspiration to search for the truth. {Lead Life to the Way of God with the Bible Based Church Sydney}

Like us they seem to understand the necessity of a life with God, and as such write

One cannot live life without God; you should keep the faith always in the God.  {Lead Life to the Way of God with the Bible Based Church Sydney}

For choosing the right church they give following advice: (please take note: the bold writing is presented by us)

The church you want to choose should be the place that encourages you for worship. It should make you feel the spirit and enjoy the divineness in you. There are number of churches across the city, which will create a wonderful environment for you to worship and share your love with others.

We would say be careful for choosing for the creation of a wonderful environment and lovely entertainment.

• You should also find about how many people prefer to visit the church you choose. If there are many people showing interest to visit the church, then there should be something interesting and best to offer you. Therefore you can choose to visit that church

It is not the quantity that should count but the quality.

• Check if the church you choose to visit will suit your interest and your family interest. Most importantly, your children should feel comfortable visiting this church. This is crucial to gain the best experience from the church when you visit. Moreover, by visiting the church where there are many families and children visit will enable your children to find good and new friends of their ages. This is an other encouraging factor to ensure before you find the church to visit
• It is not only these factors but you should also check with the church time, which you should also feel comfortable to visit. Some churches will have a specific timing, however, most of the churches will have the prayer time and special events conducted on Sundays. Therefore, you should also ensure your time to visit the church regularly without missing
• Events in the church. Most of the churches will conduct special events to keep the people and members encouraged and entertained. Such activities will motivate you and makes you get freed from the tension filled lifestyle. You will absolutely feel stress free and gain peace of mind by taking part in these events. Besides all this will be an encouraging break from the busy schedule and spend a good time with your friends and known people in the church
It is not only these factors that you need to take into your consideration while selecting a church, but you should also consider other factors like the distance from your home, your possibility to visit often, their praying method, preaching bible and many others.

We may not forget that the praying method is with the method of following the Scriptures the most important factor we should keep in mind, remembering that we should worship God in the way He wants to be worshipped.

These factors can help you easily choose the right church that will fulfil your expectations in best ways. You can also ask your friends to refer the best church to visit with your family and children. {Tips to Choose the Right Church Inner West Sydney to Visit} (emphasis our editorial choice)

To their hints to choose a right church we would like to ad:

First question people should ask themselves is what do I want to follow: Biblical Truth (with the true faith in only One true God) or human doctrines (like the Trinity).

Secondly then they should ask in which way they want to follow Jesus, who put his own will away to do the will of God, and also would love to do God’s Will.

Then they should wonder how far they would like to go in following Jesus and going to worship the Only One True God of Jesus, the God of Israel, Who is an eternal Spirit God no man can see.

When knowing that Jesus is the way to God, and that he asked his followers to gather and to spread the Word of God and the Good News of the Kingdom of God a person should ask himself in which way he or she would like to take up that task given by Christ Jesus.

When that person does not find a right church nearby he or she should think about creating a home-church or something like that in his own neighbourhood. And to gather with others a real believer should not mind to go now-and-then far away (if physically and materially possible) to find and meet with like minded people to worship the Divine Creator The Almighty Lord God of gods King above all gods.

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Additional reading

1. 2020 years ago, the road was opened
2. Getting out of the dark corners of this world
3. Where to learn the truth
4. Willing to do and we willing to learn everything that the Elohim has spoken
5. Priest, scribes and others with authority
6. Church sent into the world
7. Biblical Yeshua/ Jesus or Another European Greco- Roman Jesus ??
8. Ability (part 7) Thought about the ability to grow as a member of the Body of Christ
9. Jewish and Gentile Disciples
10. The Field is the World #4 Many who leave the church
11. This fighting world, Zionism and Israel #6
12. This fighting world, Zionism and Israel #7
13. Christian fundamentalists feeding Into the Toxic Partisanship and driving countries into the Dark Ages… #1
14. The Reformation shows us why we need expository preaching
15. When believing in God’s existence and His son, possessing a divine legislation
16. That brotherly love may continue and have people join hands

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Related

1. Review of ‘A Nearly Infallible History of Christianity’
2. Book Review: A History of the Church in 100 Objects
3. Strengthening the Community of Kingdom Citizens, An Excerpt from My New Book
4. Theia koinoonia from sacred koinon, community
5. The Resurrected Jesus at Work!
6. The set apart life….for a Most Holy God
7. On Individual Responsibility
8. Christian Church
9. Praise is Not the Same as Applause
10. The Art of Ending Church Apostasy: Let’s talk about confrontation
11. Introduction to the Church Community In Contemporary Culture
12. Crosstalk “Our Pastor Said …” | Who Should We Listen to as We Believe in God? (English Dubbed)
13. Short Sketch From the Christian Church | “The Police Pay a New Year Visit” (English Dubbed) | The Church of Almighty God
14. A classic documentary from the Christian Church “The One Who Holds Sovereignty Over Everything”| Eastern Lightning
15. Who’s your favorite preacher?
16. A Review of Scot McKnight’s Kingdom Conspiracy
17. Can I Ban Remember When?
18. The Gathering at the Table
19. 3 Steps to Re-Writing Your Church Story
20. A Review of Thomas Bergler’s The Juvenilization of American Christianity
21. When Knowing Jesus Is Depressing #christianityanddepression
22. How I Met Jesus in High School: A Personal Testimony
23. Growing Up Black in America, A Conversation with my Son-in-Law #blacklivesmatter #policeshootings
24. Positive and Negative Sides of Multicultural Church Sydney Benefits
25. Approach An Holistic Way While Visiting Multicultural Church Sydney
26. The Growth of Church Services in Church Sydney Helps Develop Society Effectively
27. Holy Fortune Cookie
28. Standing For Your Faith Will Cost You
29. We can All chip in and help our students!
30. The Morning the Elders Walked Out on Me
31. Love in a Time of War
32. I Want You to Want Me
33. Trump and Jesus
34. Two Characteristics of Christian Identity
35. Christians Behaving Badly and How to Change That
36. Listening intently to Truth>

Matthew 12:9-21 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Is It Lawful to Cure on the Sabbath?

Matthew 12:9-21 – Is It Lawful to Cure on the Sabbath?

|| Mark 3:1-6; Luke 6:6-11

MT12:9 Leaving there Jesus went into their synagogue. MT12:10 And, look! a human with a dried-up hand![1] So, they asked Jesus, “Is it permissible to cure on the Sabbath?”[2] (They asked so they might accuse him.) MT12:11 Jesus told them, “Which human among you who has a single sheep[3] – fallen into a pit on the Sabbath – and will not grab it and pull it out? MT12:12 So, how much more different[4] is a human from a sheep. Thus, it is permissible to do good[5] on Sabbaths.” MT12:13 Then Jesus spoke to the man, “Stretch out your hand.”[6] And as he did his hand was restored, as sound as the other. MT12:14 But the Pharisees[7] had turned out and they conferred against him how they might destroy Jesus. MT12:15 However, realizing this, Jesus withdrew[8] from there. And many followed him and he cured them all. MT12:16 Jesus cautioned them[9] not to make him manifest MT12:17 so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah[10] might be fulfilled,[11] MT12:18 “Look! My[12] servant-boy[13] whom I chose, My beloved[14] in whom My soul delights! Upon him I will place My Pneuma.[15] He will announce justice[16] to the nations. MT12:19 He will not quarrel,[17] nor yell,[18] nor will any hear his [raised] voice in public streets.[19] MT12:20 He will not crush a bruised reed,[20] nor smother a flickering [candle] wick[21] – until he sends forth victorious justice.[22] MT12:21 And in his name nations will hope.”[23] [Isaiah 42:1-4]

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Jesus healing the withered hand

[1] Dried-up hand: KJV: withered; WEY: shriveled; TAY: deformed.

[2] Is it permissible to cure on the Sabbath: Or, allowable, lawful. This issue becomes a point of contention with the Pharisees. At the root of it is law versus human kindness and charity. There are those religious persons who would pile rules upon rules but are not characterized by kindness and charity.

[3] Sheep: Sheep are Jesus’ favorite animal. They occur 35 times in the Gospels mainly in Matthew (11) and John (20). Most of the great men of the Bible were somehow associated with sheep in one way or another. Abel possibly sacrificed one. Noah saved their whole kind. Abraham herded them and one replaced his son. Moses went searching for a lost sheep and found Yehowah. Jesus saves all the sheep to everlasting life.

[4] How much more different: Jesus has used a similar comparison before – between sparrows and his disciples (Matthew 10:31).

[5] Permissible to do good: We can only imagine the tone in his voice, the look in his eyes, the warm slight smile, as he said this to those in the synagogue. It is always lawful to do good. Paul is to echo the same idea at Galatians 5:22, 23.

[6] Stretch out your hand: This alone is an act of faith and we see on the man’s face expectant confidence. There is a similar story in the apocryphal book Gospel to the Hebrews. There the man explains himself: “I was a stone mason, seeking my living with my hands. I pray you, Jesus, to give me back my health, so that I shall not need to beg for food in shame.”

[7] The Pharisees: The evil plot begins which is to be fulfilled a year later. “Destroy” is also rendered: GDSP: to put him to death; PME: get rid of him altogether. See notes on Matthew 3:7.

[8] Jesus withdrew: The Nazarene follows his own counsel to his apostles (Matthew 10:16, 23).

[9] Jesus cautioned them: This is something Jesus does often usually with the result that the news spreads even more.

[10] Isaiah: The quotation is from Isaiah 42:1-4. The work by Archer and Chirichigno, Old Testament Quotations in the New Testament: a Complete Survey, observes: “This is a classic case of the independence of the LXX on Matthew’s part.” (pages 112-3)

[11] So that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: The quotation explains Jesus’ caution not to tell others.

[12] My: Yehowah.

[13] Servant-boy: See notes on Matthew 8:6. Yehowah refers to His Son as His “boy” or servant. Compare Acts 4:27 (PAIDA) and Acts 4:29 (DOULOIS = slaves).

[14] My beloved: The original context deals with the Persia king Cyrus, the instrument of Yehowah in delivering the Jews from Babylon. He is a Messiah-type for Jesus as Matthew’s inspired application shows.

[15] Upon him I will place My Pneuma: It is Yehowah who “places” or puts His spirit upon His servant-boy. On Pneuma see Matthew 1:18. PNEUMA means breath or wind in Greek – an invisible pressure. Paul compares pneuma to the “mind of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:16; Isaiah 40:13)

[16] Announce justice: Or, TCNT: announce a time of judgment; MOF: proclaim religion to the Non-Jews; LAM: preach justice to the people.

[17] He will not quarrel: Or, KJV: not strive; MOF: not wrangle.

[18] Nor yell: Or, MOF: shout; ASV: cry aloud. The Messiah quietly goes about his work and let this be the means of conviction – not emotional Hitlerian oratory. William Barclay puts it: “In Jesus there is the quiet, strong serenity of one who seeks to conquer by love, and not by strife of words.” (page 24, Volume 2, The Gospel of Matthew)

[19] Voice in public streets: The screaming street-corner evangelist was not the Nazarene’s method, nor that of any of his disciples.

[20] Crush a bruised reed: Or, WEY: crush reed; GDSP: bent reed. Compare notes on Matthew 11:7. The Messiah is gentle and will do nothing to further injure a faith so weak. It is possible the “bruised reed” was the man in the synagogue with the withered hand. A hardened reed could be used as a measuring rod or a whipping stick.

[21] Smother a flickering [candle] wick: Or, KJV: smoking flax shall not quench; NEB: nor snuff out the smouldering wick; MON: the dimly burning wick. Rather, the Lord holds his palms around the meager light to protect it from wind.

[22] Until he sends forth victorious justice: Or, KJV: send forth judgment unto victory; RHM: urge on Justice to victory; TCNT: brought the judgment to a victorious issue; WEY: led on justice to victory; BAS: made righteousness overcome all; KNX: until the time he crowns his judgment with victory. Old Testament Quotations suggests: “Conceivably the establishment of God’s perfect justice on earth is to be understood as involving a conquest or subduing of mankind in order to render them obedient to the Lord’s judgment.” (page 115)

[23] In his name nations will hope: This idea would have been thought a miracle – that one day the nations or Non-Jews would hope in Jesus’ name. If Pilate had been told that in three centuries the official religion of Rome would be Christianity and that Caesar would be a Christian himself – it would have been laughable. As we approach the year 2,000 every nation on earth – every land, every island, every language among mankind – has believers and disciples who hope in the name Jesus. The truth of this prophecy is realized first with Cornelius (Acts chapter 10).

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Preceding

Matthew 11:7-15 Encouragement for John and Reproach for cities 3 John the Baptist and the Kingdom Goal

Matthew 12:1-8 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Something Greater than the Temple

Paul’s warning about false stories and his call to quit touching the unclean thing

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Related

1. Did You Know?
2. Matthew 12丨John Calvin
3. ‘to do good’ ….. mentioned in the Holy Bible (KJV)
4. “Go into the world and do well. But more importantly, go into the world and do good.” (Minor Myers Jr.)
5. An act of faith
6. Luke 13, Repent or Perish, the barren Fig Tree, healing on Sabbath?, the Mustard Seed, the Leaven, The narrow Gate, Jesus laments over Jerusalem.
7. When Jesus gets angry
8. Confessing Our Sin to the One who Restores Bruised Reeds (Matthew 12:20)
9. Matthew 12, Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath,blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, the sign of Jonah, Jesus’ brothers and sisters.
10. “You’re looking for proof, but you’re looking for the wrong kind.” ~Jesus
11. Breaking Through – Matthew 12:21
12. Day 16 – How much more valuable is a person?
13. Why are people important?
14. Matthew 12 – Change my heart o God

Matthew 10:24-31 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Do Not Fear – Preach!

Matthew 10:24-31 – Do Not Fear – Preach!

|| Mark 4:22; Luke 12:2-9

MT10:24 “A disciple[1] is not above the teacher nor a slave above his Master. MT10:25 It is satisfactory if the disciple becomes like his teacher,[2] and the slave like his Master. If they call the lord of the house ‘Beelzebul,’[3] how much more those of the household. MT10:26 So, you should not fear them.[4] For there is nothing concealed[5] which will not be revealed,[6] and nothing hidden[7] which will not become known. MT10:27 What I tell you in the dark, tell in the light; and, what your ear hears, preach on the housetops.[8] MT10:28 Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul.[9] Rather, continue to fear the One capable of destroying[10] both soul and body in Gehenna.[11] MT10:29 Are not two sparrows[12] sold for an assarion?[13] And not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s [awareness].[14] MT10:30 The very hairs of your head are numbered.[15] MT10:31 So, do not be afraid. You differ [greatly] from many sparrows.[16]

[1] Disciple: The Greek is MATHETES from which the English “mathematics” comes. Though “disciple” is related to “discipline” or that great effort to learn math. The word “Disciple” occurs 76 times in Matthew, 46 times in Mark, 38 times in Luke, 79 times in John, and 30 times in Acts. The word occurs nowhere else in the Christian Bible. No woman is ever called a “disciple” until Tabitha (Dorcas).

[2] Disciple becomes like his teacher: Jesus’ main point is that the disciples can expect to be condemned and spoken against during their work. This should not surprise them because the same is happening to their Teacher. They become like their Teacher in sharing his abuse and reproach.

[3] Beelzebul: Possibly a cryptic name for Satan meaning “Lord (owner) of Dung” or “Lord (owner) of Flies.” The contemptuous designation occurs as an accusation against the Nazarene at Matthew 12:24, 27; Mark 3:22; Luke 11:15, 18. Compare 2 Kings 1:2.

[4] Not fear them: Courage is an absolutely necessity for a disciple of the Nazarene. Jesus knows that some households and some towns will not accept or receive the disciples well. He knows they are likely to call his apostles names. Note what he had told them in his Mountain Teachings (Matthew 5:10-12). Fear is a tool of the Devil.

[5] Concealed: Those who speak evil against the disciples will be exposed in the Judgment (Matthew 12:36). Secret slander will finally be revealed.

[6] Revealed: The Greek is APOKALYPSTHESETAI. Compare Mark 4:22; Luke 8:17; 1 Corinthians 4:5; John 3:19-21. Imagine the evil talk which has gone on throughout the centuries as inquisitors plotted to entrap or accuse innocent Christians?

[7] Hidden: The Greek is CRYPTON. PME: nor any thing private which will not be made public.

[8] Tell in the light; and, what your ear hears, preach on the housetops: Jesus often spoke to his disciples in private (Matthew 17:19; 20:17; 24:3; Mark 4:34; 6:31; 7:33; 9:28; 13:3). He wants his disciples to preach these things. Compare Luke 12:3. NEB: you must repeat in broad daylight; BAS: what comes to your ear secretly; MOF: what you hear in a whisper.

[9] Are unable to kill the soul: This verse is viewed by some to prove the soul is immortal and continues to exist after death. Jesus possibly has in mind the future life as a spirit person. He is saying: while your persecutors may kill you physically, they cannot destroy your True Life. Compare Luke 12:4; 21:19. The Greek for soul here is PSYCHEN and between the Jewish Greek Bible (LXX) and the Christian Bible occurs about 1,000 times. Of these over 100 state the soul is mortal and destructible. Not once is the soul ever stated to be immortal as in the Platonic idea. See commentaries and dictionaries under “soul.”

[10] The One capable of destroying: That is The God. Note that Jesus says the soul is mortal and destructible.

[11] Gehenna: Some render the Greek GEHENNE as hell (KJV), the pit (GDSP), the fires of destruction (PME). See notes on Matthew 5:22. Gehenna is a symbol of eternal destruction and called “Second Death” in Revelation 20:14, 15.

[12] Sparrows: On another occasion Jesus uses five sparrows. The Greek allows for any small bird. Such birds were sold for a penny, roasted over a spit (Light From the Ancient East, by A. Deissmann, 1965, pp. 273, 274).

[13] Assarion: A Roman coin about a half-penny. The widow’s LEPTON was ten times less. One-sixteenth of a denarius. KJV: a farthing; ASV: a penny.

[14] Father’s [awareness]: The literal Greek is not one falls without your Father. TCNT: without your Father’s knowledge; BECK: with your Father’s permission. Jesus teaches how sensitive and aware the Life Source of the Universe is. Some Christians loose every bit of self-worth or self-esteem. This thought ought to encourage any that just as God notes the birds, He is well aware of our own plights. Compare 1 Peter 5:7.

[15] Hairs of your head are numbered: Compare Luke 12:7. Or, KNX: he takes every hair of your head into his reckoning. Some estimate the average head of hair to include about 100,000. The hair of the head is used metamorphicly in the Bible (1 Samuel 14:45; 2 Samuel 14:11; 1 Kings 1:52; Psalm 40:12; 69:4; Luke 21:18; Acts 27:34).

[16] You differ [greatly] from many sparrows: KJV: you are of more value than many sparrows; WEY: you are more precious than a multitude of sparrows

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Preceding

Matthew 10:1-4 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Twelve Given Authority

Matthew 10:1-4 – Calling of the apostles – by Calvin

Matthew 10:5-10 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Jesus’ Orders: Territory, Theme, Trust

Matthew 10:11-15 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Searching for the Sheep

Matthew 10:16-23 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Sent Forth as Sheep among Wolves

Be strong