BIBLE IN TEN

Matthew 10:34

Tuesday, 10 June 2025
 
“Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. Matthew 10:34
 
“Not you should deem that I came to cast peace upon the earth. Not I came to cast peace, but a sword” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus finished the thought about confessing Him or denying Him. Now, the results of such a decision are noted by Him, beginning with, “Not you should deem that I came to cast peace upon the earth.”
 
Here, Jesus introduces the word eiréné, peace, to the New Testament. It is believed to be from the primary verb eiro, to join. As such, it would signify peace through enjoinment, such as when God and man are reconciled. It leads to a state of wholeness where parts are joined together.
 
The idea of using the word “cast” is that people might suppose that the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) would come and simply toss out peace upon the earth like casting a net over it. Jesus says this is not why He came.
 
Rather, by the very nature of claiming to be the Messiah, people would take a side for Him or against Him. A decision has to be made. In such a decision, peace between those who decide contrary to one another is not possible.
 
The peace that Jesus provides is a result of the decision of the individual, bringing a state of peace between himself and God, a state which currently is one of enmity –
 
“For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. 18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.” Ephesians 2:14-18
 
Rather than casting peace upon the earth, Jesus says, “Not I came to cast peace, but a sword.” The decision for peace between oneself and God will, by the very nature of the decision for Jesus, result in a sword, figuratively or actually, for those who reject His offer.
 
For example, if someone says, “I believe Jesus is the Messiah,” after hearing His words to the disciples about Him being the only way to reconciliation with God, someone else might say, “That is not true! All paths lead to God.”
 
Or they may say, “Jesus is a false Messiah! His disciples say that Gentiles are accepted through Him. No way, Jose!” In fact, this is just the reaction that the Jews of Jerusalem exhibited when Paul said that he was sent to the Gentiles.
 
In such instances, enmity between adherents and those who reject will arise. Throughout the ages, since the time of Jesus’ ministry until this day, this has been the case. Many swords have been drawn and much blood has been spilled because of the proclamation that Jesus is the Christ.
 
Life application: If you want trouble in this world, believe in and proclaim Jesus. Trouble of some measure is likely to follow. If you want more trouble, learn and apply proper doctrine concerning Jesus to your walk. Even believers will stand at enmity with you when they disagree with your position, even if it is the correct one.
 
The peace Jesus brings is, is as described in Luke 2 –
 
“Glory to God in the highest,And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Luke 2:14
 
God is glorified through Christ, and His peace will rest upon those who accept what He has done. A state of eternal harmony between the Creator and His creatures is realized. This is the peace that Christ offers. Until those who oppose this message are removed, the world will remain in a state of strife, and the sword will remain.
 
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27
 
Lord God, how good You are to us to have sent Jesus Christ our Lord to reconcile us to You. We are the enemies of Your goodness. We have failed You. And yet, You, out of love for Your creatures, have sent Jesus. He is our Peace, and He is our Lord. Thank You for Jesus. Amen.

Matthew 10:33

Monday, 9 June 2025
 
But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven. Matthew 10:33
 
“And if, whoever, he should deny Me before men, I will deny – I also – him before My Father, the ‘in heavens’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus noted that whoever will assent in Him before men, He will assent that person before His Father in heaven. Now, taking the opposite angle, He says, “And if, whoever, he should deny Me before men.”
 
Jesus introduces the word arneomai, to contradict. As such, it signifies to disavow, reject, refuse, etc. As an example, it says this in Acts 3 –
 
“The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied [arneomai] in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. 14 But you denied [arneomai] the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15 and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses.” Acts 13-15
 
Jesus is saying to the apostles that when they go forth spreading their message, those they encounter will have to decide. If they assent in Him, He will speak likewise before the Father. However, those who deny Him, “I will deny – I also – him before My Father, the ‘in heavens.’”
 
The words bear a strong emphasis, just as in the previous verse. Jesus adamantly avows that those who deny Him, He too will deny. As with the previous verse, the words here speak of free will. There is nothing forced, and God leaves the decision up to the contemplation of the individual.
 
Jesus is speaking to those of Israel whom the apostles will encounter. The apostles are not directed to go to anyone outside of the cities of Israel, and Jesus’ ministry is – by His own words – directed to the lost sheep of the House of Israel (Matthew 10:6 & Matthew 15:24).
 
Further, Jesus’ words precede the completion of His ministry and fulfillment of the law. He is speaking about matters in that context.
 
Life application: How many times have you heard someone cite the words of Matthew 10:33 to indicate that a person can lose his salvation? As noted, the context is not speaking of those in the church. It is speaking of those of Israel, even before the completion of Jesus’ ministry.
 
Further, notice the use of the same word, translated as denied, in Acts 3 cited above. Who was Peter speaking to in those verses? He was speaking to the people of Israel who had denied their Messiah. Peter was appealing to them to change their minds and believe. Therefore, there is a chance for someone who had denied Jesus to “undeny” Him and believe.
 
Paul uses the same word in 2 Timothy 2 –
 
“This is a faithful saying:For if we died with Him,We shall also live with Him.12 If we endure,We shall also reign with Him.If we deny [arneomai] Him,He also will deny [arneomai] us.13 If we are faithless,He remains faithful;He cannot deny Himself.” 2 Timothy 2:11-13
 
But though often interpreted as such, those verses do not speak of a loss of salvation. Refer to the Superior Word commentary to understand what Paul is saying.
 
Since the completion of Christ’s ministry, He has fulfilled the Mosaic Covenant and established the New Covenant. Gentiles are accepted into this New Covenant through faith, just as Jews are. Believing the gospel leads to salvation. Salvation is guaranteed by the sealing of the Holy Spirit –
 
“In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.” Ephesians 1:13, 14
 
Jesus didn’t speak of these things because His work was not yet complete. The message of salvation by faith through grace as a guarantee through the sealing of the Holy Spirit only came about after His atoning death for the sins of the world.
 
When someone believes, he has no longer denied Jesus. He moves from death to life, eternal life. Be sure to read the commentary on 2 Timothy 2:12, 13 to understand what Paul is referring to. And the next time you hear someone cite Matthew 10:33 as proof that one can lose his salvation, be sure to correct his thinking.
 
Lord God, despite not knowing everything about what You have done for us, we know that You have saved us, fully and forever, through belief in Your gospel. We know that nothing can ever separate us from Your love because of Jesus. We are saved – forever and ever. Amen.
 

Matthew 10:32

Sunday, 8 June 2025
 
“Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. Matthew 10:32
 
“All, therefore, whoever he will assent in Me before men, I will assent – I also – in him before My Father, the ‘in the heavens.’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus reassured His apostles that they were of more value than many sparrows. He next turns to words which have to be considered in their intended context.
 
Jesus is still speaking to His apostles (disciples as recorded in Luke 10). He is doing so while they go out into the cities of Israel to proclaim the good news of the kingdom. He has not yet been crucified for the sins of the world. Thus, His words speak solely of the relationship between Israel and Jesus.
 
Understanding this, He begins the first of two verses which must be considered with those points in mind, saying, “All, therefore, whoever he will assent in Me before men.”
 
The first thing to understand is that not every “every” means “every” and not every “all” means “all.”
 
Mark 1:5 says, “Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.” However, Luke 7:30 says, “But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the will of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.”
 
This is not a contradiction. Rather, the word “all” as used by Mark, as is often the case, is given as a general statement concerning who went to be baptized.
 
Jesus is making a broad statement concerning those who are going forth and those who will hear and attend to their message. Those who hear the message and assent in Him, acknowledging the word, will be in one category. That category is defined by His next words, “I will assent – I also – in him before My Father, the ‘in the heavens.’”
 
Jesus emphatically declares that He will then confess such a person before His Father. The proposition depends on the free will assertion of the individual hearing the good news. In response to that free will assertion, Jesus Himself will likewise assent concerning that person.
 
The expression en emoi, in Me, demonstrates a uniting of the confession with the individual. Despite this, these words are spoken prior to the giving of the Spirit, which first occurs in Acts 2 and which is spoken of in the epistles as a guarantee of eternal salvation, such as in Ephesians 1:13, 14.
 
Therefore, that process of salvation cannot be what Jesus is referring to here. Rather, He is speaking of a general confession of Him and not necessarily the uniting of an individual with the Spirit. That will become clear through analyzing the next verse.
 
Life application: The words of this verse and the next are constantly quoted by Christians concerning other Christians who then make claims of salvation or condemnation based on what Jesus is saying here. As an example –
 
“It means to acknowledge the Lord Jesus Christ, and our dependence on him for salvation, and our attachment to him, in every proper manner. This profession may be made in uniting with a church, at the communion, in conversation, and in conduct. The Scriptures mean, by a profession of religion, an exhibition of it in every circumstance of the life and before all people. It is not merely in one act that we must do it, but in every act. We must be ashamed neither of the person, the character, the doctrines, nor the requirements of Christ. If we are; if we deny him in these things before people; if we are unwilling to express our attachment to him in every way possible, then it is right that he should ‘disown all connection with us,’ or deny us before God, and he will do it.” Albert Barnes
 
That is not the gospel. In fact, what Barnes says is in complete contrast to the gospel, which says one is saved by grace through faith and that when one believes, he is sealed with the Holy Spirit for the day of redemption.
 
If what Barnes (et al) says is true, then it means that salvation is not of Christ but of our own efforts. Mixing the words of Jesus in the dispensation of the law with the words of Paul in the dispensation of grace will inevitably lead to confusion of thought and a contradiction in one’s theology.
 
Lord God, help us to walk with You all our days, living in a manner that is pleasing to You and in the joy of the salvation which You have given to us. When we fail in this, we know that You will still be with us, but it is we who will suffer the lack of fellowship as we do things our own way. May it not be so! Help us to hold fast to You always. Amen.

Matthew 10:31

Saturday, 7 June 2025
 
Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. Matthew 10:31
 
“Therefore, not you should fear, many sparrows you excel – you!” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus noted that the very hairs of one’s head are numbered. Next, He says to the apostles, “Therefore, not you should fear.” These words take the reader back to verse 28, where Jesus said, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.”
 
If God so minutely knows the number of hairs on one’s head, and if a person is proclaiming the words of Christ, then that person, who is known in such minute detail, is being carefully considered as he proclaims his message. There will be caring for and tending for that person. Jesus explains this next, saying, “many sparrows you excel – you!”
 
One can see the emphatic nature of His words. God is aware of the falling of a single sparrow. God is aware of the number of hairs on the head of man. Therefore, God is aware of the threats against those who proclaim His word. If one of them falls to the ground because of the proclamation of His words, it will not have been in vain. God will remember him and raise him according to His promises.
 
The emphatic nature of the word “you” is telling His apostles that because of their trust in Jesus and their continued proclamation of the gospel, the matter is so. This cannot mean that it is a universal statement applying to all men.
 
The very people who would oppose them have already been seen to have a fate worse than Sodom and Gomorrah (verse 10:15). Therefore, the words now are not inclusive of those who stand opposed to the gospel, but they would logically include those who received them and accepted their words.
 
In other words, the state of man is one that is at enmity with God. It is the acceptance of the gospel that changes that state. God would have all come to a saving knowledge of the gospel, changing their default position and bringing them back to Himself. But those who reject the gospel remain separated from Him.
 
Worse, however, is the fact that they voluntarily did so. When one rejects the higher revelation, their condemnation must therefore be greater.
 
Understanding this, we see that the words of this verse can only apply to those who belong to God because of the gospel, not humanity in general.
 
Life application: One of the great problems found in churches with a social gospel is that the focus is on the “love” side of God, without any consideration for His just and righteous character. Without leading someone to Christ, all the feeding ministries on the planet are worthless.
 
It is pointless to feed someone into hell. It is ridiculous to tend to a marginalized community, taking care of their needs and being close friends with them, if you are not going to share with them the only news that can restore them to God.
 
However, this is what social gospel ministries do. Those conducting them think they are gaining God’s favor for doing good stuff for others, even if they don’t have a heart for the Lord. Those they minister to will die apart from God without the gospel. In the end, everyone connected to such a “giving” ministry will wind up in hell unless Jesus is in the equation.
 
It is better to be a person on the side of the street handing out tracts with the saving message of Jesus than it is to be catering to sinners in a feeding ministry without telling them of the consequences of their sin and their need for Jesus to cleanse them.
 
Keep things in the proper perspective. Any deed done in faith will receive its reward, no matter how small. Any deed not done in faith will receive no reward, no matter how great and expansive it is.
 
Lord God, may our faith in You and love for You stir in us the desire to share the good news with others. Help us in this, O God. People need Jesus. Without Him, there is no hope. But with Him, there is eternal surety and security. Thank You for Jesus! Amen.

Matthew 10:30

Friday, 6 June 2025
 
But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Matthew 10:30
 
“And you! Even the hairs of the head, they are all having been enumerated” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus noted that despite the fact that sparrows are almost of no monetary value to man, not one of them falls to the ground apart from the will of the Father. Now, in emphatic contrast to that, He begins with, “And you!”
 
In other words, there are the lowly sparrows that the Father is completely aware of in their existence, and then there are the people of the earth who are God’s highest creation. Of them, Jesus next says, “Even the hairs of the head, they are all having been enumerated.”
 
A new word, arithmeó, to enumerate, number, count, etc., is introduced. One can see the clear etymological ancestor of our modern word arithmetic, that dreaded or beloved discipline of our school days, depending on how our brains are put together in regard to numbers.
 
Jesus, after His emphatic declaration, thus separating the sparrow from man, notes that the Father is aware of every hair on our head. However, the use of the perfect participle (having been enumerated) is striking. It is not just that He knows at this time, but He knew and continues to know. As such, it is like saying, “When you lose a hair on your head, God is aware of it.”
 
Something so seemingly trivial is not unknown to God. Jesus’ words tell us that God is minutely knowledgeable about what we might think is unnecessary or impossible to discern.
 
Life application: Of this, Charles Ellicott steps over the border of propriety and says, “The apparent hyperbole of the figure is but the natural expression of the thought that even the incidents of life that seem most trivial are in very deed working together for good to those that love God.”
 
It is incorrect that Jesus’ words are hyperbole as if God really isn’t aware of such things. There is nothing in the universe, even the number of atoms or quarks in a red giant star, that God is unaware of. It may seem trivial or hyperbolic to think God would actually count the number of hairs on one’s head, but that is not the point of Jesus’ words.
 
God doesn’t need to count them. He simply knows the number, yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He also knows the definition of a hair, so that when someone is balding, what once was a hair no longer is. Jesus’ words, therefore, speak of the intimacy in which God knows everything about us, but they also convey the surety that everything is completely known to God at all times.
 
As it says in Isaiah –
 
“Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand,Measured heaven with a spanAnd calculated the dust of the earth in a measure?Weighed the mountains in scalesAnd the hills in a balance?” Isaiah 40:12
 
Concerning the complete understanding and knowledge of man, David says –
 
“Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;It is high, I cannot attain it.” Psalm 139:6
 
The words of Scripture, therefore, give us a double-edge to consider. On one side, there is God’s absolute knowledge of us as we fellowship with Him. He knows the moment we first believed, and He sees and records every act of faith we have ever demonstrated. Nothing that is to be rewarded will be left out.
 
On the other hand, God is intimately aware of our every fault. The things we think, do, or fail to do are all known to Him. Therefore, we should strive to be pleasing to Him at all times. In Christ, we are forgiven – past, present, and future. However, forgiven is not the same thing as losing rewards.
 
For those not in Christ, the imperfection of their lives sets up the need for eternal judgment by the infinite God. When the world complains against God’s judgment, it is due to a lack of understanding concerning the nature of God. He is not vindictive. Instead, He is perfectly holy, just, and righteous.
 
Man must be judged. This is the wonder of what God in Christ has done. For those who come to Him, man’s judgment was taken out on Him. Understanding what God has done ensures us, absolutely and entirely, of the doctrine of eternal salvation.
 
If it were not so, the cross would have been a pointless gesture on the part of God. All would be lost in their continued imperfection. But because of Christ, His righteousness is now imparted to us. Thank God for Jesus Christ, who has made this reconciliation possible for man. Take time to read Psalm 139 and think about the marvel of our Creator!
 
Lord God, thank You for the glory of Jesus’ cross. We stand in awe of what You have done. Thank You! Thank You for all eternity, Amen, and amen.
 

Matthew 10:29

Thursday, 5 June 2025
 
Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. Matthew 10:29
 
“Not are sold two sparrows – assarion? And one from them, not it will fall upon the earth without your Father” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus instructed the apostles not to fear those who can kill the body but not the soul. Instead, they were told to fear Him who is able to destroy both in Gehenna. Now, as words of encouragement to them, He says, “Not are sold two sparrows – assarion?”
 
The strouthion, sparrow, is first mentioned here. The word is a diminutive that signifies a little bird, but especially the sparrow. Alfred Edersheim supposes that what Jesus is referring to may be the birds used in purification noted in Leviticus 14 –
 
“Then he shall kill one of the birds in an earthen vessel over running water; 51 and he shall take the cedar wood, the hyssop, the scarlet, and the living bird, and dip them in the blood of the slain bird and in the running water, and sprinkle the house seven times. 52 And he shall cleanse the house with the blood of the bird and the running water and the living bird, with the cedar wood, the hyssop, and the scarlet. 53 Then he shall let the living bird loose outside the city in the open field, and make atonement for the house, and it shall be clean.” Leviticus 14:50-53
 
As for the price, the assarion was a small Roman coin of little value, like our penny today. It was equal to a tenth of a drachma. The point, then, is that two little birds were sold for almost nothing in the markets of Israel. Despite this, Jesus continues, “And one from them, not it will fall upon the earth without your Father.”
 
Jesus uses the word aneu. It is related to the negative particle a and carries the sense of “without,” as in apart from or without the knowledge of. Little birds of little value in the markets are still known intimately by the Father. Jesus will continue His words so that we understand why He has said this right after the words He just said in the previous verse.
 
Life application: How often the God of the Bible is considered a hateful ogre by people of the world. They hear words of judgment and condemnation, and they immediately place themselves in opposition to Him, as if He has no right to judge that which offends His perfection.
 
People accuse God of not caring when a friend, brother, child, or even a dog dies. And yet, it is understood by all that everything dies. Why is God to blame if one person dies before another? Isn’t there a set time for all things?
 
But when something personally offends our sensibilities or harms our relationships, God is suddenly to blame, and He is castigated as an unfair, unloving, and uncaring Creator. Because of this, people claim that they don’t believe in the God that they have come to hate. How unclear in thought is that!
 
But the Bible teaches that God created. If He did, it was for a reason. A simple look around at the majesty and beauty of the creation tells us that God cares about what He has done. Every need has a fulfillment, even if it is unattainable at times. Things work logically and harmoniously.
 
And for the things that are broken, like man lost in sin, the Bible tells us that God is working through a plan to correct these things. God is not incompetent, as many claim. The common question is, “If God is good, why is there evil in the world?” It is as if God must remove evil right now in order to be good. Thank goodness that is not the case! If it was, we would be removed ... right now.
 
Rather, God is using the evil in our world to accomplish a good purpose. As this is true, then the answer to the question is, “God will remove the evil. He just has not done it yet.” This is what the Bible proclaims will come to pass.
 
As this is so, those who don’t come to God in the manner He has laid out will remain in a state of evil. Now, whose fault is it when they are eternally removed from Him? God has sent His Son into the world to make all things new. In rejecting the Son, the “new things” are, by default, rejected.
 
Be sure to help people to think clearly. If the world has evil, we are a part of that evil. If evil is to be removed, it must be removed from us, or we must be removed from God. He has given us the choice. Let us think wisely and soberly about our situation before God.
 
Lord God, how grateful we are to You for having sent Jesus to redeem us from this world of sin and death. We know that these things will continue and that we will suffer heartache and loss until the day You come for us. Help us to work through these trying times, trusting in You and holding fast to Your promises in the meantime. Amen.
 

Matthew 10:28

Wednesday, 4 June 2025
 
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28
 
“And you fear not from those killing the body, and the soul not being able to kill. But more you fear the ‘being able also soul and body to destroy in Gehenna’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus told His apostles, “What I tell you in the darkness, you speak in the light, and what to the ear you hear, proclaim upon the roofs!” He now continues with this line of instruction, beginning with, “And you fear not from those killing the body, and the soul not being able to kill.”
 
Jesus introduces a new word, apokteinó, to kill outright. Figuratively, it means to destroy or put to death. It is derived from apo, from, and kteinó, to kill. Thus, it is more forceful than the word kill. Despite that, English translations generally say kill, not making a distinction between the words.
 
The words of Jesus, even without being finished, provide the hope of life beyond this earthly life. Otherwise, if the body died, the soul would die too. As Jesus is the promised One of God, His words then refute the doctrine of the Sadducees, who claimed there is no resurrection (Matthew 22:23, Acts 23:8).
 
Either this would be the case, or the soul that lived after the body would be forever separated from the body, something the Bible doesn’t teach. As such, their doctrine was completely unscriptural.
 
Jesus told the apostles to boldly herald His instruction using the idea of proclaiming it from the housetops to make the point poignant. However, His words now are intended for them to understand that there may be consequences for this. Those who hear may be upset to the point that they would come after them and kill them for their words.
 
Despite this, and even if this were the case, the soul would remain alive, even with the body in a state of death. Understanding this, He next says, “But more you fear the ‘being able also soul and body to destroy in Gehenna.’”
 
Throughout the church age, these words have been fretted over by mushy scholars who cannot fathom that God would send someone to destruction, failing to realize that the God of the New Testament is the same God of the Old Testament. The coming of Jesus changes nothing in His nature.
 
Rather, Jesus was sent to save men, but not all men will be saved. The words clearly point to this fact. What would be the point of the apostles going forth to obtain converts if nobody were to face Gehenna? It would mean that those who received their message would be on the same footing as those who rejected it and killed them.
 
To get around this, these misdirected souls say that the words are speaking not of God but of the devil, as if the devil has the power to destroy those who are not saved by God. This would only move God back one step from the destruction process as He is ultimately in control of all things.
 
Or it would mean that God is actually not in control of all things and unable to save the souls He sent Jesus into the world to save. It would mean that God’s plan for redeeming humanity was only partially effective.
 
In Job, Satan was prohibited from taking Job’s life, demonstrating that God is even in control of that part of the equation. In the New Testament, we are implored to stand against the wiles of the devil (Ephesians 6:11), be sober and vigilant when considering the devil (1 Peter 5:8), and resist the devil (James 4:7).
 
Hebrews 2:14 says that the devil holds the power of death. This is true. Man fell because of the work of the devil. In that act, sin entered the world and death through sin (Romans 5:12). Life terminating in death is the default state of man. But the devil has no power beyond that.
 
Rather, the word says in James 4:12 that there is one Lawgiver who is able to save and to destroy. In Revelation 20:10, the devil is cast into the Lake of Fire. Only after that does it say that Death and Hades were cast into the Lake of Fire (Revelation 20:14) and that anyone not found written in the Book of Life will be cast into the Lake of Fire (Revelation 20:15).
 
Clearly, Jesus’ words here are referring to God in judgment against unrepentant man (see Revelation 21:8). The devil does not possess this power. Rather, he only holds the power of death over those who are not redeemed. Jesus, having prevailed over death, has secured eternal life and freedom from death for those who are saved through Him.
 
As such, we are not to fear those who can kill our bodies but not our souls. We are to fear God, who alone has the ability to destroy body and soul. Additionally, the words here, when rightly considered, confirm the doctrine of free will. There are those who will accept the word and those who will reject it. Otherwise, what would be the point of the apostles sharing the word in the first place?
 
Life application: Although this verse in Matthew doesn’t specifically explain if there is eternal punishment or not, the Bible makes it clear that God doesn’t just throw people into the Lake of Fire where they are incinerated and terminated (the doctrine of annihilationism).
 
Rather, the Bible explains elsewhere that hell is eternal. This is not intended to “scare people into heaven.” Rather, it is a truth that the Bible proclaims. Focusing too much on hell causes one to miss the wonder of God’s grace found in the giving of His Son for us.
 
We are not saved to go to heaven, we are saved from our default position, which is condemnation (John 3:18, etc.). Heaven is a result of being saved by God through the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Tell people today about the grace of God that has redirected human souls to the glorious path of life and restoration! Tell people about Jesus!
 
Lord God, how grateful we are to You for Your wonderful plan of salvation through the giving of Christ Jesus to redeem us to Yourself. We stand in awe of what You have done. Forever and ever we will praise You for the marvel and majesty of Jesus Christ our Lord. Halleluiah and Amen.

Matthew 10:27

Tuesday, 3 June 2025
 
“Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops. Matthew 10:27
 
“What I tell you in the darkness, you speak in the light, and what to the ear you hear, proclaim upon the roofs!” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus assured his apostles that there is nothing covered that will not be revealed and nothing hidden that will not be known. Next, He says to them, “What I tell you in the darkness, you speak in the light.”
 
The word skotia, darkness, is introduced. It can refer to literal darkness or be applied figuratively to spiritual darkness. In that case, it would be a brand of moral obscurity that is missing when a lack of faith obscures the light of God.
 
Jesus instructs them that the words He speaks in private should not be withheld in public. In Matthew 13, it says –
 
“All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables; and without a parable He did not speak to them, 35 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying:‘I will open My mouth in parables;I will utter things kept secret from the foundation of the world.’” Matthew 13:34, 35
 
Later, in Mark 4:34, it notes that when they were alone, He explained these parables to them. When the apostles spoke about what Jesus cryptically passed on to the people, it meant that the people had to be willing to listen to their message. It is not unlike the Bible today.
 
The word of the Lord came to people. It was then recorded. Now, we must decide to read it, accepting that it is the word of the Lord. Jesus’ instruction to His apostles is telling them that they are a part of the process of transmitting what He has set forth for them to know what God is doing. As such, He continues with a parallel thought, “and what to the ear you hear, proclaim upon the roofs!”
 
Two more new words are seen here. The first is ous, a primary word signifying the ear. It is the faculty of perception which speaks not just of the physical process of hearing, but also the assimilation of what is heard by processing it and understanding it. This is reflected in the thought, “He who has ears, let him hear.”
 
One can hear without assimilating, or he can hear and also assimilate and process the information he has heard. The second new word is dóma, a roof. In the Middle East, even to this day, the roof is a flat area, often used for sitting outside, sleeping, and even having parties. It is also a suitable place to make a proclamation, being elevated above others.
 
Jesus is probably speaking to these men quietly, giving them their instructions to go out into the field. Likewise, they would sit around a house or some other area and discuss things. This was what they would hear in their ear. They were to then take what they heard and make it public, symbolized by proclaiming it from the roofs.
 
Life application: Jesus is instructing his apostles on the importance of His message. It may or may not be that the apostles actually went up on the housetops to speak. The point isn’t that they or we must do so.
 
In other words, we use the same type of thought when we say, “Shout it from the mountaintops.” Nobody really expects us to go up on a mountaintop and start shouting whatever message we are told to shout out.
 
Instead, it is a way of saying that something is to be made public and not held back. The apostles will later speak in open areas. This is recorded throughout Acts. Likewise, we have a message that the world needs to hear. We shouldn’t timidly withhold it, but be willing to proclaim it as if we were on the rooftops.
 
If the Beatles can do a concert from the rooftops to share music that few listen to anymore today, why can’t we be willing to proclaim the word of God openly and publicly? It is an eternal word from the Creator concerning our damaged relationship with Him and how it can be repaired. Let us not hold back this wonderful message of hope.
 
Glorious God, help us to be responsible with our time as we interact with others. There is coming a time when we will not see those around us again. People move, get new jobs, and die. Once the separation is permanent, our last chance to tell them about Jesus will be gone. May we speak while there is time. Yes, help motivate us to do so, O God. Amen.

Matthew 10:26

Monday, 2 June 2025
 
Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. Matthew 10:26
 
“Therefore, not you should fear them. For nothing, it is, having been covered which not it will be revealed, and secret which not it will be known” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus told the apostles that the disciple will be like his teacher and the servant like his lord. Therefore, they could expect that if the house-master is called Beelzebub, much more will they call the household the same. Remembering that, He next says, “Therefore, not you should fear them.”
 
Saying “therefore” requires knowing the context of what He is talking about, which is His comparison of them to Him. He is the Teacher and Lord, while they are the disciples and servants.
 
Saying that they should not fear means that He is not fearing, and they should be like Him. He has done nothing wrong to deserve such an accusation, and they, emulating Him, will have not done anything wrong as well. Based on this, he next says, “For nothing, it is, having been covered which not it will be revealed.”
 
This same general thought is also expressed in Mark 4:22 and Luke 8:17 and 12:2. In this clause, there is a new word, apokaluptó, to reveal uncover, disclose, etc. It is derived from apo (from) and kaluptó, the word translated as covered in this same clause.
 
The meaning of Jesus’ words is that, despite the accusations against them, even if everyone were to believe them, the truth would be made known that they were serving the Messiah and not Beelzebul. At some point, no matter when it came about, they would be vindicated. Likewise, Jesus continues with, “and secret which not it will be known.”
 
Due to the nature of the words of both clauses together, as well as the fact that Jesus says them several times elsewhere, it appears that this is a proverbial expression. The repetition of the clauses using different words to convey the same idea forms its own sort of emphasis.
 
Jesus is reassuring them that a basic truth that others understood would hold true in their case in their relation to Him and their portrayal of His gospel.
 
Life application: Due to the nature of Jesus’ words being either a proverbial saying or simply an axiom that exists because of the nature of how God deals with things, the words extend beyond the immediate context of it applying to the apostles and disciples during Jesus’ time.
 
In other words, being a truth that is understood and applicable in all situations, we should have the same attitude that Jesus requests those with Him to have. We should not fear if we are wrongly accused by others concerning our faith in Christ.
 
Depending on where you live, it may matter more or less. If you are a Christian in Saudi Arabia, you are surrounded by a nation of people who, for the most part, have rejected the message of Christ. Thus, there will be a natural hostility towards the gospel and those who proclaim it.
 
That may well up at some point in accusations against believers, even to the point of physical harm or death. This is true in any such area. And though it may be less of a concern in some nations, there is a growing hostility even in once-friendly Christian nations against believers.
 
In such a case, there may actually more of a possibility of harm than with nations that have a supermajority of non-Christians. The Christians may be looked at as a curiosity or as being no threat.
 
But in countries moving away from Christian values, there are those who want to speed the process and eliminate their perceived foes. Jesus’ words ask us not to fear. Regardless of what transpires with our situation, the truth of our proclamation will someday be revealed. Those who reject it will be the ones who suffer.
 
What He said to the apostles in Matthew 10:15 about the nature of judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah in relation to the cities of Israel that reject Him will be no less true of those who reject His gospel now. All wrongdoing will be exposed, and all who proclaim the truth will be revealed as such. And judgment upon those who reject the gospel will be forthcoming.
 
O God, we are grateful to You for Your kind hand of grace upon us. Give us the desire and fortitude to go out and speak of Your goodness to others. May it be that our words will be accepted and acted upon as we share the good news of Jesus. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.

Matthew 10:25

Sunday, 1 June 2025
 
It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household! Matthew 10:25
 
“The disciple – sufficient that he should become as his teacher, and the servant as his lord. If they called the house-master Beelzebul, how much more those – his household!” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus noted that a disciple is not above his teacher, nor is a servant above his master. He now continues this thought, saying, “The disciple – sufficient that he should become as his teacher.”
 
The meaning goes back to the previous verse, indicating that through instruction, a student will increase his knowledge of the subject provided by the teacher to become like him. At the same time, the meaning also goes forward to what will be said in the next sentence within this verse. Jesus continues, saying, “and the servant as his lord.”
 
In the same manner, the meaning reflects back on the previous verse. Even though a servant remains below his lord, he will be like his lord, emulating his desires, tending to his needs similarly, and so forth. Likewise, the meaning of this clause also extends forward to what Jesus next says, “If they called the house-master Beelzebul.”
 
Here, the word oikodespotés, house-master, is introduced. It is derived from oikos, a house, home, family, etc., and despotés, a lord, master, prince, etc. Taking the two together, house-master is a direct translation of the word.
 
As for the word Beelzebul, this is one variant found in texts. Other texts say Beelzebub. Either way, it is also introduced here. If the original is Beelzebub, it is derived from baal, lord or master, and zevuv [zebub], a fly. Thus, it corresponds directly to the god of Ekron, Baal Zebub found in 2 Kings 1. However, Barnes notes –
 
“The correct reading here, as in Luke 11:15, Luke 11:18-19; Mark 3:22, is supposed to be, not ‘Beelzebub,’ but ‘Beelzebul’ (Griesbach, Hahn, Robinson, Lexicon) an Aramean form of the word meaning the ‘god of dung’ or ‘filth.’ The name, thus altered by the Jews by changing a single letter, was given to Satan to express supreme contempt and aversion.”
 
Because of the prominent use of Beelzebul in the other synoptic gospels, this is probably correct. Someone familiar with the story in 2 Kings 1 may have thought there was an error when there wasn’t. This is especially the case when considering the Hebrew word zevul [zebul], a residence, found five times in the Old Testament, such as 2 Chronicles 6:2.
 
Jesus is probably making a pun based on Beelzebul, the prince of demons, while also using the word to indicate house-master –
 
oikodespotés – house-master
baal-zevul – master of residence
 
Understanding this, Jesus finishes with, “how much more those – his household!” Another new word is introduced, oikiakos, which signifies a household or domestic, as in one of the family. Jesus is saying that just as a student will become like a teacher and a servant like his lord, those who disdain the master of the house will likewise disdain those of his household. Thus, the pun is more fully understood –
 
If they called the house-master Beelzebul [prince of demons / house-master],How much more those – his household!
 
In other words, “He is their house-master and his household is just like Him. He is like the prince demons, and they are all demons of his house.”
 
Life application: If the pun stated in the commentary is correct, which seems to clearly be the intent, it is not unusual. There are many such puns to be found in the New Testament because the writings are highly dependent on Jewish thought.
 
The people would have had a knowledge of the Old Testament Hebrew, and they would have spoken Aramaic as the lingua franca of the land at the time. They also would have understood many closely associated words from other Semitic languages. And more, many would have also understood Greek, being the language of the Empire for the common people.
 
Today in Israel, there are those who have studied ancient Hebrew, there is the common modern Hebrew, there is a large population of Arabic speakers in the land, English is widely known and spoken, etc. Just as people today will finagle with languages to come up with interesting puns and plays on thoughts, this was the case at the time of Jesus.
 
Therefore, it is good to consider subtle plays on words that may have arisen from various sources. In doing so, interesting insights into what is being conveyed will certainly arise. Enjoy your time in the word! It is a deep well of treasure and delight.
 
O God, thank You for the great and beautiful word You have given us. It is filled with treasure because it is filled with Your thoughts and tender care for Your people. You have given us wonderful hints of what is on Your mind through many literary devices. Thank You for such wisdom on display in Your sacred and superior word. Amen.
 

Matthew 10:24

Saturday, 31 May 2025
 
“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. Matthew 10:24
 
“A disciple, he is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his lord” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus noted that His disciples will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes. Now, He will make a point about the treatment they will receive, building upon what He has said in the previous verses, saying, “A disciple, he is not above the teacher.”
 
This is why one is a teacher and the other is a disciple. The disciple is inferior to the teacher in the subject in which he is being taught. This is to be taken as an axiom. Someone may be more proficient than others in one area while being less so in another.
 
Therefore, the teacher in one case may be a disciple in another. In the case of Jesus, however, He will always be in the place of instruction. Along with this, He continues with, “nor a servant above his lord.”
 
This, too, is to be taken as an axiom. There are those who are in exalted positions, and there are those who are below them. This may be based on any of the innumerable reasons, but when someone is lord over another, the other is in a subservient position and will remain at the disposal of the Lord.
 
In the case of Jesus, it is this way for all of humanity. He alone is God incarnate and the sinless Son of God. The reason for His words will be further explained in the verses ahead, but what He says here is restated in other ways several times by Him –
 
“A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher.” Luke 6:40
 
“Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him.” John 13:16
 
“Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.” John 15:20
 
Life application: In schools in America today, there is little discipline, almost no respect for teachers or others in positions of authority, and the schools have become a breeding ground for societal degradation. This has been planned and executed by communist ideology that hates faith in Jesus Christ and the Christian nature of the nation.
 
The same is true with other once-Christian societies. There are various ways in which those in power are working to destroy the Christian heritage of those nations in order to remove the supposed bonds of faith in Christ as a principal tenet of national morality.
 
Because this is true, for those who espouse Christ and the values He established in His word, it can be expected that those who hate this way of life will grow increasingly vociferous against Christians and Christian ideology. This will continue to the point where it is acceptable to harm Christians without any negative repercussions from the government.
 
This was certainly the case during the Biden administration, where the government itself became a weaponized tool against Christian colleges, Christian teachings, and Christian churches.
 
The pendulum has swung back in the opposite direction under President Trump, and he is establishing groups to secure religious freedom as well as bring to account those who previously persecuted Christians in the government. They are being weeded out, and some will hopefully be going to jail for their illegal conduct.
 
This is good news, but it is something that is one election away from going back in the other direction. Therefore, Christians must always be ready to speak up for their faith and to work against the forces of evil that are out there.
 
Be informed of what is going on. A real battle is being waged, a spiritual battle. Unless you make yourself aware of it, you will not be able to do anything about it. Jesus’ words ring just as true today as they did two thousand years ago.
 
Glorious God, thank You for the hope we possess concerning a new world where righteousness rules forever and ever. Whatever You have in store for Your people, we know it will be glorious. Someday, all wickedness will be removed, and there will be joy everlasting. How we long for that day! Amen.
 

Matthew 10:23

Friday, 30 May 2025
 
When they persecute you in this city, flee to another. For assuredly, I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes. Matthew 10:23
 
“And when they should pursue you in this city, you flee to the other. Amen! I say to you no, not you should have completed the cities of Israel until if He should come, the Son of Man” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Jesus noted to His apostles that they would be hated by all for His name’s sake, but that he who endured to the end would be saved. Continuing with His words to them, He next says, “And when they should pursue you in this city, you flee to the other.”
 
This is something seen in Acts, such as –
 
“Now Saul was consenting to his death.At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.” Acts 8:1
 
As noted in the previous commentary, however, these words are not limited to the period of these men going forth at this time. The words extend to the time after Jesus’ death, as seen in Acts 8:1 and elsewhere, and even through the time of the tribulation noted in the previous commentary.
 
At this time, there is a certain amount of freedom for messianic believers in Christ in Israel, even if they are persecuted by some. The government and the law allow them to practice their faith, and they receive the same legal protections as others.
 
However, it is certain that during the tribulation period, persecution of faithful believers will intensify. This seems obvious based on the killing of the two witnesses in Jerusalem, as well as Jesus’ words in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21.
 
Taken together, these passages reveal persecution leading up to the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem, and then during the tribulation period after the church age. Understanding this, Jesus continues with, “Amen! I say to you no, not you should have completed the cities of Israel until if He should come, the Son of Man.”
 
The words have caused a lot of speculation and turmoil over the centuries. It is obvious to scholars that the words extend beyond the immediate time of evangelization before Jesus’ crucifixion, but how could that be the case if Israel was destroyed in AD 70? Because of the seeming contradiction, varying opinions have flown off the pens of scholars for eons.
 
For example, one view is that stated by Albert Barnes, saying, “By ‘the coming of the Son of Man,’ that is, of ‘Christ,’ is probably meant the destruction of Jerusalem.” In other words, Jesus wasn’t speaking of a literal coming, but a spiritual coming in wrath and judgment upon Israel for rejecting Him.
 
This is convenient, and it has been espoused by preterists ever since. They believe that the book of Revelation is describing the judgment upon Israel in AD 70. To justify this, they move the dating of the book of Revelation forward in an attempt to claim that it was prophesied and written before the event.
 
However, the standard and accepted dating of Revelation is that it was written after the destruction of the temple and the exile of the people. The answer is that Jesus is speaking of both prior to the destruction of the temple and the exile of the people, as well as the time after the church age during the tribulation.
 
A new temple will be built, the law will be re-established, and Israel will suffer judgment right up until they acknowledge Jesus as their long-rejected Messiah.
 
Life application: Of this verse, Cambridge both rightly and incorrectly states –
 
“Such words indicate that these ‘instructions’ have a far wider range than the immediate mission of the Apostles. They are prophetic, bringing both warning and consolation to all ages of the Church.”
 
They are right that the instructions of Jesus range beyond the immediate mission of the apostles. They are prophetic of the future as well. However, they do not have anything to do with “all ages of the Church.” The words “not you should have completed the cities of Israel” exclude this thought.
 
First, the land of Israel was no longer called the land of Israel after the dispersion of the Jews. The Romans purposefully renamed it Palestine to disassociate the land from the people. The land was then ruled by others for two millennia. It was a part of the Ottoman Empire and eventually fell under the British mandate by the League of Nations in 1920.
 
In 1948, Israel was reborn as a nation. Everything has been leading to this time when the people would again be in the land, both known as Israel. With this now the case, the words of Jesus can once again continue to be fulfilled.
 
Nobody was going through the cities of Israel for the past two thousand years telling about Jesus because there was no nation of Israel for that to occur. The words of Jesus have meaning, and they cannot be ignored without coming to faulty conclusions about what is being said.
 
Glorious God, help our minds to be molded by Your word so that when we read it, we will be willing to accept it at face value, even if we don’t fully understand what You are telling us. May we not make illogical connections that cannot rightly explain what we are being told. Help us in this Lord as we read, study, and contemplate Your word. Amen.