16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. 17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; 18 And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. 19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. 20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.
21 And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. 22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. 23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come. 24 The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. 25 It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? (Matthew 10:16-25 KJV)
Persecution will Come
These verses relate to the sufferings of Christ’s ministers in their work, which they are taught to expect and prepare for. They are also directed on how to bear these sufferings and continue their work despite them. This part of the sermon goes beyond their present mission because they did not face much persecution while Christ was with them.
However, after His resurrection, when their mission expanded and the kingdom of heaven was established, they would face greater suffering. Christ forewarns them so they are not caught off guard and can prepare accordingly. He tells them what they will suffer and from whom.
What they will suffer:
First, Hatred (Matthew 10:22): They will be hated for Christ’s name’s sake. Those whom Christ loves, the world hates. If the world hated Christ without cause (John 15:25), it is no surprise it will hate those who bear His image. People hate what they find disgusting, and believers are often treated like the trash of the world (1Co 4:13). Also people hate what they find harmful, and believers are seen as troublemakers in society (1 Kings 18:17) and a torment to their neighbors (Re 11:10). It is painful to be hated and to be the target of so much hostility, but it is for Christ’s sake. Hence, they find comfort when hated, knowing their suffering is for a good cause.
Second, Arrest and trials (Matthew 10:17-18): The relentless enemies will succeed in bringing the disciples before courts (Mt 10:17–18), where local officials, like city councils or magistrates, will judge them under the pretense of upholding law and order. Note that a great deal of harm is often done to good people under the cover of law and justice. “In the place of judgment, there is wickedness” (Ec 3:16)—the wickedness of persecution. They must expect trouble not only from lower courts but also from governors and kings, the highest authorities. Being brought before them, falsely accused as Christ’s disciples often were, was both frightening and dangerous, for “the king’s wrath is like the roar of a lion.” We see this prediction fulfilled throughout the book of Acts.
Third, Execution (Matthew 10:21): “They will hand you over to be put to death”—not just killed in secret but condemned in public, with full ceremony, making death appear even more terrifying. The enemies’ hatred will reach such a peak that they will thirst for the blood of the saints. But the faith and endurance of the saints will remain firm: “I do not consider my life worth anything” (Acts 20:24). Christ’s wisdom allows this because He knows that “the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.” By refusing to cling to their lives even to the point of death, these noble warriors have defeated Satan, and the kingdom of Christ has grown as a result (Re 12:11). They were executed as criminals but in reality, they were sacrifices (Php 2:17; 2Ti 4:6)—like burnt offerings, honoring God and His truth.
Fourth, False accusation and slander (Matthew 10:25): They will be branded with the worst names, even being called Beelzebub, the prince of demons—since everyone naturally hates the devil, this accusation was meant to turn all of society against them. The world will paint them as threats to justify cruelty against them. Persecutors would be ashamed if they did not first paint their victims as villains to justify their cruelty.
Fifth, Division and persecution (Matthew 10:34-35): Christ did not come to bring outward peace but truth, which will cause conflict. The disciples assumed that Christ came to give His followers earthly prosperity and power. “No,” says Christ, “that was never my goal.” He came to give us peace with God, peace in our hearts, and peace among believers, but “in this world, you will have trouble” (John 16:33). Note: Those who think that following Christ will make life easy and free from conflict misunderstand the purpose of the gospel. If everyone in the world accepted Christ, there would be universal peace. But as long as some reject Him—whether they are worldly people or spiritually corrupt individuals—the children of God will feel their hostility.
Who will persecute the disciples of Christ:
- Wicked men (Matthew 10:17): They are like wolves attacking sheep.
- Religious leaders (Matthew 10:17): They will scourge them in synagogues under the pretense of zeal for God.
- Authorities (Matthew 10:18): They will be brought before governors and kings who should protect them but instead oppress them.
- The general public (Matthew 10:22): They will be hated by many because most of the world lies in wickedness.
- Their own families (Matthew 10:21, 35-36): Even their closest relatives will turn against them because of Christ.
Counsel and Comfort for a Time of Trial. Despite these hardships, Christ gives guidance and encouragement to sustain them.
- Be wise as serpents, innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16): They must be cautious and avoid unnecessary danger while remaining gentle and pure in their actions. Christ Himself exemplified this wisdom.
- Do not be afraid (Matthew 10:26): What is hidden will be revealed. Persecutors’ lies will be exposed, and the truth will prevail.
- Trust God’s care (Matthew 10:29-31): If God cares for sparrows, He certainly cares for His followers.
- Endure to the end (Matthew 10:22): Those who remain faithful will be saved.
- Remember Christ’s example (Matthew 10:24-25): If the world persecuted Him, His followers should expect the same.
- Flee if necessary (Matthew 10:23): If you are persecuted in one place flee to another place just like how baby Jesus fled to Egypt when persecution rose against him (Matthew 2:13-15).
Through these teachings, Christ prepares His disciples for the hardships ahead, equipping them with faith, wisdom, and endurance.