The twelve are sent
Matthew 10:1–15FocusA defined mission
Connection to the wholeJesus names and commissions the twelve, specifying their immediate audience, message, and conduct on this mission.
interpretation Matthew 10:32
KJVWhosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
Read it in context
Courage before people
Start reading at Matthew 10:24 (Matthew 10:24 to Matthew 10:33).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Jesus grounds courageous witness in God's knowledge and care while stressing accountability for acknowledging or denying Him.
- 10:24 The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.
- 10:25 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?
- 10:26 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.
- 10:27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.
- 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
- 10:29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.
- 10:30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
- 10:31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.
- 10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
- 10:33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Matthew the apostle and tax collector is the author named by early church tradition. This is the historic attribution, not a personal signature in the Gospel. Biblical references: Matthew 9:9; Matthew 10:3. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Matthew 10:1–10:42): Jesus commissions and instructs the twelve apostles whom Matthew names at the beginning of the chapter. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? A Christian readership deeply familiar with Israel's Scriptures, commonly understood as substantially Jewish in background but also concerned with the Gentile mission. A particular congregation or city is not certain. Biblical references: Matthew 1:1; Matthew 5:17; Matthew 28:19. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Courage before people. Read Matthew 10:24 through Matthew 10:33 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Jesus grounds courageous witness in God's knowledge and care while stressing accountability for acknowledging or denying Him. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The narrative moves from Jesus' ancestry and birth through His ministry, death, resurrection, and commission. The Gospel does not state a modern calendar date for its composition. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative includes Bethlehem, Egypt, Nazareth, Galilee, journeys, and Jerusalem. A discourse or parable can describe places other than where Jesus is speaking. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Courage before people (Matthew 10:24 to Matthew 10:33). Start reading at Matthew 10:24. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Jesus is the central figure. Matthew identifies Him as Emmanuel, explains His saving mission, and concludes with His authority and commission. Read each teaching with its original listeners and its place in the narrative. See Matthew 1:21, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Join hearing Jesus' words with doing them. Distinguish instructions to named disciples on a particular mission from a general application, and keep conditions and warnings alongside promises. interpretation
Cited: Matthew 10:24, Matthew 10:33, Matthew 1:21, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19
Who wrote it, and how we know
Matthew (Levi), the apostle
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionEarly church testimony names Matthew the apostle, notably Papias in the early second century and Irenaeus later.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text. The titles were attached early but are not part of the original writing.
Related passages
- confess me Ps 119:46 Luke 12:8-9 John 9:22 Rom 10:9-10 1 Tim 6:12-13 2 Tim 1:8 1 John 4:15 Rev 2:13
- him Matt 25:34 1 Sam 2:30 Rev 3:5
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Matthew 10
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
Witness under opposition
Matthew 10:16–23FocusPersecution and endurance
Connection to the wholeThe instructions prepare the disciples for rejection and testimony before authorities rather than promising an unopposed mission.
interpretation FocusFear God and confess Christ
Connection to the wholeJesus grounds courageous witness in God's knowledge and care while stressing accountability for acknowledging or denying Him.
interpretation The claims of discipleship
Matthew 10:34–42FocusCost and reception
Connection to the wholeThe commission closes with the priority of allegiance to Jesus and the significance of receiving His messengers.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Matthew
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
The promised Messiah introduced
Matthew 1:1–4:16FocusOrigins and preparation
Connection to the wholeThe genealogy, birth, baptism, and temptation establish Jesus' identity and mission before His public preaching expands.
interpretation The kingdom proclaimed
Matthew 4:17–7:29FocusMinistry and the mountain discourse
Connection to the wholeJesus announces the kingdom, calls disciples, and teaches the righteousness and obedience that characterize His hearers' response.
interpretation FocusWorks of mercy and sent disciples
Connection to the wholeHealings and other mighty works display Jesus' authority; He then commissions disciples and prepares them for opposition.
interpretation Responses to the kingdom
Matthew 11:1–13:58FocusOpposition, revelation, and parables
Connection to the wholeContrasting responses to Jesus lead into parables that explain hearing, growth, judgment, and the kingdom's value.
interpretation Following the Messiah
Matthew 14:1–18:35FocusIdentity, suffering, and community
Connection to the wholeJesus teaches disciples about His coming suffering and about humility, care for others, correction, and forgiveness.
interpretation Jerusalem and accountability
Matthew 19:1–25:46FocusConflict, judgment, and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeThe journey to Jerusalem and temple disputes lead into warnings about judgment and the need for faithful readiness.
interpretation Death, resurrection, and commission
Matthew 26:1–28:20FocusThe crucified and risen Lord
Connection to the wholeJesus' passion and resurrection bring the narrative to the commission to teach all nations and obey His commands.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.