Matthew (Written)

Thursday, 12 June 2025

and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’ Matthew 10:36

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at the “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

“and the man’s enemies – his household” (CG).

In the previous verse, Jesus explained the way He did not come to bring peace, as mentioned in the verse before that, telling the apostles that He came to sunder a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a bride against her mother-in-law. Now, He completes that thought, as cited from Micah 7:6, saying, “and the man’s enemies – his household.”

The words are close to the original Hebrew. A literal translation of the clause from Micah would be “hatings man – men his house.” The verb oyev signifies hating or an adversary. Thus, it refers to an enemy. Jesus acknowledges that this will be the case with those who separate a family over His gospel message.

One can see that the way He expressed the thought, just as in the Hebrew, is direct. The man’s enemies equate directly to his household.

Life application: When a Jew comes to Christ, there is a great chance his family will cut him right out of their lives. A Christian Jew named Stan Telchin wrote a book about this experience entitled Betrayed. His daughter told him that she believed Jesus was the Messiah. He kind of went ballistic and was determined to prove her wrong.

However, in his attempt to do so, he found that Jesus is, in fact, the fulfillment of the messianic prophecies found in Scripture. Until his death, he was belittled and shunned by many in the Jewish community. But for anyone who is willing to honestly evaluate Scripture, putting aside biases and presuppositions, they will come to the realization that Jesus is the Messiah.

Jewish families are ripped apart over this fact, but so are Muslim households. Leaving Islam can be a life-threatening experience, but many have made the bold move to accept Jesus and be saved by His shed blood.

Likewise, faith in Jesus brings about condemnation from adherents of Hinduism, Buddhism, and a plethora of other isms, including atheism. Jesus’ message is one that divides, but a family division over Jesus is worth every bit of rejection and hatred that a person can be subject to.

Only through Him can eternal life be found. Once the conversion is made, there is always the possibility that others will be honest in their thinking and willing to check. If they are, they too will come to the realization that life eternal is found in Him.

Pray for those going through such family difficulties. There are many out there, and their finding reconciliation with others through the blood of Christ is the sweetest reunion of all. The enmity can end. It did for Stan Telchin and his daughter. So keep such people in prayer.

Lord God, receiving Jesus may have worldly repercussions that seem overwhelming, but the fact is that this world, and our lives in this world, are temporary and will pass away. But reconciliation with You through Jesus Christ is eternal. So, Lord, give us wisdom, perseverance, and a positive attitude about our walk with You. Amen.

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

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at the “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

“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.

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

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at the “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

“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.

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

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at the “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen).

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

“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.