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Explanation for:
Matthew
10
:
21
The brother also shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the son: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and shall put them to death.
11
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"In times of persecution, we often observe that those with contrasting beliefs lack trust in one another."},{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"When He spoke of the authority granted to them, He also referred to disasters and violence. He declared, ‘Brother will betray his brother to death, and father his son; and the children will rise up against their parents and kill them,’ and He did not stop there but added a more dreadful prediction that could shake even the hardest hearts: you will be hated by all. Yet, He immediately provided comfort as well: He mentioned that these trials would be for His name's sake; and He offered another reassurance: but he who endures to the end will be saved (Matthew 10:22). The words of Christ stirred courage in the apostles by implying that their proclamation would ignite such power that it would transcend natural bonds, rejecting family ties, with their message triumphing over all. If familial allegiance cannot withstand their preaching but is instead subverted, what could possibly overcome you? Nevertheless, even amid this, you will not dwell in comfort; on the contrary, all those living in the world will become your adversaries and opponents.\\n\\nHow can anyone have faith in our message when they witness parents turning against their children, brothers turning against brothers, and the world engulfed in violence? Will they not see us as wicked spirits, as disruptors of the universe, filling the earth with the blood of kin? We would bring a message of peace into households only to witness it turn into a scene of carnage! Even if we were numerous and not just twelve; if we were not uneducated and simple, but wise orators, and even better, if we were kings with armies and wealth, how could we possibly persuade anyone amidst such deadly conflict, especially one worse than civil war? If we abandon our own salvation, who would heed us? Yet the apostles neither questioned nor expressed doubt; they didn’t seek rationales or justifications for such commands; they simply acquiesced and submitted. This reflected not only their virtue but also the wisdom of their Master. Observe how He pairs every hardship with a suitable consolation! Regarding those who would not accept the message, He declared, ‘It will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that city’ (Matthew 10:15); and when stating, ‘You will be brought before governors and kings,’ He continued, ‘For My sake, as a witness to them and to the Gentiles.’ To suffer for Christ and endure reproach from the nations is no small comfort. God is at work in every place, even when unnoticed. This assurance brought them comfort, not from a desire for revenge, but from the certainty that He who foresaw and foretold these adversities would be with them, ensuring that they would not encounter these trials as wrongdoers.\\n\\nHe prophesied for three key reasons: first, that we might recognize His power, verifying that He is the true God who sees ahead into what has not yet occurred; indeed, for this purpose He foretold the future, listen as He states: ‘And behold, I have told you of these things before they come to pass, that ye might believe, when they come to pass,’ that it is I (John 14:29). Second, to prevent His adversaries from claiming that His silence indicated ignorance or weakness; He who foreknew could have intervened but chose not to, so the glory of the rewards would shine brighter, hence He prophesied these events. Third, what is this purpose? It is to ease the burden on those who are tested in difficult circumstances, for unforeseen misfortunes can seem overwhelming, while those anticipated and prepared for are manageable and comforting. Thus, in obeying such commands, the enemies exposed their cruelty and inadvertently validated Christ’s prophecy; familial betrayal became evident as brothers turned against brothers and fathers against children; nature itself turned on itself, kinship fractured, all moral foundations were overturned, and confusion and disorder prevailed, with malevolent forces filling homes with the blood of relatives. The father who betrayed his son, though he may not have struck the fatal blow himself, committed murder in his intent, for whoever hands over to the executioner the one who is to be killed is, in essence, guilty of killing."},{"author-name":"Hilarius of Poitiers","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88cb92f12b3278598f946_Hilarius%20of%20Poitiers.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"This message from the Lord resonates deeply with both Jews and those deemed heretics: Brothers will turn against brothers leading to death, fathers will forsake their sons, and children will rise against their parents; in other words, family members will become adversaries. The Lord declares that individuals once regarded as kin are now separated by intense animosity. Moreover, Christians will face betrayal from earthly rulers and judges, who may attempt to silence us or compel us to collude with them. However, we are called to bear witness to these authorities and to the Gentiles, ensuring that through our testimonies, the persecutors can no longer claim ignorance of God. Our unwavering confession amid immense suffering will illuminate the path of faith in Christ for the Gentiles, enabling them to see and understand the truth."},{"author-name":"Anonymous Commentary (Opus Imperfectum)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":4,"exegesis-text":"He warned, ‘Be cautious of mankind, regarded as one of the gravest of evils, particularly the malevolent.’ If He had merely intended to admonish against betrayal, it would have sufficed for Him to state, ‘Beware, for they will deceive you.’ However, by adding ‘Beware of men,’ He emphasizes that humanity constitutes the greatest evil. When comparing humans to wild animals, it becomes evident that humanity is more dangerous. Though wild creatures may be fierce, they lack rationality, hence their cruelty differs from that of humans. In contrast, humans possess both cruelty and reason, making their malevolence much harder to escape. When examining humans in relation to snakes, one finds them to be more menacing; the snake, despite its malice, exhibits a fear of humanity. It strikes stealthily when it can, yet retreats when it cannot. A person shares the snake's malice but lacks its fear. Therefore, until the right moment arises, a human may lie in wait like a serpent; but when the time is right, they attack with the ferocity of a beast. Furthermore, while a snake can become enraged when provoked, it will quietly pass by if left undisturbed. Conversely, a human can harbor anger without provocation, especially towards those who have not offended them. In summary, each animal possesses a singular inherent malevolence; however, humanity embodies all forms of evil."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"He informs them beforehand about the events to come, ensuring that they will not be bewildered when they unfold. Furthermore, He demonstrates the strength of the Gospel, which often leads to neglect, as this embodies genuine Christianity. Yet, Christ also reveals the intensity of the unbelievers: they will show no mercy even to their own families."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"In other words, those lacking faith will turn against those who do believe. Additionally, children will oppose their parents. It is important to understand that the phrase refers to the closest of kin. In this context, the Lord has identified these individuals, including family members and loved ones, as being particularly significant."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The animosity directed toward the proclamation of the Gospel and those who proclaim it will be immense among those of this world, often referred to as wolves. This hostility will surpass even the strongest and most cherished natural bonds, such as that between siblings or between parents and their children. A brother may turn against his own sibling who professes the new faith, and even children might rise up against their parents. This scenario has been entirely realized during the period of Christian persecutions, which commenced in the era of the apostles. An examination of the historical accounts of these persecutions reveals the shocking cruelty and brutality with which not only outsiders but also family members inflicted suffering upon one another."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Anticipating the hostility that would emerge among hardened Gentiles towards believers embracing the new teaching, and understanding that within the same household some will respond positively to the Apostolic message while others may revert to idolatry, Christ foresaw that the animosity of the latter would be so intense that even the strongest familial bonds would crumble. This would lead to a brother, loyal to the new faith, being betrayed into the hands of persecutors by his Gentile sibling, and a father by his son. There would even be instances of Gentile children taking the lives of their parents. Thus, He proclaimed: \\"Think not that I am come to bring peace on earth; I am not come to bring peace, but a sword; for I am come to divide a man from his father, and a daughter from her mother, and a daughter-in-law from her mother-in-law. And a man's enemies are those of his own household” (Matthew 10:34-36). He explained that a brother would be turned against his brother unto death, a father against his son, and children would rise against their parents and kill them. Furthermore, He warned, \\"And you will be hated by all for my name's sake; but do not be afraid of it, and do not cease your proclamation because of it; understand that only he who perseveres to the end of his life will be saved.\\"\\n\\nThe notion of division caused by the truth He brought to the world—truth, akin to light, separates individuals, with some drawn to the light and others opting to remain in darkness. Hence, the term sword should not be interpreted literally. Just as the physical sword can sever the closest of relationships, so too can the discord stemming from differing beliefs lead to division, conflict, and bitterness. This very discord over the proclamation of the risen Christ has indeed affected many families."},{"author-name":"Lopuchin A.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c891400ee1341634d2276d_Lopuchin%20A.P..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"He cautioned them that they would face considerable hardship during their current and future apostolic missions, as they would be tried and beaten in the synagogues and brought before authorities and leaders. Nevertheless, they should not be anxious about how or what to say, for in that moment, they would receive divine guidance on their words. The message of peace would be distorted by the sinful desires of humanity into a battle cry of indignation and animosity, forcing them to flee from their relentless adversaries from one city to another. However, they must persevere until the end, for they will not have the opportunity to traverse the cities of Israel before the coming of the Son of Man."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Observe, St. Chrysostom notes, how Christ the Savior accompanies every trial with an appropriate comfort. Regarding those who refuse to accept, He states that on the day of judgment, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah than for that city. In addition, after mentioning that they will be brought before rulers and kings, He adds it is for My sake, serving as a testimony before them and the Gentiles. Enduring for Christ and bearing the reproach of the Gentiles is indeed a significant burden. Their comfort lies in knowing that He who predicted these hardships would be present with them, so they would not suffer as wrongdoers. Furthermore, He provides them with another source of great encouragement: When they bring you before authorities, He instructs, do not be anxious about how or what to speak; for at that moment, it will be given to you what to say, and it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. \\n\\nNevertheless, one may wonder why He, who advises not to fret about what to say, also instructs through the Apostle Peter to be prepared to give a defense to anyone who inquires about your faith (1 Pet. 3:15). Blessed Theophylact provides insight here, stating that when we aim to engage with fellow believers, we should indeed prepare our responses, as suggested by the Apostle Peter. However, when confronting hostile nations and rulers, the Lord assures His divine strength, so we need not fear. Furthermore, to alleviate any doubt from the Apostles about their ability to stand firm in those circumstances, He encourages them to speak with courage. In the Gospel of Luke, it is stated, I will give you mouths and wisdom (Luke 21:15), which elevates them to a prophetic role. Hence, when discussing the power conferred upon them, He also speaks of tribulations and persecution: The unbelieving brother will betray the believing brother to death, and the unbelieving father will turn against his believing son, and the unbelieving children will bring harm to their believing parents. This will exemplify the power of your testimony, enabling those who believe in Me for My sake to surpass natural bonds, even that of parent and child."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The Lord continued His teachings by alerting the apostles to the trials they would face in their ministry: Beware of individuals, for you will be handed over to authorities, and in their gatherings, you will be beaten, and before rulers and kings, you will be taken for My sake, serving as a testimony to them and to the nations. However, when you are arrested, do not worry about how or what you should say; for in that moment, God will provide you with the words to speak, as it will be the Spirit of your Father who speaks through you. Sibling will betray sibling to death, and a father will turn against his child; children will rise up against their parents and put them to death. You will be despised by all on account of My name, but the one who perseveres to the end will be saved. The Lord consistently cautioned His disciples regarding the persecution faced by heralds of the Gospel."}]}
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