New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 10:18

Sent Out Like Sheep

On My account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. Matthew 10:18 · Berean Standard Bible

What It Means

Matthew 10:18, in plain English

You'll be brought before governors and kings because of Me, and it will be your chance to tell them about God.

Why it's here

Jesus reframes persecution as opportunity: the very trials meant to silence you become platforms for your message.

Who's speaking

Jesus, turning threat into opportunity.

Where it sits in the story

God has a way of turning the worst situations into the best opportunities to share His love.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

On Jesus' account (heneken emou), they will stand before hegemones (governors) and basileis (kings) as a marturion (witness/testimony) to them and to the Gentiles.

Language and setting

This prophecy of appearing before political rulers was fulfilled in Acts with Peter, Paul, and others before Roman officials.

Voice

Jesus, predicting trials before political authorities.

Significance

Persecution becomes a means of gospel proclamation: trials before rulers create opportunities for testimony that reach the highest levels of power.

In context

Matthew 10:16–20

16Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.

17But beware of men, for they will hand you over to their councils and flog you in their synagogues.

18On My account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.

19But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to respond or what to say. In that hour you will be given what to say.

20For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

Read all of Matthew 10 — Jesus hands his authority to twelve ordinary men and sends them into a hostile world. The mission briefing is searingly honest.

Understand every verse, not just this one

This page covers one. BibleKey does all 31,102 — tap any verse for its meaning, any word for its Hebrew or Greek root, and keep reading without leaving the chapter.

Get BibleKey

Understand every verse.

Not just the famous ones. BibleKey is free on iPhone and iPad.

Download on the App Store

Free on iPhone & iPad