New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 10:23

Sent Out Like Sheep

When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next. Truly I tell you, you will not reach all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. Matthew 10:23 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Matthew 10:23, in plain English

When they persecute you in one city, move on to the next. You won't run out of places to go before I come again.

Why it's here

Jesus gives practical advice: don't be martyrs when you can still be messengers. Move to where you can keep going.

Who's speaking

Jesus, combining wisdom with urgency.

Where it sits in the story

There's no shame in retreat when it means you can keep serving. The mission is bigger than any one city.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

When persecuted in one city, flee to the next; Jesus assures them they will not finish (telesete) all the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

Language and setting

This enigmatic saying about the Son of Man's coming has been interpreted variously: as referring to the resurrection, Pentecost, the destruction of Jerusalem, or the parousia.

Voice

Jesus, giving practical persecution strategy.

Significance

This verse provides both practical wisdom (strategic retreat) and eschatological urgency (the mission must be completed before Christ's coming).

In context

Matthew 10:21–25

21Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rise against their parents and have them put to death.

22You will be hated by everyone because of My name, but the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.

23When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next. Truly I tell you, you will not reach all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

24A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.

25It is enough for a disciple to be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household!

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.

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