New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 19:25

The Cost of Following

When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?” Matthew 19:25 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Matthew 19:25, in plain English

The disciples are shocked. 'If even the rich can't be saved, then who can?'

Why it's here

They thought wealth was proof of God's blessing. If those people can't make it, the whole system is broken.

Who's speaking

The disciples ask the question everyone is thinking.

Where it sits in the story

Their world just got rocked. If the people who seemed to have everything can't get in, what chance does anyone have?

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

The disciples are 'greatly astonished' (exeplēssonto sphodra) and ask 'Who then can be saved?' — recognizing that if the wealthy (considered blessed) can't enter, no one can.

Language and setting

Their astonishment reflects the cultural equation of wealth with divine favor; if the rich can't be saved, the entire system is upended.

Voice

The disciples voice their shock and despair at the implications of Jesus' teaching.

Significance

The disciples are undone. If the people everyone thought were closest to God can't get in, what hope is there for anyone?

In context

Matthew 19:23–27

23Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.

24Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

25When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?”

26Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

27“Look,” Peter replied, “we have left everything to follow You. What then will there be for us?”

Read all of Matthew 19 — A rich young man walks away sad, children are welcomed, and the disciples wonder who can possibly be saved. Jesus redefines what it costs to follow him.

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