Luke 12:8

Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:

Also {G1161} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, Whosoever {G3956}{G3739}{G302} shall confess {G3670}{G1722} me {G1698} before {G1715} men {G444},{G1722} him {G846} shall {G3670} the Son {G5207} of man {G444} also {G2532} confess {G3670} before {G1715} the angels {G32} of God {G2316}:

“Moreover, I tell you, whoever acknowledges me in the presence of others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge in the presence of God’s angels.

I tell you, everyone who confesses Me before men, the Son of Man will also confess him before the angels of God.

And I say unto you, Every one who shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:

Commentary

Luke 12:8 presents a profound statement from Jesus about the eternal significance of one's public declaration of faith. It serves as both an encouragement and a solemn warning to His disciples regarding their commitment to Him.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus’ extended teaching to His disciples, warning them against hypocrisy and the fear of men, while encouraging them to fear God alone. Following His assurance that God cares for even the sparrows and numbers every hair on their heads (Luke 12:6-7), Jesus shifts to the crucial importance of acknowledging Him publicly. This statement sets the stage for the subsequent warning about denying Him and the unpardonable sin of blasphemy against the Holy Ghost.

Key Themes

  • Public Confession of Faith: The verse emphasizes the necessity of an open, verbal acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord. It's not enough to believe in one's heart; there must be a willingness to declare that belief, especially when faced with societal pressure or potential persecution. This aligns with the New Testament teaching on confession for salvation.
  • Divine Reciprocity: Jesus outlines a direct, reciprocal relationship: "Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God." Our earthly actions of loyalty and courage are met with Christ's heavenly endorsement and affirmation.
  • The Authority of the Son of Man: Jesus refers to Himself as the "Son of man," a title He frequently used. This title, rooted in Daniel 7:13-14, signifies His dual nature as both fully human and divinely authoritative, particularly in His role as judge and intercessor before God.
  • Heavenly Witness: The confession takes place "before the angels of God," highlighting the cosmic significance of individual faith. It suggests a divine assembly where one's faithfulness to Christ is acknowledged and honored.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "confess" is homologeo (ὁμολογέω), meaning "to speak the same thing," "to agree with," "to acknowledge," or "to declare openly." It implies a unity of thought and word, a public declaration that aligns with an internal conviction. This is more than just a casual mention; it's a deliberate and often courageous affirmation of allegiance to Jesus Christ.

Practical Application

Luke 12:8 challenges believers today to consider the depth of their commitment to Jesus. In a world that often pressures silence or compromise, this verse calls for boldness in our witness. It reminds us that our faith is not merely a private affair but has public implications and eternal rewards. To confess Christ before men means living a life that openly acknowledges Him as Lord, speaking of Him when opportunity arises, and being unashamed of the Gospel. It offers immense encouragement, knowing that our faithfulness on earth is celebrated by Christ Himself in the presence of heaven's hosts.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 10:32 (22 votes)

    Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.

  • Matthew 10:33 (22 votes)

    But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

  • 1 John 2:23 (16 votes)

    Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: [(but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.]

  • Romans 10:9 (13 votes)

    That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

  • Romans 10:10 (13 votes)

    For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

  • 2 Timothy 2:12 (10 votes)

    If we suffer, we shall also reign with [him]: if we deny [him], he also will deny us:

  • Luke 15:10 (9 votes)

    Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.