Matthew 10:17

But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;

But {G1161} beware {G4337} of {G575} men {G444}: for {G1063} they will deliver {G3860} you {G5209} up {G3860} to {G1519} the councils {G4892}, and {G2532} they will scourge {G3146} you {G5209} in {G1722} their {G846} synagogues {G4864};

Be on guard, for there will be people who will hand you over to the local Sanhedrins and flog you in their synagogues.

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

But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to councils, and in their synagogues they will scourge you;

Commentary

Matthew 10:17 serves as a solemn warning from Jesus Christ to His twelve disciples as He commissions them for their first missionary journey. It highlights the challenging realities and potential dangers they would face in their ministry, particularly from religious and civil authorities of their time.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' extensive instructions to His apostles before sending them out to preach the gospel and heal the sick (Matthew 10:1). The discourse in Matthew chapter 10 outlines not only their mission but also the opposition they would encounter. Jesus prepares them for rejection, hostility, and even violence, emphasizing that true discipleship comes with a cost. This particular warning precedes further instructions on how to respond to persecution and whom to fear, as seen in Matthew 10:28.

Key Themes

  • The Reality of Persecution: Jesus explicitly states that His followers will face opposition, not just from pagans but from within their own religious communities. This foreshadows the trials faced by the early church, as seen in the Book of Acts.
  • Divine Foresight and Warning: Jesus knows the future and prepares His disciples for it. This warning is not to instill fear but to equip them with knowledge and discernment, ensuring they are not caught off guard.
  • Opposition from Religious Authorities: The mention of "councils" (local Jewish courts, synedria) and "synagogues" indicates that much of the persecution would come from the very institutions meant to uphold God's law. Scourging in synagogues was a common punishment for those deemed heretical or rebellious against Jewish law.
  • The Cost of Discipleship: Following Christ means potential suffering and hardship, aligning with other teachings where Jesus speaks of taking up one's cross.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "beware" is prosechete (προσέχετε), which means "to pay attention," "to be cautious," or "to take heed." It implies a need for vigilance and discernment rather than simply being afraid. The term "councils" (synedria - συνέδρια) refers to various Jewish tribunals, ranging from local courts to the Sanhedrin, highlighting the legal and religious nature of the impending trials. "Scourge" (mastigōsousin - μαστιγώσουσιν) describes a severe beating or flogging, often administered as a judicial punishment, sometimes even leading to death. This was a brutal reality of the time.

Practical Application

Matthew 10:17 remains profoundly relevant for believers today. It reminds us that:

  • Persecution is a Possibility: While forms of persecution may differ across cultures and times, opposition to the gospel and its followers is a constant reality (2 Timothy 3:12).
  • Discernment is Key: We must be wise and discerning, understanding that opposition can arise from unexpected sources, even those claiming religious authority.
  • God Prepares His People: Jesus' warning is an act of love, equipping His followers for the challenges ahead. Knowing that suffering may come helps us to endure it with faith and resilience.
  • Our Hope is in God: Despite the warnings, Jesus also assures His disciples of divine protection and provision (Matthew 10:19-20), encouraging them not to fear men but to trust in God's ultimate sovereignty.
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Cross-References

  • Mark 13:9 (11 votes)

    But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.

  • Matthew 23:34 (7 votes)

    Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and [some] of them ye shall kill and crucify; and [some] of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute [them] from city to city:

  • Luke 12:11 (5 votes)

    And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and [unto] magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:

  • John 16:2 (5 votes)

    They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.

  • Matthew 5:22 (5 votes)

    But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

  • Acts 26:11 (5 votes)

    And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled [them] to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted [them] even unto strange cities.

  • Matthew 24:9 (4 votes)

    Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.