Matthew 10:28

Matthew 10:28 is a powerful and sobering declaration from Jesus to His disciples, delivered as He sends them out to preach and heal. This verse contrasts the limited power of human oppressors with the ultimate, eternal authority of God, urging a proper understanding of fear.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' extensive charge to the Twelve Apostles in Matthew 10, preparing them for the challenges and opposition they would face in their mission. He warns them of impending persecution, rejection, and even death at the hands of men. Amidst these warnings, Jesus provides profound encouragement and a call to unwavering faith. The disciples were entering a hostile environment where their message would be met with resistance, and fear of human authorities or physical harm would be a natural temptation. Jesus' words serve as a crucial antidote to this fear, redirecting their ultimate allegiance and reverence.

Key Themes

• The Limited Power of Man: Human beings, even those with the power to take a life, can only affect the physical body. They have no dominion over the soul, the eternal essence of a person. This truth is a source of profound comfort and courage for those facing earthly threats.
• The Ultimate Power of God: In stark contrast, God possesses the absolute power to determine the eternal destiny of both body and soul. This refers to His authority to judge and to consign individuals to eternal punishment, often referred to as eternal destruction or separation.
• The Proper Object of Fear: Jesus commands His followers not to fear those who can inflict only temporal harm, but rather to cultivate a reverent, awe-filled fear of God. This is not a cowering dread, but a profound respect for His holiness, justice, and ultimate authority over all life and eternity. This theme is echoed in parallel passages like Luke 12:5.
• Eternal Perspective: The verse compels believers to adopt an eternal perspective, valuing their spiritual well-being and relationship with God far above temporal safety or comfort. The temporary suffering of the body is insignificant compared to the eternal consequences for the soul.

Linguistic Insights

• Soul (psychē - ψυχή): The Greek word psychē refers to the life principle, the inner self, the animating force that distinguishes living beings from dead ones. In this context, it emphatically points to the immortal, non-physical part of a human being that transcends physical death.
• Hell (Gehenna - γέεννα): This term is derived from the Valley of Hinnom, a literal valley outside Jerusalem where child sacrifices were once offered and later became a refuse dump where fires burned continually. Jesus frequently used Gehenna as a vivid metaphor for a place of ultimate, fiery judgment and eternal destruction, signifying a state of profound and irreversible separation from God's presence and blessing. It implies not annihilation of existence, but an utter ruin of well-being and purpose in a state of conscious suffering.
• Destroy (apollymi - ἀπόλλυμι): While sometimes meaning to annihilate, in this context, when applied to "soul and body in hell," it signifies a state of ruin, loss, and eternal condemnation rather than ceasing to exist. It speaks to the utter loss of life as God intended it, a state of eternal separation and judgment.

Practical Application

Matthew 10:28 remains profoundly relevant for believers today. It calls us to:

• Prioritize God Above All: Our ultimate allegiance and deepest reverence must be reserved for God alone. When facing difficult choices, especially those where our faith might be tested, we are reminded to consider God's view and eternal consequences over human opinion or temporal threats.
• Live Courageously: Understanding that human power is limited and God's power is absolute empowers us to live without undue fear of persecution, societal pressure, or even physical death. This courage is essential for taking up our cross and following Christ.
• Take Sin Seriously: The warning about God's ability to "destroy both soul and body in hell" underscores the gravity of sin and the seriousness of God's judgment. It reminds us of the urgent need for repentance and faith in Jesus Christ for salvation.
• Maintain an Eternal Perspective: This verse encourages us to live with an awareness of eternity, making decisions that reflect our belief in a life beyond the grave and the ultimate accountability we have before our Creator.