Matthew 16:20

Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.

Then {G5119} charged he {G1291} his {G846} disciples {G3101} that {G2443} they should tell {G2036} no man {G3367} that {G3754} he {G846} was {G2076} Jesus {G2424} the Christ {G5547}.

Then he warned the talmidim not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

Then He admonished the disciples not to tell anyone that He was the Christ.

Then charged he the disciples that they should tell no man that he was the Christ.

Commentary

Matthew 16:20 records a pivotal moment immediately following Peter's profound confession of Jesus as "the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16). Jesus, acknowledging this divine revelation, then issues a stern command to his disciples: they were not to disclose his identity as the Messiah to anyone.

Context

This instruction is a key component of what scholars refer to as the "Messianic Secret" in the Gospels. At this stage of his ministry, Jesus frequently commanded silence about his true identity or miraculous deeds. This was not due to a desire for obscurity, but rather a strategic decision to manage public expectations and the timing of his full revelation. A premature proclamation of him as the Messiah, especially in a politically charged environment, could have led to an immediate, violent uprising against Roman rule, hindering his true mission of spiritual salvation, which involved his suffering and death.

Key Themes

  • The Messianic Secret: Jesus' command highlights his control over the timing and nature of his revelation. He understood that the people, including his own disciples, largely expected a conquering political king, not a suffering servant. The full understanding of his Messiahship would only truly be clear after his resurrection.
  • Divine Timing: This verse underscores the importance of God's perfect timing in revealing truth. Jesus knew the complete picture of his identity and mission, including his impending suffering and resurrection, which he began to reveal shortly after this conversation.
  • Disciples' Limited Understanding: Despite Peter's inspired confession, the disciples did not yet fully grasp the spiritual nature of Jesus' kingdom or the necessity of his suffering. Their understanding would deepen only after the events of the cross and Pentecost.

Linguistic Insights

The term "Christ" (Greek: Christos) is not merely a surname but a title, meaning "Anointed One" or "Messiah." It signifies Jesus' unique role as God's specially chosen deliverer and king. The word "charged" (Greek: epitimaล) suggests a strong, authoritative command, indicating the seriousness with which Jesus issued this instruction.

Practical Application

For believers today, Matthew 16:20 reminds us that understanding Jesus' identity is a journey, not a static event. It involves grasping not just his power and deity, but also the profound significance of his humility, suffering, and resurrection. It also teaches us about divine timing; there are seasons for revelation and seasons for patient waiting. Our proclamation of Christ should always be in alignment with the full scope of who He is, the suffering Savior and risen Lord, not just according to popular expectations.

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Cross-References

  • Mark 8:30 (6 votes)

    And he charged them that they should tell no man of him.

  • Luke 9:21 (5 votes)

    And he straitly charged them, and commanded [them] to tell no man that thing;

  • Matthew 17:9 (4 votes)

    And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead.

  • John 1:41 (4 votes)

    He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.

  • Luke 9:36 (3 votes)

    And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone. And they kept [it] close, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen.

  • Matthew 8:4 (3 votes)

    And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

  • Acts 2:36 (2 votes)

    Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.