Matthew 10:23
When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus isn't just telling his disciples to run from persecution; he's also giving them a hidden timeframe. He implies their mission wouldn't be finished in every single Israeli town before a significant event—the "coming of the Son of Man"—which scholars often link to the destruction of Jerusalem. This suggests that even before that judgment, their work of proclaiming the Gospel would remain incomplete, pointing to a larger, ongoing purpose.
Jesus is sending his disciples out to preach, giving them specific instructions for their mission to the towns of Israel. He warns them that they will face rejection and persecution, and provides guidance on how to respond to such hostility. This verse offers a strategy of strategic retreat and a perspective that their mission will continue until a significant future event, the coming of the Son of Man.
Jesus tells his disciples to flee when persecuted. Is this a call to avoid all hardship, or something deeper?
Jesus' instruction to flee persecution isn't about self-preservation at all costs, but about strategic wisdom.
The Wisdom of the Serpent
He uses the imagery of the "wisdom of the serpent" (Matthew 10:16) here. This means using discernment and prudence, not recklessness. The disciples weren't called to rush into martyrdom unnecessarily. If one town rejected them violently, they were to move on, not to deny their faith, but to preserve their lives and their ministry for other towns.
Preserving the Message
The goal wasn't to escape suffering, but to ensure the Gospel message could continue to spread. By fleeing, they could avoid the immediate danger, reach more people, and ultimately fulfill God's plan. This doesn't mean never suffering or dying for the faith, but discerning when and how to act wisely in the face of opposition.
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Jesus links the disciples' mission to 'the coming of the Son of Man.' What does this 'coming' signify within their lifetime?
The phrase 'till the Son of Man comes' is a pivotal clue to understanding the timing and scope of Jesus' message.
An Imminent, Yet Delayed, Event
Many scholars point to the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD as a primary fulfillment of this 'coming.' Jesus was announcing that the disciples would not finish their work of preaching to all the towns of Israel before this significant judgment fell upon the nation. This event served as a type or foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate return.
A Prophetic Horizon
While the disciples might have initially expected Jesus' final return in their lifetime, Jesus often spoke of 'the coming of the Son of Man' in terms of events that were near, like the fall of Jerusalem, which brought judgment and marked a new phase for His kingdom. This concept broadened their understanding of God's unfolding plan.
Understand the original words
diōkō · Greek Verb
The act of causing suffering, harassment, or affliction to others, especially because of their religious beliefs or commitment to the truth of God.
huios tou anthrōpou · Greek Noun Phrase
A messianic title used by Jesus, derived from Daniel 7:13-14, referring to the heavenly figure who has authority from God to judge and establish the kingdom.
This teaching was given during Jesus' earthly ministry, anticipating the intense persecution the apostles would face as they preached throughout Israel. The phrase 'the Son of Man comes' likely referred to the imminent destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, a powerful act of judgment that would drastically alter the Jewish landscape and the course of early Christianity.
c. AD 27-30— this verse
Jesus' Ministry and Commissioning of Apostles
Jesus begins his public ministry, calling disciples and commissioning the twelve apostles to preach the gospel of the Kingdom of God throughout Israel.
c. AD 30-33
Apostolic Preaching in Judea and Galilee
The apostles spread Jesus' message, facing opposition and persecution in various Jewish towns and villages as they carried out their mission.
c. AD 30-40
Growth of the Early Church
The nascent Christian movement expands, with believers experiencing increasing tension and conflict with Jewish authorities.
c. AD 40-60
Missionary Journeys and Persecution
Apostles like Paul undertake extensive missionary journeys, encountering resistance and persecution in different cities within and beyond Judea.
AD 66-70
First Jewish-Roman War
The outbreak of a major revolt against Roman rule in Judea, leading to widespread conflict and devastation.
AD 70
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
The Roman army, under Titus, besieges and destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, marking a catastrophic end to the Jewish state and a significant 'coming' of divine judgment.
This passage describes a great persecution that scattered the apostles and believers, forcing them to flee from Jerusalem and spread the gospel to other regions, directly illustrating Jesus' command to flee from one town to the next when persecuted.
Matthew 24:14This verse states that the gospel will be proclaimed to all nations before the end comes. Matthew 10:23 can be seen as a promise that this preaching mission would continue and expand, reaching throughout Israel before a significant 'coming' of the Son of Man, which aligns with the broader prophetic timeline.
Luke 10:11Jesus tells the seventy disciples to 'shake off the dust' of towns that reject them and preach that the kingdom of God is near. This echoes the instruction in Matthew 10:23 to move on from hostile places, emphasizing the urgency and continuation of their mission despite rejection.
Daniel 7:13-14This Old Testament vision describes the 'Son of Man' coming with clouds of heaven to receive dominion and glory. The 'coming of the Son of Man' mentioned in Matthew 10:23 evokes this prophetic imagery, suggesting a future vindication and glorious arrival of Christ, even as disciples are fleeing persecution.
barnesMatthew 10:23: "But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come."
When they persecute ... - The apostles were not permitted to "throw away" their lives. Where they could preserve them without denying their Lord, they were to do it. Yet all the commands of Christ, as well as their conduct, show that they were rather to lay down their lives than deny their Saviour. We are to pr…
bensonMatthew 10:23: "But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come."
Matthew 10:23 . But, &c. — As if he had said, I do not say this with a view to encourage you to rush upon martyrdom before you have a plain and lawful call to it; on the other hand, it will rather be your duty to prolong your useful lives to the utmost limits you lawfully may. Therefore, when they persecute you…
Jesus isn't just telling his disciples to run from persecution; he's also giving them a hidden timeframe. He implies their mission wouldn't be finished in every single Israeli town before a significant event—the "coming of the Son of Man"—which scholars often link to the destruction of Jerusalem. This suggests that even before that judgment, their work of proclaiming the Gospel would remain incomplete, pointing to a larger, ongoing purpose.
Jesus is sending his disciples out to preach, giving them specific instructions for their mission to the towns of Israel. He warns them that they will face rejection and persecution, and provides guidance on how to respond to such hostility. This verse offers a strategy of strategic retreat and a perspective that their mission will continue until a significant future event, the coming of the Son of Man.
Jesus is sending his disciples out to preach, giving them specific instructions for their mission to the towns of Israel. He warns them that they will face rejection and persecution, and provides guidance on how to respond to such hostility. This verse offers a strategy of strategic retreat and a perspective that their mission will continue until a significant future event, the coming of the Son of Man.
"When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes." — Jesus isn't just telling his disciples to run from persecution; he's also giving them a hidden timeframe. He implies their mission wouldn't be finished in every single Israeli town before a signifi…
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