Matthew 10:28
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Here, Jesus is drawing a stark contrast: human power ends with the body, but God's power extends to the eternal destruction of both body and soul. The real issue isn't death itself, but the eternal fate of the soul, which only God can ultimately determine.
Jesus is instructing his disciples on how to face persecution as they go out to share his message. He has just told them not to fear being handed over and reviled, assuring them that their words will be revealed and that God knows even the smallest details about them. This verse then offers a stark contrast between the limited power of human persecutors and the ultimate authority of God.
When Jesus' followers face opposition, it's tempting to be terrified. But what's the real limit of their tormentors' power?
Jesus draws a stark contrast between human power and divine power. He tells his disciples not to fear those who can only kill the body.
The Body is Not All
Jesus isn't downplaying suffering, but re-calibrating our fear. True danger isn't physical harm, but something far more profound.
Jesus calls for a different kind of fear – not of tyrants, but of someone with ultimate power. Who is this figure, and what does this ultimate fear look like?
The 'rather fear him' isn't about a paralyzing terror of God, but a profound, reverent awe and respect for His supreme authority.
God's Sovereign Power
This fear motivates right living and obedience, recognizing that God's judgment is real and His power is absolute.
Understand the original words
psuchē · Greek Noun
The immaterial part of a person; the seat of life, personality, and the eternal aspect of human beings that survives physical death and remains accountable to God.
sōma · Greek Noun
The physical frame of a human; distinct from the soul, it is the vessel of life on earth which is subject to decay and death.
geenna · Greek Noun
The place of eternal punishment and separation from God; the destination of those under divine judgment for their rejection of His truth.
Jesus' words in Matthew 10:28 were spoken directly to his disciples as he commissioned them to spread the gospel. He was preparing them for the intense opposition and persecution they would face, urging them to hold onto a healthy fear of God rather than the fear of human authorities who could only harm their physical bodies.
c. 27-30 AD— this verse
Jesus' Public Ministry
Jesus travels throughout Galilee and Judea, teaching, healing, and gathering disciples. During this time, he delivers the Sermon on the Mount and commissions his twelve apostles.
c. 30-33 AD
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Following his arrest, Jesus is crucified in Jerusalem. His subsequent resurrection and appearances to his followers mark a pivotal moment in their faith.
c. 30-40 AD
Early Spread of Christianity
The apostles and early followers begin to spread the teachings of Jesus, facing initial persecution from both Jewish authorities and Roman officials.
c. 44-67 AD
Paul's Missionary Journeys
The Apostle Paul undertakes extensive journeys, establishing Christian communities across Asia Minor and Greece, often in the face of intense opposition.
This passage from Luke is nearly identical in its wording and message, directly paralleling Jesus' instruction not to fear those who can only kill the body but to fear God who has power over both body and soul.
1 Peter 3:14Peter echoes Jesus' encouragement to not fear persecution, urging believers to 'not fear their terror' and instead to 'honor Christ the Lord as holy' in their hearts, which aligns with the core message of fearing God above human threats.
Isaiah 8:12-13This Old Testament passage provides a foundational concept for Matthew 10:28, instructing the people not to fear what 'this people' fears, but to 'fear the LORD of hosts himself,' highlighting the ancient prophetic call to prioritize divine fear over human intimidation.
Hebrews 2:14-15This passage explains that Jesus' suffering and death were to deliver those who 'through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage,' connecting to Matthew 10:28 by showing how Christ frees us from the very fear of death that Jesus warns us against.
James 4:12James uses similar language when speaking about judgment, stating 'there is only one Lawgiver and Judge, who is able to save and to destroy,' which resonates with Jesus' assertion in Matthew that God alone has the ultimate power over both life and destruction.
calvinMatthew 10:26-31: "Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known."
- Fear them not therefore: for nothing is covered that shall not be revealed, and nothing is hid that shall not be known. 27. What I say to you in darkness speak you in light: and what you hear in the ear proclaim on the housetops. 28. And fear not those who kill the body, but cannot kill the soul: but rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in ge…
barnesMatthew 10:28: "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."
Them which kill the body - That is, people, who have no power to injure the soul, the immortal part. The body is a small matter in comparison with the soul. Temporal death is a slight thing compared with eternal death. He directs them, therefore, not to be alarmed at the prospect of temporal death, but to fear God, who can destroy bo…
Here, Jesus is drawing a stark contrast: human power ends with the body, but God's power extends to the eternal destruction of both body and soul. The real issue isn't death itself, but the eternal fate of the soul, which only God can ultimately determine.
Jesus is instructing his disciples on how to face persecution as they go out to share his message. He has just told them not to fear being handed over and reviled, assuring them that their words will be revealed and that God knows even the smallest details about them. This verse then offers a stark contrast between the limited power of human persecutors and the ultimate authority of God.
Jesus is instructing his disciples on how to face persecution as they go out to share his message. He has just told them not to fear being handed over and reviled, assuring them that their words will be revealed and that God knows even the smallest details about them. This verse then offers a stark contrast between the limited power of human persecutors and the ultimate authority of God.
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c. 64 AD
Great Fire of Rome and Persecution
A devastating fire sweeps through Rome, leading Emperor Nero to falsely blame the Christians. This event triggers widespread and brutal persecution of believers in the Roman Empire.
c. 70 AD
Destruction of Jerusalem
The Roman legions under Titus besiege and destroy Jerusalem, a catastrophic event for Jewish people and a significant turning point for early Christianity, which was increasingly distinguishing itself from Judaism.
"And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell." — Here, Jesus is drawing a stark contrast: human power ends with the body, but God's power extends to the eternal destruction of both body and soul. The real issue isn't death itself, but the eternal f…
