Matthew 16:27
For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus isn't just talking about a distant, final judgment; he's highlighting the immediate, profound truth that our actions now are the very basis upon which he will judge us. This means our daily choices, not just grand gestures, are being carefully noted and will be the measure of our eternal reward.
Immediately after Peter’s confession and Jesus’ initial response, Jesus begins to teach his disciples about his impending suffering, death, and resurrection. This starkly contrasts Peter's human expectation of earthly glory, leading Jesus to emphasize the necessity of self-denial and carrying one’s cross to truly follow Him, all culminating in the certainty of His future glorious return to judge the world.
Jesus is about to talk about suffering and death, but then shifts to incredible glory. What does this contrast teach us about His coming?
Right after Peter's rebuke and Jesus' difficult words about the cross, Jesus points to a future, undeniable display of His authority. He's not just a suffering servant; He is the 'Son of Man' destined to come 'in the glory of his Father with his angels.' This isn't a quiet arrival, but a magnificent, divine entrance, a reminder that His current suffering is temporary and His ultimate triumph is assured. This vision of glory serves as a powerful antidote to the disciples' fear and confusion about the cross.
Jesus mentions 'repaying each person according to what he has done.' What does this mean for our daily lives?
The phrase 'repay each person according to his actions' is a solemn declaration of divine accountability. This isn't about earning salvation through works, but about the fact that our choices and actions have eternal consequences. The 'doing' or 'practice' (as some scholars note) of our lives reveals the true state of our hearts. When Christ returns in glory, there will be a perfect and just reckoning, where every deed, every motive, and every allegiance will be brought to light. This ensures that self-denial and cross-bearing aren't in vain, but are recognized and rewarded.
Understand the original words
huios tou anthrōpou · Greek Noun Phrase
A messianic title used by Jesus referring to Daniel 7:13-14, identifying Himself as the divinely appointed ruler who possesses heavenly authority.
doxa · Greek Noun
The visible manifestation of God’s majesty, splendor, and presence; in the New Testament, it is associated with Christ’s return and the ultimate revelation of His divine nature.
apodidōmi · Greek Verb
To give back or render what is due; in this context, it refers to the divine judgment where God distributes consequences (rewards or punishment) based on an individual's deeds.
This verse directly follows Jesus' intense teaching about self-denial, taking up one's cross, and the eternal value of the soul. The historical context highlights Jesus' imminent suffering and resurrection, which are the foundation for his ultimate return in glory. This future judgment serves as the ultimate motivation for disciples to live faithfully, understanding that their present sacrifices pale in comparison to the eternal reward.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus' Ministry and Teaching
Jesus begins his public ministry, teaching about the Kingdom of God, calling disciples, and performing miracles. This period is marked by growing opposition from religious leaders.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus Foretells His Suffering and Resurrection
Jesus repeatedly tells his disciples he must suffer, die, and rise again, a concept they struggle to understand, especially Peter who rebukes him.
c. AD 33
The Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is crucified in Jerusalem and rises from the dead on the third day, fulfilling his prophecies and providing the ultimate proof of his divine authority.
c. AD 33
The Coming of the Holy Spirit (Pentecost)
Following Jesus' ascension, the Holy Spirit empowers the disciples, enabling them to boldly preach the gospel and perform miracles, signifying the inauguration of God's kingdom in a new way.
This passage directly describes the 'Son of Man' coming with clouds of heaven in divine glory to receive an everlasting kingdom, echoing Jesus' own description and highlighting the future reign of Christ.
2 Timothy 4:1This verse is a clear parallel, stating that Christ will judge the living and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom, directly supporting the idea of Jesus returning to repay deeds.
Romans 2:6This verse explicitly states that God 'will render to each one according to his works,' mirroring the core message of Matthew 16:27 about divine recompense.
1 Corinthians 3:8This passage reinforces the idea that each will receive reward according to his own labor, aligning with Jesus' statement that people will be repaid according to what they have done.
Revelation 22:12This verse speaks of Jesus' imminent return, stating 'Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done,' which is a direct echo of Matthew 16:27.
calvinMatthew 16:20-28: "Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ."
- Then he charged his disciples [451] not to tell any one that he was Jesus the Christ. 21. From that time Jesus began to make known to his disciples, that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, and the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and be raised again on the third day. 22. And Peter, taking him aside, [452] began to rebuke him, saying, Lord, s…
henryMatthew 16:24-28: "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."
16:24-28 A true disciple of Christ is one that does follow him in duty, and shall follow him to glory. He is one that walks in the same way Christ walked in, is led by his Spirit, and treads in his steps, whithersoever he goes. Let him deny himself. If self-denial be a hard lesson, it is no more than what our Master learned and practised, to redeem u…
Jesus isn't just talking about a distant, final judgment; he's highlighting the immediate, profound truth that our actions now are the very basis upon which he will judge us. This means our daily choices, not just grand gestures, are being carefully noted and will be the measure of our eternal reward.
Immediately after Peter’s confession and Jesus’ initial response, Jesus begins to teach his disciples about his impending suffering, death, and resurrection. This starkly contrasts Peter's human expectation of earthly glory, leading Jesus to emphasize the necessity of self-denial and carrying one’s cross to truly follow Him, all culminating in the certainty of His future glorious return to judge the world.
Immediately after Peter’s confession and Jesus’ initial response, Jesus begins to teach his disciples about his impending suffering, death, and resurrection. This starkly contrasts Peter's human expectation of earthly glory, leading Jesus to emphasize the necessity of self-denial and carrying one’s cross to truly follow Him, all culminating in the certainty of His future glorious return to judge the world.
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c. AD 60s
Writing of the Gospels
The Gospels, including Matthew's account, are written, preserving Jesus' teachings and the events of his life, death, and resurrection for future generations.
"For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done." — Jesus isn't just talking about a distant, final judgment; he's highlighting the immediate, profound truth that our actions now are the very basis upon which he will judge us. This means our daily c…
