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)
This verse isn't just about a future judgment; it's also a powerful reminder that our present "actions"—the sum total of our choices and conduct—are precisely how Jesus will measure out the reward when He returns. It emphasizes that while grace is foundational, our daily doing is the framework through which our eternal recompense is ultimately determined.
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)
Immediately after Peter’s mistaken attempt to comfort Jesus, Jesus charges His disciples not to reveal His identity as the Christ. He then foretells His own suffering, death, and resurrection, which Peter vehemently tries to dissuade Him from. Jesus rebukes Peter for his human-centered thinking and turns to address all his followers, teaching them about self-denial, taking up their crosses, and the eternal consequences of following Him, setting the stage for the verse that speaks of His future, glorious return and judgment.
Jesus just talked about suffering and losing one's life. So, why does he suddenly shift to talk about coming in glory with angels?
Jesus is unveiling a truth that underpins everything He's been teaching about discipleship: He's not just a suffering servant, but the King of Kings.
Jesus talks about paying people back. What does 'repaying each person according to what he has done' really mean for us?
This verse confronts us with the certainty of a final judgment where our actions will be assessed. It's not a reward for our merit, but a just consequence.
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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 speaks about both the future, glorious return of Christ for final judgment and the inauguration of his kingdom, which began to be powerfully displayed after Pentecost and culminated in the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus' Ministry and Prediction of Suffering
During Jesus' public ministry, he revealed himself as the Christ but also foretold his suffering, death, and resurrection, a message that deeply troubled his disciples, particularly Peter.
c. AD 33
Transfiguration of Jesus
Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a mountain where he was transfigured before them, speaking with Moses and Elijah. This event offered a glimpse of his future glory, reinforcing his divine identity amidst the prophecies of suffering.
c. AD 33
Jesus' Ascension and Exaltation
Following his resurrection, Jesus ascended to the Father's right hand, entering into a state of glory and receiving dominion. This event marked the beginning of his exalted reign and the inauguration of his kingdom.
c. AD 40s-60s
Ministry of the Apostles
The apostles, empowered by the Holy Spirit after Pentecost, spread the Gospel throughout the known world, facing persecution and opposition. They served as messengers of Christ's reign and kingdom.
AD 70
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
The Roman army destroyed Jerusalem and the Second Temple, a cataclysmic event that signified the end of the Old Covenant age and the complete establishment of Christ's spiritual kingdom, fulfilling many of Jesus' prophecies.
This passage describes a vision of 'one like a son of man' receiving dominion and glory, directly paralleling the 'Son of Man' coming in glory in Matthew 16:27 and pointing to Christ's ultimate authority.
Acts 1:11This verse describes Jesus ascending to heaven 'in like manner' as he was seen going, with the promise of his return by 'the same Jesus' who will come in glory, directly supporting the future coming described in Matthew 16:27.
Romans 2:6Paul echoes the sentiment of Matthew 16:27 by stating that God 'will render to each one according to his works,' reinforcing the theme of divine judgment based on actions.
2 Corinthians 5:10This verse directly states that 'we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil,' aligning with the reward 'according to his works' mentioned in Matthew 16:27.
Revelation 22:12This prophetic passage reiterates the imminent return of Jesus and the promise of His reward, stating, 'Behold, I am coming soon, my reward is with me, to give to each as his work deserves,' which is a clear 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…
This verse isn't just about a future judgment; it's also a powerful reminder that our present "actions"—the sum total of our choices and conduct—are precisely how Jesus will measure out the reward when He returns. It emphasizes that while grace is foundational, our daily doing is the framework through which our eternal recompense is ultimately determined.
Immediately after Peter’s mistaken attempt to comfort Jesus, Jesus charges His disciples not to reveal His identity as the Christ. He then foretells His own suffering, death, and resurrection, which Peter vehemently tries to dissuade Him from. Jesus rebukes Peter for his human-centered thinking and turns to address all his followers, teaching them about self-denial, taking up their crosses, and the eternal consequences of following Him, setting the stage for the verse that speaks of His future, glorious return and judgment.
Immediately after Peter’s mistaken attempt to comfort Jesus, Jesus charges His disciples not to reveal His identity as the Christ. He then foretells His own suffering, death, and resurrection, which Peter vehemently tries to dissuade Him from. Jesus rebukes Peter for his human-centered thinking and turns to address all his followers, teaching them about self-denial, taking up their crosses, and the eternal consequences of following Him, setting the stage for the verse that speaks of His future, glorious return and judgment.
"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." — This verse isn't just about a future judgment; it's also a powerful reminder that our present "actions"—the sum total of our choices and conduct—are precisely how Jesus will measure out the reward wh…
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Last reviewed October 2026