Matthew 16:27-28
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. Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse emphasizes that repayment will be based on "what he has done," not just outward actions but the "whole course of conduct" and the "sum of one’s doings." This implies a deeper accounting than just individual acts, including how our adherence to faith and confession shapes our ongoing life.
Jesus has just revealed his true identity as the Christ to his disciples, but immediately pivots to the suffering and death he must endure. Peter rebukes him for this, showing a focus on human comfort rather than God's will, prompting Jesus to call him Satan. Jesus then calls all his disciples to embrace self-denial, taking up their crosses to follow him, emphasizing that true life is found in losing it for his sake.
Jesus just faced a brutal rejection of His mission from Peter. How does He respond? By pointing to a future, undeniable display of His authority.
Jesus shifts the focus from the immediate pain of suffering and misunderstanding to the ultimate, triumphant return of the 'Son of Man.' This isn't just a future event; it's a guaranteed one.
A Cosmic Audience
He will come 'in the glory of his Father with his angels.' This isn't a private return. Imagine the scene: the King of Kings, radiating the very glory of God, escorted by a heavenly host. This is the ultimate vindication, a stark contrast to the rejection He's currently facing.
Divine Authority Declared
This return isn't just for show; it signifies His role as the final Judge. The Father has entrusted all judgment to the Son, and His arrival marks the culmination of His authority.
What determines our eternal destiny? Jesus says it's tied to 'what we have done.' What does that really mean for us today?
The verse states Jesus 'will repay each person according to what he has done.' This can sound alarming, especially if we think of our works as attempts to earn salvation.
Not About Earning, But About Evidence
The key here is 'according to,' not 'for.' Our actions are the evidence of our heart's true allegiance, not the cause of our salvation. True faith, as the reformers noted, naturally produces good works. Our 'doing' reveals what we truly value and who we truly serve.
The Whole Life Matters
This isn't about a few isolated good deeds. It refers to our overall 'conduct' and 'practice.' It's the pattern of our lives, the consistent direction of our choices, that will be reviewed. This emphasizes the seriousness of every decision we make.
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.
thanatos · Greek Noun
The experience of dying or the state of cessation of physical life.
This teaching occurs at a pivotal moment when Jesus shifts the disciples' focus from an immediate earthly kingdom to the reality of his suffering, followed by his glorious return and future judgment.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus predicts his death and resurrection
Jesus begins to reveal to his disciples that he must suffer, die, and be raised again. This is a stark contrast to their expectations of a triumphant earthly king.
c. AD 30
Peter rebukes Jesus
Peter attempts to dissuade Jesus from his path of suffering, revealing a human-centered understanding of God's will. Jesus sharply rebukes him, calling him Satan.
c. AD 30
Jesus teaches about self-denial and the cross
Jesus calls his followers to deny themselves, take up their crosses, and follow him, contrasting this with the futility of saving one's life at the cost of their soul.
c. AD 30
Jesus speaks of his future glory and judgment
Jesus declares that he will return in his Father's glory with angels to repay each person according to their deeds, providing a powerful motivation for enduring present suffering.
This Old Testament passage directly describes the 'Son of Man' coming with clouds of heaven to receive dominion and glory, a key image Jesus alludes to here, highlighting His divine authority and future reign.
John 5:22Jesus states here that the Father has given Him authority to execute judgment, reinforcing the idea in Matthew 16:27 that the Son of Man is the one who will administer the final, righteous judgment.
2 Thessalonians 1:7-10This passage describes the Lord Jesus returning with His mighty angels in flaming fire, bringing relief to the suffering and vengeance on those who disobey, mirroring the judgment and repayment mentioned in Matthew 16:27.
Romans 2:6-8Paul echoes Jesus' words by stating that God 'will render to each one according to his works' – to those who do good seeking glory and to those who are self-seeking, illustrating the principle of divine recompense.
Revelation 22:12Jesus Himself declares, 'Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done,' directly correlating with the promise of repayment based on deeds found in 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…
The verse emphasizes that repayment will be based on "what he has done," not just outward actions but the "whole course of conduct" and the "sum of one’s doings." This implies a deeper accounting than just individual acts, including how our adherence to faith and confession shapes our ongoing life.
Jesus has just revealed his true identity as the Christ to his disciples, but immediately pivots to the suffering and death he must endure. Peter rebukes him for this, showing a focus on human comfort rather than God's will, prompting Jesus to call him Satan. Jesus then calls all his disciples to embrace self-denial, taking up their crosses to follow him, emphasizing that true life is found in losing it for his sake.
Jesus has just revealed his true identity as the Christ to his disciples, but immediately pivots to the suffering and death he must endure. Peter rebukes him for this, showing a focus on human comfort rather than God's will, prompting Jesus to call him Satan. Jesus then calls all his disciples to embrace self-denial, taking up their crosses to follow him, emphasizing that true life is found in losing it for his sake.
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Peter just tried to 'spare' Jesus. Jesus counters by emphasizing self-denial and the ultimate vindication that awaits those who follow Him, no matter the cost.
The context of Matthew 16:27 is Jesus' teaching on the necessity of taking up one's cross and following Him (vv. 24-26). Peter's rebuke (v. 22) shows a desire to avoid suffering, but Jesus insists that true discipleship involves self-denial and carrying the cross.
The Paradox of Saving Your Life
Jesus explains the paradox: 'whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it' (v. 25). This isn't about literal death in every case, but about surrendering our will, our desires, and our comfort for Christ's sake.
Ultimate Reward for Faithful Endurance
The coming judgment described in verse 27 is the ultimate reason why we should embrace this costly discipleship. The reward isn't just spiritual; it's a full repayment, a vindication for those who endured hardship, shame, and self-denial for Christ. The angels and glory underscore the magnificent, eternal reward that awaits.
basileia · Greek Noun
The sovereign rule, reign, or authority of God; it refers to the reality of God’s dominion being established on earth as it is in heaven.
c. AD 33
The Day of Pentecost
The Holy Spirit empowers the apostles, enabling them to preach the Gospel with boldness and perform miracles, demonstrating the beginning of Christ's reign and kingdom.
AD 70
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
The Roman army destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, marking a pivotal moment in Jewish history and a fulfillment of Jesus' prophecies about 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. Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the…" — The verse emphasizes that repayment will be based on "what he has done," not just outward actions but the "whole course of conduct" and the "sum of one’s doings." This implies a deeper accounting tha…
