Matthew 10:22-25
Chapter 10
22
Everyone will hate you because of me, but anyone who stays firm until the end will be saved.
23
When they persecute you in one town, escape to the next. I assure you, you won’t have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
24
A student is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master.
25
A student should be content to become like his teacher and the slave like his master. If the head of the household has been called Beelzebul, how much more those of his household!
Commentaries
Warning of Persecution – Exhortation to Courage – Choice for Jesus
Appearances before courts, floggings, family rifts after the expulsion of the Christian community from Jewish society in the year 70… all this was common during those early days of the Church (cf. the Acts of the Apostles), and it will continue to happen wherever the Good News of Jesus is shared boldly. Although this warns of suffering and opposition, it also offers encouragement and hope. Three times it is repeated that they should not be afraid (26, 28, 31). The Lord is with his people.