Matthew 10:16

Persecution of Disciples

10:16 “I ¹  am sending you out like sheep surrounded by wolves, ²  so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.

Matthew 10:28

10:28 Do ³  not be afraid of those who kill the body ⁴  but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the one who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. ⁵ 

Matthew 10:31

10:31 So do not be afraid; ⁶  you are more valuable than many sparrows.

¹ tn Grk “Behold I.” The Greek word ἰδού (idou) has not been translated because it has no exact English equivalent here, but adds interest and emphasis (BDAG 468 s.v. 1).

² sn This imagery of wolves is found in intertestamental Judaism; see Pss. Sol. 8:23, 30.

³ tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated.

⁴ sn Judaism had a similar exhortation in 4 Macc 13:14-15.

⁵ sn See the note on the word hell in 5:22.

⁶ sn Do not be afraid. One should respect and show reverence to God, but need not fear his tender care.