Matthew 10:17Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Once more, He alerts them to vigilance, allowing them to experience hardship and granting permission for others to commit wrongdoing. This serves to reveal that triumph and glorious victories are achieved through the endurance of afflictions. He did not instruct them to fight back or resist those who would harm them; rather, He simply stated, "Ye shall suffer extreme calamities."

Observe the essence of wisdom: exercise caution to avoid providing a reason for those intent on persecution, and manage your circumstances thoughtfully. If the persecutor seeks material possessions or status, relinquish them to prevent any grounds for their actions. However, if they attempt to strip away your faith, safeguard that vital belief above all else.

The warning to be cautious of certain individuals refers not to those who may betray you, but rather to those who approach you in deceptive appearances, resembling harmless sheep, while in reality, they are predatory wolves lurking within (Matt. 7:15).

Forewarns them of upcoming challenges, equipping them for the battle ahead. Caution against individuals, or anticipate threats from them.

They would strike them in their places of worship, believing it would enhance the glory of God. In those spaces where prayers and hymns were raised, where the Word was proclaimed, and where offerings were made, they would carry out executions of the apostles as if these acts were a tribute to the Lord. Indeed, the martyrdom of the apostles represented a true offering to God, not for the advantage of the Jewish people, but for the exaltation of the apostles themselves. For the Jews, it was ultimately a path to ruin.

Consider the steadfastness required in all matters, so that we do not falter in times of hardship or be troubled by anger. Hence, the Savior warns us: Be cautious of those who are part of the world that despises you.

Exercise caution with individuals in general and do not naïvely place your trust in everyone regarding the proclamation of the Gospel, lest you put yourself at risk of suffering persecution for no reason. (As a testimony to them and to the nations cf. 24:14)

Be cautious of those who may attack you like wolves among sheep. Avoid placing your life at unnecessary risk and refrain from provoking unwarranted hostility towards yourself. Exercise prudence and allow your discernment to guide you in determining when to share the word of God and when to withhold it, following my instruction—do not give what is sacred to dogs, nor cast your treasures before swine (Matthew 7:6). However, if your discernment indicates that avoiding the impending danger would compromise your apostolic responsibilities, do not fear the trials that may come: my adversaries will bring you to trial and beat you in their assemblies. Yet, do not resist them with force; instead, confront their opposition with your humility and gentle spirit. In doing so, you shall triumph over the world.

He cautioned them that they would face considerable trials during their current and forthcoming apostolic missions. They would be put on trial and scourged in the synagogues, brought before rulers and kings. Nonetheless, they should not be anxious about how to express themselves, for at that moment it would be granted to them from heaven what to say. The message of peace will be distorted by mankind's wicked desires into a battle cry filled with rage and animosity, forcing them to flee from their relentless adversaries from one city to another. Yet, they must persevere until the end, for they will not manage to travel through all the cities of Israel before the Son of Man arrives.

Be cautious of individuals, referred to as wolves, who originate from a realm detached from the followers of Christ, a realm that harbors animosity towards them (John 15:19; John 17:14). The warning to 'beware' encourages prudence; avoid unnecessary peril, refrain from provoking hostility and persecution, and guard your life, which is precious to the mission of spreading the Gospel.

When it comes to 'giving to the judgments,' this refers to the courts where offenses that did not fall under the jurisdiction of the supreme authority, the Sanhedrin, were addressed, found in every city and larger settlement (see note on Matthew 5:22).

The Lord continued to instruct His apostles by foretelling the hardships they would face in their ministry: Be cautious of people, for you will be handed over to authorities, and in their gatherings, you will be beaten. You will stand before rulers and kings for My sake, serving as a testimony to them and to the nations. When you are brought to trial, do not worry about how you should respond or what you should say, for in that moment, God will provide you with the words. It will not be you who speaks, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Families will turn against one another, with siblings betraying each other to death, and parents turning against their children. You will be hated by everyone because of My name, but the one who perseveres to the end will be saved. The Lord consistently warned His disciples regarding the suffering that would come to those who spread the Gospel.