Matthew 16:27Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Do you recognize that the Father and the Son share the same glory? If their glory is united, it clearly indicates that their essence is also united. If there exists a distinction in glory within the unity of essence—from the glory of the sun differing from that of the moon, and the glory of one star differing from another (1 Cor. 15:41), despite their shared essence—how can we see those who share a single glory as anything but one? He did not state that the glory is unique to the Father, so as not to suggest any difference; rather, He precisely illustrates that the glory is one and the same, declaring, "In the glory of the Father shall He come." Therefore, He asks, "What do you fear, Peter, when you hear of death? You will see me in the glory of the Father.

The incorruptible Judge will arrive, assessing each person based on their actions. His coming is also to be met with reverence, for He appears in His splendor accompanied by angels, not in a state of humiliation.

Peter, who was disheartened by the Lord's foretelling of His death, was restrained by the Lord’s admonition. The disciples are called to forsake themselves, bear their cross, and follow the Master with a spirit of self-denial. The fear experienced by the listeners was intense and could evoke trepidation in others after the leading apostle had felt the weight of fear himself. Therefore, the sorrowful message is soon accompanied by one of joy when He declares that the Son of Man will return in the glory of His Father alongside His angels. If you find yourself fearing death, turn your attention to the glory of the victorious one; and if the cross instills fear, consider the service of the angels. Furthermore, He proclaims that He will reward everyone according to their actions. There is no division between Jew and Gentile, male and female, or rich and poor, as it is the actions, not the outward appearances, that are taken into consideration.

He demonstrated that he shared the same glory as the Father, as evidenced by his declaration regarding the glory of the Father. If he possesses identical glory, it follows that his essence, authority, and divinity are unified. Those who share the same glory inherently share all other attributes as well.

Christ assured us of an incomparable return in the glory of the Father, thereby silencing heretical voices and halting their demonic influences. He did not phrase it as coming in a different glory from the Father, to prevent any misconception of disparity. Instead, with utmost clarity, He stated that He will return in the very same glory. Hence, it is essential to acknowledge that this glory is identical. Those who share the same glory also share the same divine essence. If anyone doubts this, they should reflect on my words. Where there is not a single essence, there exists a distinction in glory—as seen in the differing glories of the sun, moon, and stars; for "the star differs in glory from the star" (1 Cor. 15:41). So, how could those possessing one glory also possess a different essence? For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father (Matt. 16:27).

The Son of Man will arrive in the glory of His Father, accompanied by His angels, as the Sovereign with His spiritual hosts, to carry out the Final and Just Judgment upon all humanity, from Adam to the last individual on earth. At that time, He will remind, reward, or punish each person according to their actions. St. Chrysostom notes that the glory shared by the Father and the Son is singular, signifying their shared essence: the Son is of one substance with the Father. He further expresses his trepidation regarding the Judgment, acknowledging that he is not among those crowned. He suggests that many may also experience fear, as the reality of this word strikes deep within one's conscience. Who can remain unshaken by such a truth?

The evangelists Mark and Luke record that Jesus Christ conveyed these teachings openly to the public. The impetus for these remarks stemmed from the disciples' objections to His foretelling of His suffering and death. Here, Jesus reaffirms the message given to the apostles regarding the necessity of His tribulations and demise: He must endure suffering and death, and those who place their faith in Him are called to walk the same path. The essence of these teachings mirrors that found in Matthew 10:37-39.

The wealth and possessions accumulated throughout one's life cannot redeem a soul that is lost.

He spoke to all of them, imparting His teachings and emphasizing that the foundation of every noble obligation and the essence of authentic life, which represents the highest form of service to God and the most uplifting example for humanity, lies in the principle of self-denial. On this occasion, He uttered words that have significantly shaped humanity's conscience, elevating their focus from the earthly to the divine realm: “What profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, but harms his own soul? Or what ransom shall a man give for his soul?” Furthermore, Christ reiterated that He Himself would face trial.

The Son of Man will return “in the glory of His Father” (see note on Matthew 8:20). He will arrive enveloped in the same grandeur and splendor that surrounds God Himself, accompanied by a multitude of holy angels, His servants. Each individual will receive either reward or punishment based on their actions; righteousness will be rewarded, while wrongdoing will incur punishment. Genuine righteousness is rooted in faith, and thus faith encompasses the good works that are celebrated, whereas unbelief serves as the foundation for sinful actions, which will face judgment. This pertains primarily to Christ's ultimate judgment, although the assessment of the righteous and the unrighteous begins in this life with the establishment of the Messiah’s kingdom on earth (cf. Matt. 16:28, cf. Jn. 3:17-19).

The Lord affirmed that the path of self-denial leads to salvation, stating: If anyone seeks to preserve his life in this world, he will ultimately lose it; however, if anyone sacrifices his life for My sake and the Gospel, he will discover true life. What does it profit a man to gain the entire world if he forfeits his soul? Or what can a man offer in exchange for his soul? Anyone who is ashamed of Me and My teachings in this sinful and wayward generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of when He comes in His glory, along with His Father’s glory and the angels; then, He will render to each individual according to their actions.