Fear God, Not Man

Setting and Overview
Verses 17 through 33 of Matthew 10 parallel the first fifteen verses in a number of ways, but they start to look longer-term, still providing a picture of ministry that goes beyond just the immediate mission. These verses provide an unflinching standard that can seem overwhelming to those who are looking for a comfortable Christianity, but they also provide remarkable assurance and encouragement in the midst of clear exhortation.

Exposition
Synagogues were places of justice and punishment along with worship, so facing flogging there would not seem unimaginable to the disciples. Even more frightening, however, would be to be brough before the Roman authorities, who often used professional orators to speak for them (Acts 24:1.) This could make for a frightening and intimidating setting, but Jesus provides the assurance that they did not need to worry about what they would say, as the Holy Spirit would speak for them. While it would be easy for the promise to be overapplied as an excuse for not preparing to teach or instruct from Scripture, used in its proper context where preparation would not even be an option, it is a great comfort. The opposition will not come only from outsiders, however. The Gospel will turn families against each other and will eventually separate Jesus’ true disciples from all who do not belong to him, yet those who do not turn away from their faith can be assured that they will not be separated from God. If there is any question of the rejection that they will face, then they could look no further than what Jesus was already facing, and what he would increasing face in the time to come. If Jesus experienced that rejection, then they should hardly expect that they themselves would receive accolades and honor as they faithfully continued his teaching and ministry.
Despite that opposition, however, they had no reason to fear man, the authorities, or any persecution. They may be lied about as Jesus was, but eventually the truth would be known. In that time Jesus often instructed them to not fully reveal all that he was teaching, but in the times to come they would face no such limitations. Furthermore, even if human powers could take their lives, that was all that they could take, and only then if God permitted. Why then should they be so afraid of people that they would be tempted to turn away from God, who has infinitely more power? Ultimately, the greatest fear is to be denied by Jesus and the greatest comfort is to be affirmed by him. Therefore, there is hardly logic behind allowing fear to lead us to disobey God’s clear command for us. Fear God; do not fear man.

Examination and Application
Although there are six different exhortations through this section, they can all be applied together with remarkable clarity: Proclaim Christ – no matter the opposition, no matter our credentials, no matter the results. This isn’t optional extra credit for Super Christians; this is what it means to be a Christian, period. As Matthew 10:22 makes clear, there is only one kind of Christian: the kind that remains faithful to the end, regardless of the opposition that they face. This doesn’t look like perfection, of course, but it does mean truly accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and eagerly proclaiming him. As we do, we can draw much assurance from this passage. Are we afraid that we aren’t smart enough or eloquent enough? We don’t have to be. Are we afraid of what people can do to us? There is no reason to be. Are we worried that Jesus will not remain faithful to us? He will. That should be enough for us.