What does Matthew 10:28 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 10:28 is a verse that speaks to the distinction between the mortal life and the eternal soul.

Jesus, addressing His disciples, emphasizes the importance of not living in fear of those who can harm the body but cannot touch the soul's eternal destiny.

The admonition is to reserve true fear for God, who holds authority over both physical death and the soul’s everlasting fate.

In a deeper sense, the verse underscores the concept of eternal judgment and the sovereignty of God over life and afterlife.

Historical Context

This verse is part of a discourse Jesus gave to His twelve disciples when He sent them out to preach the Kingdom of Heaven.

It is set in a time when the early Christians were facing persecution for their beliefs. Jesus was preparing His followers for the hardships they would encounter, teaching them to trust in God's protection and providence despite the threats they would face from worldly authorities or persecutors.

Theological Insights

Theologically, Matthew 10:28 captures several important doctrines:

1. Immortality of the Soul: The soul is presented as surviving beyond physical death.
2. Divine Judgment: Implicit is the belief in a final judgment where God is the ultimate arbiter of one's fate.
3. Fear of God: The "fear" suggested here is often interpreted as a reverential awe and respect for God's power and authority, not terror.

Different theological traditions may emphasize different aspects of this verse. For example, a Calvinist might stress God's sovereignty in salvation and judgment, while an Arminian might focus on the human response to God’s offer of salvation.

Practical Applications

This verse can be applied in daily life in several ways:

1. Courage: Encouraging believers to remain steadfast in their faith even in the face of physical danger.
2. Priorities: Urging individuals to value their spiritual well-being over physical safety or comfort.
3. Perspective: Instilling a sense of an eternal perspective in life decisions and values.

Cross-References

• Luke 12:4-5: "And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.

But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear..."

• Revelation 20:14: "And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire.

This is the second death."

• Ecclesiastes 12:7: "Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it."

Language Study

In Matthew 10:28, key Greek words include:

• "Kill" (ἀποκτείνω, apokteinō): literally means "to kill" or "to slay."
• "Soul" (ψυχή, psychē): often used to represent life or the vital breath, but also the immortal soul.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, there is a concept of duality between the body and the spirit or soul.

For example, in ancient Egyptian religion, the concept of "Ka" (spirit) and "Ba" (personality) resembles the distinction being made in Matthew 10:28.

Also, in various philosophies and religions, the notion of fearing a deity is common, although the nature of that fear and its implications may differ.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific viewpoint, the concept of an immortal soul or afterlife is not a testable hypothesis and thus lies outside the scope of empirical science.

However, the effects of religious beliefs on human behavior and psychology, such as the impact of fear or awe in the context of religious reverence, are matters of interest within the field of psychology and neuroscience.

Commentaries

Commentators offer various thoughts on this verse:

1. John Calvin saw this verse as highlighting the limited power of persecutors compared to the supreme power of God.

2. William Barclay identifies the verse as a call to the proper valuation of eternal things over temporal ones.

3. John Gill noted that this serves as a comfort to believers, assuring them of their soul's security in God’s hands despite bodily harm.