Why are we told, “Do not fear those who can kill the body” in Matthew 10:28?

Response

Matthew 10:28 is part of the general instructions Jesus gave to His disciples before sending them out on a mission. The complete verse reads, “Do not fear those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” Alternatively, the ESV version states, “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” This same teaching can be found in Luke 12:4–5.

As followers of Christ, we can readily apply the lesson from Matthew 10:28. Similar to the early disciples, we are commissioned to spread the gospel to the unbelieving world (Matthew 28:19-20;Romans 10:10-17). We also reside in a society that is increasingly hostile towards Christianity, positioning us as sheep among wolves « Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. », (Matthew 10:16).

Now more than ever, we require a reminder to “not fear.” According to the Cato Institute, referencing a study by Open Doors USA, Christianity is identified as the most persecuted faith globally (www.cato.org/commentary/christianity-worlds-most-persecuted-religion-confirms-new-report, 3/7/22, accessed 5/10/23). In nations like Afghanistan, openly professing one’s belief in Jesus can result in a death sentence. Even in countries with a dominant religion like Nigeria, Christians are targeted by extremist Islamic factions. Mainstream America exhibits animosity towards Christianity and its principles. An American Christian may face repercussions or job loss for upholding biblical stances on marriage and gender.

It is alluring to fear those who can harm the body. After all, who desires persecution? Who is willing to forfeit their means of sustenance, their companions, their standing, and even their own lives for the sake of the gospel?Their lives? Compromise is simple in a postmodern world. The implicit rule appears to be that you can practice Christianity as long as you do not swim against the current of public opinion. Nevertheless, being with Jesus requires going against the current. We are not of this world and should not be conformed to it (1 John 2:15-17;Romans 12:2).

Matthew 10:28 and the accompanying verses act as a warning, a command, and an encouragement. We are to reserve our fear for God, the One in control of life and death. We should also be encouraged because, even when confronting persecution and death, our souls are ultimately in God’s hands. As individuals reconciled to God, this is good news (2 Corinthians 5:18-19;Romans 5:10-11;Colossians 1:20-23)!

Do not be surprised that “those who kill the body” hate believers. In Matthew 10:24–25, Jesus stated, “Students are not greater than their teacher, and slaves are not greater than their master. Students are to be like their teacher, and slaves are to be like their master. And since I, the master of the household, have been called the prince of demons, the members of my household will be called by even worse names!” (NLT).

If Jesus was hated, His followers will be as well. People today brand Christians as hateful, bigoted, rigid, and more for their stance on cultural issues that involve morality. Moreover, the gospel itself is offensive and foolish to some (1 Corinthians 1:18-21;Galatians 5:11). This helps us to embrace Jesus’ command not to fear those who can kill the body.

Please bear in mind that Christians are not granted permission to develop a persecution complex or to be hateful. If persecution comes our way, it should never be due to our misconduct. Nonetheless, “it is no shCame to suffer for being a Christian” «Yet if any man suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. », (1 Peter 4:16, NLT). We need not fear the powers of the present world. Every knee will eventually bow to Christ (Philippians 2:10-11).