Matthew 10:26 Commentary and Bible Study

(Synoptics: Matthew 10:26-33) Fear might make the disciples keep silent in the face of persecution, but they must not do so; they must overcome their fears. We see easily enough that what provokes our enemies most of all is what we say, and therefore one easy way to escape persecution is to say nothing, to let our testimony fall silent. They will tolerate us a little more if we remain as private disciples, secret disciples. What is Christ’s remedy for this fear? The next few verses will add more, but in this verse Christ counters our fears with the assurance that nothing will remain hidden, but all will be revealed, all will be made known. How does that help us not to fear? It tells us that we must not hide ourselves. If we are tempted to hide what we are, we will not be successful. God is going to ensure that nothing remains hidden ultimately. His people will be revealed for what they are, and the unbelieving men and women of the world will be revealed for what they are. Christ had used this same illustration on a previous occasion, when instructing his disciples about their witness. There too it might have been fear that made them want to hide their light under a bushel [measuring bowl], or under a bed. It was fear of being seen for what they are, fear of broadcasting the light that is in them – a most contradictory fear. What is the greatest truth about a Christian? It is that he knows God; he knows Christ; he has the light of the gospel within him. How can he deny what he is by hiding that light? How can he try to take away his fears by pretending to be what he is not. Christ will not allow this. The Spirit of God has put that light within us so that we may shine forth his truth to a world in darkness. We may either hide that light and accommodate ourselves to the darkness, or we may shine into this dark world and accommodate ourselves to the light of God’s eternal day that is coming. In view of the fact that God is going to remove the darkness of this world and bring his truth to light, the way which we should go is clear. To be on the Lord’s side now is to anticipate what God is going to do in the future. Our victory is secure on Calvary, and although the world does not understand the implications of Calvary, they will see them clearly when Christ appears. It tells us also that if the world tries to hide us, it will not be successful. The world conceals the disciples; it tries to bury us, to put us in obscurity. In the modern times in this country the world saturates the airwaves and squeezes you out. Evangelical Christian testimony will be obscured and suppressed. What you teach is hidden as far as they are concerned. Nevertheless, God will magnify our efforts. He will uncover his truth, not only in the last day, but – as the next verse tells us – even in this world, through the efforts of his people to publish the gospel.