Matthew 10:23 Meaning and Explanation
“But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →When persecuted in one town, the disciples are to flee to the next, for the work will not be finished before the Son of man comes.
What Does Matthew 10:23 Mean?
Jesus gives practical counsel for the days of persecution: when driven out of one city, the disciples are to flee to another. Flight is not failure but wisdom, preserving the messengers to continue the mission. He seals the word with his authority, promising that the work among the cities of Israel will not be completed before the Son of man comes.
To call himself the Son of man is to draw on the prophetic vision of one given everlasting dominion. The disciple labors with the assurance that the task is held within God's larger purpose and timing. There is always another city, always more to do, and the coming of the Lord lends urgency and hope to every step of the journey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 10:23
What does Matthew 10:23 mean?
When persecuted in one town, the disciples are to flee to the next, for the work will not be finished before the Son of man comes.