Signs and leaven
Matthew 16:1–12FocusDiscernment about teaching
Connection to the wholeJesus warns the disciples against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees, correcting their initial concern about bread.
interpretation Matthew 16:27
KJVFor the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
Read it in context
Jesus Predicts His Suffering and Teaches on Discipleship and His Return
Start reading at Matthew 16:21 (Matthew 16:21 to Matthew 16:28).
This verse is part of a discourse where Jesus first predicts His suffering, rebukes Peter, and then teaches His disciples about the cost of following Him, culminating in the promise of His glorious return and judgment.
- 16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
- 16:22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.
- 16:23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.
- 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
- 16:25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
- 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
- 16:27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
- 16:28 Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Matthew the apostle and tax collector is the author named by early church tradition. This is the historic attribution, not a personal signature in the Gospel. Biblical references: Matthew 9:9; Matthew 10:3. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Matthew 16:1–16:28): Pharisees and Sadducees ask Jesus for a sign. Jesus then teaches His disciples, with Peter speaking in the confession and the exchange about Jesus' coming suffering. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? A Christian readership deeply familiar with Israel's Scriptures, commonly understood as substantially Jewish in background but also concerned with the Gentile mission. A particular congregation or city is not certain. Biblical references: Matthew 1:1; Matthew 5:17; Matthew 28:19. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. book background
What
- What is the main event or theme? The main theme is the future coming of the Son of man in the glory of his Father, accompanied by his angels, to reward every man according to his works.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing the certainty of the Son of man's future glorious return and the principle of divine judgment, where every individual will be rewarded based on their actions.
- What is the literary style? This verse is a prophetic statement by Jesus, embedded within a Gospel narrative that records His teachings.
When
- When was it written? The Gospel of Matthew was written approximately A.D. 50 to 70.
- When does the event take place? The teaching itself occurred during Jesus' earthly ministry, around A.D. 30. The event described—the coming of the Son of man in glory and the rewarding of every man—is a future event.
Where
- Where did it happen? This teaching by Jesus occurred after He came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, as recorded in the surrounding passage.
- Where was the author located? The author, Matthew, was located in Judea or Antioch when he wrote this Gospel.
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Jesus Predicts His Suffering and Teaches on Discipleship and His Return (Matthew 16:21 to Matthew 16:28). Start reading at Matthew 16:21. This verse is part of a discourse where Jesus first predicts His suffering, rebukes Peter, and then teaches His disciples about the cost of following Him, culminating in the promise of His glorious return and judgment.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This verse concludes Jesus' teaching on the cost of discipleship, which includes denying oneself, taking up one's cross, and losing one's life for His sake. It provides the ultimate motivation for such commitment by revealing the future glorious return of the Son of man and the certainty of divine judgment and reward. interpretation
- How does it point to Christ? The passage points to Christ by identifying Him as "the Son of man" who will come in "the glory of his Father" with "his angels" to reward every man. This demonstrates the Son of man's intimate connection with the one God, His Father, and His divine authority to execute judgment and dispense rewards, thereby manifesting the glory of the one God. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? Today, this passage calls believers to live with an awareness of the future return of the Son of man and the certainty of divine judgment. This understanding should motivate faithful works, self-denial, and a willingness to lose one's life for Christ's sake, knowing that a just reward awaits. interpretation
Cited: Matthew 16:27, Matthew 16:13, Matthew 16:21, Matthew 16:24-26, Matthew 24:30, Matthew 25:31, Matthew 26:64, Psalm 62:12, Proverbs 24:12, Jeremiah 17:10
Who wrote it, and how we know
Matthew (Levi), the apostle
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionEarly church testimony names Matthew the apostle, notably Papias in the early second century and Irenaeus later.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text. The titles were attached early but are not part of the original writing.
Other accounts of this event
Peter's confession and Jesus' first passion prediction
Parallel accounts
These passages describe overlapping parts of the same event. Each account retains its own wording and emphasis.
Related passages
- the Son Matt 24:30 Matt 25:31 Matt 26:64 Mark 14:62 Luke 21:27 Luke 22:69
- with Matt 13:41,49 Dan 7:10 Zech 14:5 2 Thess 1:7-10 Jude 1:14
- and then Matt 10:41-42 Job 34:11 Ps 62:12 Prov 24:12 Isa 3:10-11 Jer 17:10 Jer 32:19 Ezek 7:27
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Matthew 16
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
Peter's confession
Matthew 16:13–20FocusJesus' identity
Connection to the wholeThe disciples' answer to who Jesus is becomes a turning point before He explains His coming suffering.
interpretation FocusSuffering and discipleship
Connection to the wholeJesus' passion prediction and correction of Peter show that acknowledging His identity must be joined to accepting His path and demands.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Matthew
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
The promised Messiah introduced
Matthew 1:1–4:16FocusOrigins and preparation
Connection to the wholeThe genealogy, birth, baptism, and temptation establish Jesus' identity and mission before His public preaching expands.
interpretation The kingdom proclaimed
Matthew 4:17–7:29FocusMinistry and the mountain discourse
Connection to the wholeJesus announces the kingdom, calls disciples, and teaches the righteousness and obedience that characterize His hearers' response.
interpretation Authority and mission
Matthew 8:1–10:42FocusWorks of mercy and sent disciples
Connection to the wholeHealings and other mighty works display Jesus' authority; He then commissions disciples and prepares them for opposition.
interpretation Responses to the kingdom
Matthew 11:1–13:58FocusOpposition, revelation, and parables
Connection to the wholeContrasting responses to Jesus lead into parables that explain hearing, growth, judgment, and the kingdom's value.
interpretation FocusIdentity, suffering, and community
Connection to the wholeJesus teaches disciples about His coming suffering and about humility, care for others, correction, and forgiveness.
interpretation Jerusalem and accountability
Matthew 19:1–25:46FocusConflict, judgment, and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeThe journey to Jerusalem and temple disputes lead into warnings about judgment and the need for faithful readiness.
interpretation Death, resurrection, and commission
Matthew 26:1–28:20FocusThe crucified and risen Lord
Connection to the wholeJesus' passion and resurrection bring the narrative to the commission to teach all nations and obey His commands.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.