Matthew 10:38

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 10:37-38

Parallel passage: Luke 14:26 , Luke 14:27 , where the saying is spoken to the multitudes—presumably its original occasion. Verse 37: A man must place me before his nearest tics. Verse 38: Yea, must receive his cross (however it is brought to him), and with it follow after me. Observe the shadow of the cross upon our Lord's mind. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 10:38

Besides the parallel passage, Luke 14:27 ( vide supra ), of. also (for verses 38, 39) Matthew 16:24 , Matthew 16:25 . and he that taketh not ; doth not take (Revised Version), which calls attention to the change to the more definite mode of expression ( ὃς … λαμβάνει ) . Taketh. Receives in submission when given him; contrast ἀράτω , "take up from the ground" ( Matthew 16:24 ), and βαστάζει , "bear" ( Luke 14:27 ). His cross . A reference to the custom (... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 10:38

Cross-bearing. Confusion of mind is caused by associating this figure with our Lord's crucifixion, or with the fact that he was required to carry his cross to the place of crucifixion. It cannot be too clearly pointed out, that our Lord used the figure to illustrate his teachings before his disciples had formed the faintest idea that he was to be crucified; and yet he must have meant them to understand him. They did understand. Cross-bearing was a commonly used figure of the day, and stood... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 10:38

And he that taketh not his cross ... - When persons were condemned to be crucified, a part of the sentence was that they should carry the cross on which they were to die to the place of execution. Thus, Christ carried his, until he fainted from fatigue and exhaustion. See notes at Matthew 27:31. The cross was usually composed of two rough beams of wood, united in the form of this figure of a cross It was an instrument of death. See the notes at Matthew 27:31-32. To carry it was burdensome, was... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Matthew 10:37-38

Matthew 10:37-38. He that loveth father or mother more than me He that is not ready to give up all these when they stand in competition with his duty; is not worthy of me Nor shall have any interest in my saving benefits. And he that taketh not his cross, &c. Every one condemned to crucifixion by the Romans was compelled to carry the cross, on which he was to be suspended, to the place of execution. Thus our Lord himself was treated. Now, as this was not a Jewish, but a Roman... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Matthew 10:5-42

62. The twelve sent out (Matthew 10:5-42; Mark 6:7-13; Luke 9:1-6)Jesus sent out the twelve apostles to preach the good news that the kingdom of the Messiah had come. The miraculous powers of the Messiah were given to them also, so that the knowledge of his love and mercy might spread more quickly throughout the land (Luke 9:1-2).There would be no time during Jesus’ lifetime to spread the gospel worldwide, so the apostles had to concentrate on Israel. After Jesus’ death and resurrection they... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Matthew 10:38

cross. Greek. stauros. See App-162 . All criminals bore their own cross (John 19:17 ). Compare Matthew 16:25 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Matthew 10:38

And he that doth not take his cross and follow after me, is not worthy of me.How does one take his cross? Cross bearing is the assumption of a burden, a task, or an obligation, which one has the power to refuse, but which is willingly received, carried forward, and discharged because of the good to be accomplished and the glory believed to accrue to the name of Christ. The cross, as set forth here, is not a mere ornament nor some unavoidable burden like sickness, old age, or taxes. There are... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Matthew 10:38

Matthew 10:38. He that taketh not his cross— This alludes to the custom of criminals carrying the cross to which they were to be fastened; and was a strong intimation, that he should himself be crucified; and that none could be a sincere Christian without a willingness to bear even that shameful and cruel death for his sake, if he was called to it. He follows Christ, says Grotius, who leads his life, as much as possible, in conformity to Christ's life and precepts. read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Matthew 10:38

38. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me—a saying which our Lord once and again emphatically reiterates (Matthew 16:24; Luke 9:23; Luke 14:27). We have become so accustomed to this expression—"taking up one's cross"—in the sense of "being prepared for trials in general for Christ's sake," that we are apt to lose sight of its primary and proper sense here—"a preparedness to go forth even to crucifixion," as when our Lord had to bear His own cross on His... read more

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