Matthew 10:25 - Printer Friendly

ESV: It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household.

NIV: It is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household!

NASB: It is enough for the disciple that he may become like his teacher, and the slave like his master. If they have called the head of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they insult the members of his household!

CSB: It is enough for a disciple to become like his teacher and a slave like his master. If they called the head of the house ‘Beelzebul,’ how much more the members of his household!

NLT: 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!

KJV: It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?

NKJV: It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household!

In warning His apostles of impending persecution, Jesus has declared to them that a disciple is not above his teacher or a servant above his master (Matthew 10:24). This is a theme Jesus will also mention during the Last Supper, referring both to humble service (John 13:15–17) and the expectation of harassment (John 15:18–20).

Success for a disciple or student involves becoming like his teacher or master. In the case of these disciples, the persecution of their master had already begun. Though Jesus is "the master," Jewish religious leaders have associated Him with evil and evil spirits. Jesus is using a play on words grounded in the original language of His era. Matthew recorded a specific instance of this after Jesus had cast out a demon (Matthew 9:34), and another is mentioned later (Matthew 12:24).

The Greek Beelzeboul is a deliberately distorted reference to Baal, sometimes called Ba'al Zabuwb. Baal was a common name used for a Philistine deity; Ba'al Zebuwb most literally means "lord of the fly." Transitioning into Greek, the term "beelzebul" means "master of the house" or "lord of the high places," still with the implication of a reference to Satan. In Matthew 9:34, religious leaders accused Jesus of being enabled by Satan: by "beelzebub" (Matthew 12:24). They ironically recognize that Jesus acts with authority, but ascribe that power to the Devil, rather than to God. Jesus now brings His point to a logical conclusion. If hostile non-believers think the master is evil, and persecute Him, how much more will they malign and persecute His disciples? Common sense says Christ's disciples should not be surprised when the Jewish religious leaders later reject Jesus as the Messiah and persecute those who proclaim Him.

Matthew 10:16–25 follows Jesus' instructions to His twelve apostles, giving them guidance for their impending missionary journey. Here, He begins to describe events that will follow His own resurrection and return to heaven. When that time comes, the apostles will be arrested and dragged before various courts and officials because they represent Christ and insist that He is the Son of God. The Holy Spirit will speak through them about Jesus. They will run from one town to another to avoid persecution, spreading the good news about Christ as they go. Jesus was persecuted, so they will be, as well. Much as Jesus will do during the Last Supper (John 16:25–33), He will encourage these men to stand firm in their faith.

Jesus gives His authority over disease, demons, and even death to His twelve hand-picked apostles. He gives them instructions in preparation both for a short-term trip to the towns of Galilee and their ministry after He has left the earth. First, they will preach His message of the kingdom in Israelite towns as they heal and cast out demons to demonstrate His power. Later, they will suffer great persecution as they represent Him before both Jews and Gentiles. They should not be afraid, though, and trust their Father to be with them and to reward them.

Jesus has recently expressed compassion for the people of Israel, who are spiritually lost. Matthew 10 is a record of Jesus' instructions to His twelve core apostles, as He sends them on a short-term trip to the towns of Galilee. He also includes warnings and encouragements about the persecution they will eventually experience. In chapter 11, Jesus will continue to proclaim truth to the people of Israel, leading to further conflict with local religious leaders.

The Gospel of Matthew clearly shows the influence of its writer's background, and his effort to reach a specific audience. Matthew was one of Jesus' twelve disciples, a Jewish man, and a former tax collector. This profession would have required literacy, and Matthew may have transcribed some of Jesus' words as they were spoken. This book is filled with references to the Old Testament, demonstrating to Israel that Jesus is the Promised One. Matthew also includes many references to coins, likely due to his former profession. Matthew records extensive accounts of Jesus' teaching, more than the other three Gospels.