Matthew 10:16

Persecution of Disciples

10:16 “I 1  am sending you out like sheep surrounded by wolves, 2  so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.

Matthew 10:28

10:28 Do 3  not be afraid of those who kill the body 4  but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the one who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 5 

1 tn Grk “Behold I.” The Greek word ἰδού (idou) has not been translated because it has no exact English equivalent here, but adds interest and emphasis (BDAG 468 s.v. 1).

2 sn This imagery of wolves is found in intertestamental Judaism; see Pss. Sol. 8:23, 30.

3 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated.

4 sn Judaism had a similar exhortation in 4 Macc 13:14-15.

5 sn See the note on the word hell in 5:22.