Definition: Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James [the son] of Zebedee, and John his brother;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 10:2. It's a really important introduction to the group of apostles Jesus has chosen. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: “Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James [the son] of Zebedee, and John his brother.” Basically, this verse tells us that Jesus has already selected 12 people to follow him. “The names of the twelve apostles…” – This means we know who these people are. “…are these;” – This is a way of saying “These are…” or "Here's the list of the twelve." “The first, Simon, who is called Peter…” – This names one of the apostles – Simon (often translated as Peter). He’s known for his importance in Jesus’ ministry. “and Andrew his brother…” - He's joined by his brother, Andrew. “…James [the son] of Zebedee, and John his brother.” – These are two other apostles: James and John. So, it’s a list of the twelve people Jesus has chosen to serve as his messengers. It's a foundational part of the story that sets up the entire plan for Jesus’ ministry in the Bible. Why is this important? This verse establishes that Jesus was preparing a team of people to do His work. It shows that he was already planning a large group of followers and leaders. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Tell you about the significance of Peter or Andrew?

Definition: For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this really beautiful and important verse from Matthew 10:20! It's a bit poetic, but here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that the power to speak and live out your faith isn’t coming from you – you – personally. Instead, it comes from something bigger than us. It’s about a helper or a spirit within you. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “For it is not ye that speak…” - This means that the ability to share your beliefs, your love, and your actions isn’t you doing it. It’s a gift, a responsibility, given to others. “…but the Spirit of your Father…” – The “Spirit of your Father” is a really powerful image. It's not just any spirit; it's a divine power, a guiding force that comes from God. Think of it as a helper or a presence within you. "...which speaketh in you." - This is the key part! It means that this spirit – this helper – is actively working inside you and enabling you to express your faith, live out your values, and do good things. It’s like a voice or an influence guiding you to act in God's ways. So, what does it mean practically? It means that we are called to be witnesses of Christ – to share His message and love with others. We aren't just saying the words; we’re living them through our actions and thoughts, empowered by this inner spirit. In a nutshell: The verse emphasizes that God empowers us to live out our faith through the help of the Holy Spirit – which is within us all! --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Go into more detail about any part of this verse? Give an example of how this principle applies in your life?

Definition: And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against [their] parents, and cause them to be put to death.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly serious passage from Matthew 10:21. It's a shocking verse that describes a truly horrific act – violence between brothers and family members. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: What it means: This verse is essentially saying that if your brother commits a violent crime against another person, you are obligated to stop him. It’s condemning the very idea of allowing such violence to happen. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Matthew 10:21” : This refers to a specific passage in the Gospel of Matthew about Jesus sending his disciples on a mission. “And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death…” : This is the core of the warning. It means that if a brother commits violence against another, you have a moral obligation to stop him before he causes harm. It’s not just about punishing the person; it's about preventing the violence from escalating. “…and the father the child…” : This highlights the disturbing nature of this situation. It’s not just about one person harming another; it’s about a sibling relationship being twisted into something violent. “And the children shall rise up against [their] parents, and cause them to be put to death.” : This is the chilling consequence. It describes a rebellion – a group of people, likely family members, rising up against their parents and causing them harm. This suggests a complete breakdown of social order and a willingness to violence. What’s the message? This verse speaks to the importance of love, responsibility, and protecting those you care about. It's a stark warning against: Forgiveness: It challenges us to forgive our own siblings, even when they have wronged us. Justice: It emphasizes the need to hold people accountable for their actions. Protection: It highlights our duty to safeguard those around us from harm and violence. Important Note: This verse is a difficult one to understand and can be interpreted in various ways. It’s crucial to remember that it's a reference to the historical context of a time when the Jewish community was facing great turmoil, and this passage reflects a deep concern about maintaining order and protecting its members. Disclaimer: I’m providing this explanation for educational purposes only. The Bible contains complex themes and can be interpreted differently by different people. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of the verse in more detail (e.g., its historical context)? Discuss how this verse relates to other biblical teachings about forgiveness or justice?

Definition: And ye shall be hated of all [men] for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this really important verse from Matthew 10:22. It’s a pretty powerful message about following Jesus and enduring through difficult times. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that anyone who truly loves and follows Jesus will be treated poorly by others – they’ll likely be disliked or even hated – but those who persevere to the very end are saved (saved from something bad). Let's unpack it piece by piece: "And ye shall be hated of all men..." This is a bit harsh, but it means that Jesus and his followers will face opposition, criticism, and maybe even rejection from people who don’t agree with them. They won’t be popular or well-liked. It's like when you stand out in a crowd – you're noticed! "...for my name’s sake." This is the key part. “My name” refers to Jesus himself. The writer is saying that because Jesus is important and loved, people will oppose him. It's not about Jesus being a bad person; it’s about the fact that he’s a central figure in God’s plan. "But he that endureth to the end shall be saved." This is the message of hope! It means that those who truly love and follow Jesus will face challenges, but they don’t have to give up. Enduring means staying strong and committed through everything. “Saved” means being protected from harm or punishment – it's a promise of eternal life and a positive outcome. In essence, the verse is encouraging us to: Be faithful to Jesus: Live your life according to his teachings and values. Don’t give up: Even when things are tough, keep going! Don't lose hope or stop believing in Jesus. Stay strong: Because of our faith, we can overcome challenges and ultimately be blessed. Why is this verse important? It's a reminder that God’s love isn’t just about us; it’s also about those who follow him . It encourages us to be resilient in the face of opposition and to trust in Jesus as the one who will protect us. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with an example? Talk about its significance in a specific context (like persecution)?

Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 10:23. It’s a really important and powerful message about standing strong in the face of adversity. Here's a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is telling us to protect yourself and your community when people are trying to harm you. It’s essentially saying, “Don’t be complacent; be prepared to move on if things get tough.” Let's unpack it word by word: “But when they persecute you in this city…” – This means that right now , someone is trying to stop you or your group from doing what you’re doing. “Persecute” means to try and harm, discourage, or punish you. It could be anything from being mocked or ignored, to being physically attacked, to being accused of something wrong. “…flee ye into another…” – This is the key instruction. "Flee" means to run away. “Into another” means to move to a different place. “For verily I say unto you…” – This is Jesus’s way of emphasizing his message. “Verily” means very seriously. He's saying this isn't just a suggestion; it’s a command. "I" refers to him, and the “say” signifies that he is speaking with authority. “Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel…” – This part is crucial. It means don’t abandon your entire community or area. It's saying you shouldn't just leave your home, your family, and your work. You should stay strong and continue to serve God wherever you are. "...until the Son of man be come." – This is a very important part that connects to Jesus’s future return. “The Son of man” refers to Jesus Christ. “Be come” means He will arrive, or will take on a human form, and then he will return to earth. So, what does it all mean? Jesus is saying that even when people are trying to cause problems in your current location, you need to be prepared to move to a different place. It’s about protecting yourself and others from harm. It's a call to vigilance and courage. The idea isn’t just about physical safety; it’s about spiritual protection – staying true to God and your faith. In short, this verse is a reminder that God is with you, even when things are difficult, and He will protect you if you trust Him. Does that make sense? Would you like me to: Explain another part of the passage in more detail? Give some examples of how this verse might be applied in real-life situations?

Definition: The disciple is not above [his] master, nor the servant above his lord.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this important verse from Matthew 10:24. It’s a really profound idea about relationships and respect. Here’s what it means in plain language: Basically, it means that everyone – even people in positions of authority or leadership – should treat each other with the same level of respect and dignity. Let's unpack it a little further: “The disciple” : This refers to those who are following Jesus. It’s not just about followers; it includes anyone who is learning from, working alongside, or being guided by Jesus. “…is not above [his] master…” : This means someone isn't superior to their employer, a teacher, or someone in a position of power. They aren't treating them with more importance or privilege. "...nor the servant above his lord.” : This is the core of the verse. It means that even those who are serving or working for someone else – like a waiter, a farmer, or a shopkeeper – should treat them with the same respect and kindness as they would treat their boss or master. Why is this important? Jesus emphasizes humility in his teachings. This verse reminds us to: Be respectful: Treat others with courtesy and consideration. Recognize worth: Understand that everyone has value, regardless of their position. Avoid arrogance: Don’t act superior or dismissive. In short, it's a call for good relationships – treating everyone with dignity and valuing them equally. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further in more detail? Give you an example of how this principle applies in everyday life?

Definition: 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?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 10:25. It's a really interesting and slightly surprising one! Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about respect and valuing your fellow believers. It’s saying that when you’re working alongside someone, you should treat them with the same level of respect and responsibility as you would a master or lord. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master..." – This means that a disciple (someone dedicated to following Jesus) shouldn’t just treat their fellow believers as subordinates or servants. They should treat them with dignity, care, and responsibility. It's about recognizing their worth. "...and the servant as his lord." – This is the key part. It compares a disciple to a servant. A servant is someone who works for another person, following their instructions and doing what they’re told. Jesus uses this analogy to highlight that true discipleship isn't about being less than your fellow believers; it’s about being more respectful and loving them. "If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more [shall they call] them of his household?" – This is where it gets a little symbolic. Beelzebub was a demon who delighted in causing trouble and disrupting peace. Jesus is saying that even more respect and care are required when you're working alongside someone who is important, powerful, and deserves to be treated well. So, what’s the point? The verse isn’t about being overly formal or subservient. It’s about recognizing that true believers are valued and deserve our best effort. It’s a reminder that we should treat each other with the same level of respect, responsibility, and care as we would a leader – someone who has authority and is entrusted with important things. In essence, it's a call to prioritize love, kindness, and respect in your relationships with others. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further? Give some real-world examples of how this principle applies?

Definition: Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful and powerful verse from Matthew 10:26. It’s a really important message about God’s plan and our role in it. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that God has already revealed everything that will happen. It’s like a map – we don’t need to guess what the future holds; God has shown us what’s coming. Let’s unpack it word-by-word: “Fear them not” : This means don't be afraid . It’s a gentle encouragement. “Therefore there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed” : This speaks to the truth of God’s plan. God has already made everything happen – good and bad – in His time. Think of it like a seed – it's planted and grows, but it will eventually sprout into something new. “And hid, that shall not be known” : This is the key part! It means that God’s plan isn't always obvious to us. He doesn’t hide the truth completely; rather, He allows His people to see the consequences of their choices and actions. It’s like a secret – we don’t always understand why something happens, but we know it will happen eventually. In simpler terms: God knows what will happen, and He's letting us experience that future through our lives. It's not about being scared of the future, but about trusting in God's plan and accepting His will for us. Why is this important? This verse encourages us to: Trust in God: It reminds us that we don’t have to figure everything out on our own. Be patient: God’s timing is often different from our own. Live with a sense of purpose: Knowing that God has a plan for us gives us confidence and direction. Does this mean we know exactly what will happen? No, not completely. But it does mean we are positioned to be aware of the consequences of our choices. It’s a reminder that God’s love is unwavering, even when things don't look perfect right now. --- Would you like me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how it applies to your life?

Definition: What I tell you in darkness, [that] speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, [that] preach ye upon the housetops.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 10:27. It’s a really important message about how we should share our faith! Here's a simple explanation: Basically, it means: "What I tell you in darkness..." – This refers to the private teachings and conversations that happen within our own hearts and minds. Think of it as what we think or believe on our own. "[That] speak ye in light:" – This is a call to share those same truths with others. It's about speaking your beliefs openly and honestly. "...and what ye hear in the ear, [that] preach ye upon the housetops." - This is where it gets really powerful. The "ears" represent people who are listening to you – friends, family, colleagues, etc. “Preach ye upon the housetops” means to share these truths publicly and widely. It’s about letting everyone know what you believe! In simpler terms: Don't keep your faith locked away in your own head. Share it with others so they can understand, learn, and grow from it. Why is this important? Jesus wants us to be a beacon of light for others. When we share our beliefs openly and encourage them through conversation, it can make a huge difference in how people see and believe. It's about evangelism (sharing your faith) - The verse encourages believers to actively spread their message. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some examples of how to share your beliefs?

Definition: And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this really important passage from Matthew 10:28. It’s a pretty complex idea, so we'll go through it step-by-step. What does it mean? This verse is about the ultimate stakes of our lives and how to handle danger. It essentially says that God’s judgment isn’t just about taking someone’s life; he also judges them for their entire being – their soul (their spirit) and their body. Let's unpack it: “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul:” This part is straightforward. It means that people who harm us physically (like murderers or those who commit violence) don’t have a problem with our spirit. They don't threaten our faith, our love for God, or our desire to live a good life. They don’t want to take away our hope and purpose. “…but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell:” This is the crucial part. It says that God himself is the one who will ultimately judge us – and he will judge us for everything we do, even if we’re not physically harmed. He’s concerned with our eternal fate - what happens after death. "Hell" here refers to the place of punishment and separation from God. So, essentially, it's a warning about: The ultimate consequence of sin: God sees sin as a threat to everything – our souls, our lives, and our hope for eternal life. God’s justice: He will hold people accountable for their choices, even if they don’t directly harm us. Our responsibility to live a righteous life: Because of this, we must strive to do good, love God, and avoid sin. What does it mean for us ? This verse encourages us to: Be vigilant: Don't be complacent about danger. Always be aware of potential threats. Pray constantly: Pray for God’s protection and guidance. Live a life that pleases Him: Focus on living in a way that honors God and demonstrates love. In short, it’s a reminder that we are not just vulnerable to physical harm; our entire being is at risk if we don't remain faithful to God. --- Resources for Further Exploration: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/bible/Matthew/10%2C28](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/bible/Matthew/10%2C28) GotQuestions.org: [https://www.gotquestions.org/Matthew-10-28.html](https://www.gotquestions.org/Matthew-10-28.html) Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss a specific aspect of it (like the concept of "eternal judgment")?