Matt. 10:16-23; 1 Pt. 3:13-17, Believer’s Handbook (5)

Before we conclude Jesus’ teaching on opposition to the gospel, we want to note the phrase in v23: til the son of Man come.  It is a term that refers to Jesus' 2nd coming.  Thus, it is clear that He is training His disciples for ministry in the age to come and not giving instruction only for the immediate ministry to "Jews only".  In the Tribulation period there will be a ministry to the Jews as well (Rev. 7) and in that context these words make sense. 

·        Three instructions for persecution. 

o   Don’t seek persecution, v16,23.  We are never to compromise the message of Christ to avoid persecution.  But we can walk in such a way so as not to invite it.  Be wise as serpents, harmless as doves … when they persecute you in this city, flee to another.  The serpent will seek to avoid danger, even warning a person who approaches it.  The dove is harmless, will flay away from danger, causing no danger to itself.  Note that Jesus instructed His disciples to flee persecution, a principle used in Acts (e.g. Peter, 12:17; Paul, 14:5-7).  Of course, Paul was led by God to go to Jerusalem when other believers were warning him of the trouble that awaited him there (20:22-24). 

o   Don’t worry about your response, v19-20.  Note that this is for the emergency situation and is not an excuse for not preparing for teaching and preaching opportunities.  Again, we see this illustrated in Acts, when Peter, with little education, spoke boldly and clearly before the Jews (Ac. 4:8-12).  The key was that, in fact, Peter was properly prepared.  He had set apart the Lord God in his heart and thus was ready at all times to give a defense. 

o   Don’t recant, v22.  The key words here are, he who endures to the end will be saved.  Endurance is the evidence of genuine faith; thus, it is the issue in persecution or suffering of any sort in our lives.  Paul recognized the fact that we live in a crooked and perverse generation; opposition is expected.  But remember that it is an opportunity; in this generation we shine as lights (Phil. 2:14-16).  Paul also recognized that the nature of this world demanded a message that was both clear and bold (Rom. 15:15-16) and asked for prayer that he might persevere with boldness and clarity (Eph. 6:18-20; Col. 4:2-5).  He then encouraged all believers to let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one (Col. 4:6).

Let us follow the example and advice of Peter (1 Pt. 3:15)!  There is no substitute for walking in the Spirit, and for being yielded to our Lord as a living sacrifice.  When God is set apart in our hearts we are ready for whatever He wills to bring our way.