A.T. Robertson Commentary Matthew 16:24

"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." — Matthew 16:24 (ASV)

Take up his cross (αρατω τον σταυρον αυτου). Pick up at once, aorist tense. This same saying in 10:38, which see. But pertinent here also in explanation of Christ's rebuke to Peter. Christ's own cross faces him. Peter had dared to pull Christ away from his destiny. He would do better to face squarely his own cross and to bear it after Jesus. The disciples would be familiar with cross-bearing as a figure of speech by reason of the crucifixion of criminals in Jerusalem.

Follow (ακαλουθειτω). Present tense. Keep on following.