Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 10:23

"But when they persecute you in this city, flee into the next: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone through the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come." — Matthew 10:23 (ASV)

They were to keep to their work and preach in all the cities of Israel, but they might flee from danger in one city and move to another. They were not to stop in a town and contend with the authorities, creating confusion and disorder, but should quickly depart when they were cruelly opposed. It is extremely foolish to attempt to force religion upon people. It advances by gentleness and not by violence. If a town is up in arms against the preacher, he should go where he will be less opposed.

There would always remain cities which needed the light. They would not be forced to cease their labors because certain towns closed their gates against them. Much wasteland needed reclaiming; they should hasten to fresh fields and raise harvests there.

While they were to change their place, they were to keep to their plan. Their mission to Israel was to be a quick work altogether, for the Lord would soon visit the land in judgment, and they would hardly have time to traverse the whole country before Israel’s day of mercy as a nation, dwelling in her own land, would come to a close. The persecution they experienced in one city should quicken their pace in going to another and so promote the rapid visitation of the whole country. They were not to delay over a hopeless town, for they had no time to spare.

In such a diligent manner, we ought to evangelize the world, believing that we do not have an hour to loiter, for the Son of Man may come suddenly. If His advent were to happen very speedily, it would come before all tribes and peoples had heard His Gospel, and this must not be.

Many should run to and fro and spread the knowledge of His cross. If we do not do this willingly, we may be driven to it. Persecution has often been a spur to the Church. Let us be diligent in our holy calling and preach the Gospel while we can do so in peace, for perilous times may come upon us, or the Lord Himself may appear before we expect.

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.

I suppose Christ here alludes to that wondrous coming of His in the destruction of Jerusalem. They had only a short time in which to evangelize that land, so they had to be quick in gathering the Lord's elect before He came in that terrible judgment.

This same truth ought to spur the action of every servant of Christ today. Be quick about your work, for your Master is on the road and will soon be here. You may almost hear the rattling of His chariot wheels, for long ago He said, Surely I come quickly. The trumpets are beginning to sound, and you will scarcely have gone over all the cities of the world before the Son of man shall come unless you hasten with the great task which He has entrusted to you.