Church Fathers Commentary Matthew 10:19-20

"But when they deliver you up, be not anxious how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father that speaketh in you." — Matthew 10:19-20 (ASV)

St. John Chrysostom: To the previous topics of consolation, He adds another significant one. So that they would not ask, "How will we be able to persuade such men when they persecute us?" He encourages them regarding their answer, saying, "When they shall deliver you up, take no thought how or what you shall speak."

Remigius of Auxerre: "How or what"—one refers to the substance, the other to the verbal expression. And because both of these would be supplied by Him, the holy preachers did not need to be anxious about either.

St. Jerome: Therefore, when we are brought before judges for Christ's sake, we ought to offer only our will for Christ. But Christ who dwells in us speaks for Himself, and the grace of the Holy Spirit will provide our answer.

St. Hilary of Poitiers: For our faith, by observing all the precepts of the divine will, will be instructed with a knowledgeable answer. This follows the example of Abraham, for whom, after he had given up Isaac, a ram was provided for the sacrifice. "For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father that speaks in you."

Remigius of Auxerre: This means, "You indeed go out to the battle, but it is I who fight; you utter the words, but it is I who speak." Thus, Paul asks, "Do you seek a proof of Christ who speaks in me?" (2 Corinthians 13:3).¹

St. John Chrysostom: Thus, He raises them to the dignity of the Prophets, who spoke by the Spirit of God. He who says here, "Take no thought what you shall speak," has said in another place, "Be always ready to give an answer to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you" (1 Peter 3:15). When it is a dispute among friends, we are commanded to "be ready;" but before an intimidating court and a raging crowd, Christ provides aid so that they may speak boldly and not be dismayed.

1. ap. Rabanus