Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 10:27

"What I tell you in the darkness, speak ye in the light; and what ye hear in the ear, proclaim upon the house-tops." — Matthew 10:27 (ASV)

Consideration of how disciples must expect to face persecution makes it necessary to say something about how to handle fear (vv.26–31) and about the high standards of discipleship such a perspective presupposes.

“Them” refers to the persecutors (v.23). The word “so” (i.e., “therefore”) suggests that in view of a master who suffers ahead of his disciples (v.24), therefore do not fear, etc. The truth must emerge; the Gospel and its outworkings in the disciples may not now be visible to all, but nothing will remain hidden forever. And if the truth will emerge at the End, how wise to declare it fully and boldly now. Flat rooftops of Palestinian houses provided excellent places for speakers. In a sense the apostles were to have more of a public ministry than Jesus himself. He told them things in private, some of which they did not even understand till after the Resurrection. But they were to teach them fully and publicly.