Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 18:10

"See that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven." — Matthew 18:10 (ASV)

This verse continues the note of humility struck at the discourse’s beginning (vv.3–4) and the concern for “these little ones” (vv.5–9). Jesus is discussing here what will be normative when his passion and resurrection fully inaugurate the messianic community. Its members will be poor in spirit (5:3) and humble (18:3–4), and none will be admitted without these graces. If his disciples become like that, they will belong to the “little children”; if they look down on them, they will share in the woes (vv.8–9). The warning was not irrelevant: at least one disciple left Jesus.

Jesus says that those who believe in him must be treated with respect because “their angels in heaven” always see the face of the heavenly Father. These “angels” are best interpreted as the spirit of believers after death, and they always see the heavenly Father’s face. Can the word “angel” (GK 34) be pressed into this interpretation? Yes, for Jesus teaches that God’s people in the Resurrection “will be like the angels in heaven” as to marriage (22:30) and immortality .