Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 23:34

"Therefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: some of them shall ye kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city:" — Matthew 23:34 (ASV)

Because of the Jewish leaders’ wicked reception of God’s messengers, more messengers (i.e., Christian missionaries; cf. 5:10–12; 9:37–38; 28:18–20) will “therefore” be sent; and they will be treated the same way. This will fill up the full measure of iniquity, and judgment will fall. Regarding the word “crucify” (GK 5090), perhaps we have an echo of 10:24–25: the servant is not above his master. If Jesus is to be crucified, his servants may expect the same.