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Verse Takeaways
1
A Strategic Silence
Commentators agree that Jesus' command for silence was a matter of divine timing. Proclaiming him as the Messiah prematurely would have provoked his enemies, incited a political rebellion from a populace expecting a military king, and drawn unwanted attention from the Romans. The silence was a strategic necessity until his work on the cross was complete.
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Matthew
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Commentaries
8
Albert Barnes
On Matthew 16:20
18th Century
Theologian
Then charged, etc. This means he then commanded them. Mark 8:30 and Luke 9:21 (Greek) state that he strictly or se…
AT Robertson
On Matthew 16:20
That they should tell no man (ινα μηδεν ειπωσιν). Why? For the very reason that he had himself avoided this claim in public. He wa…
Charles Spurgeon
On Matthew 16:20
19th Century
Preacher
At that time, they were to be silent about our Lord’s highest claims, for fear that the people might in rash zeal set Him up as king by force of ar…
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Expositor's Bible Commentary
On Matthew 16:20
Jesus’ warning his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ does not stem from personal reluctance to accept the title. Rather, it must …
John Calvin
On Matthew 16:20
16th Century
Theologian
Having given a proof of his future glory, Christ reminds his disciples of what he must suffer, so that they also may be prepared to be…
John Gill
On Matthew 16:20
17th Century
Pastor
Then charged he his disciples
When Peter had so freely and fully confessed him to be the Messiah, and which was the …
Matthew Henry
On Matthew 16:13–20
17th Century
Minister
Peter, speaking for himself and his brothers, said that they were assured that our Lord was the promised Messiah, the Son of the living God. This s…
Thomas Aquinas
On Matthew 16:20–28
13th Century
Philosopher
Above, Peter’s confession of Christ’s divinity was related; here, Christ commands silence for a time, specifically, that they do not say that He is…