Matthew 19:27
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Matthew 19:27
27 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?
Chapter Context
Matthew 19 is a biographical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of judgment, obedience, love. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-90 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christianity was separating from Judaism following Jerusalem's destruction.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-30: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Matthew and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Matthew 19:27
27 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?
Analysis
Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee (ἰδοὺ ἡμεῖς ἀφήκαμεν πάντα καὶ ἠκολουθήσαμέν σοι, idou hēmeis aphēkamen panta kai ēkolouthēsamen soi)—Peter's response reflects a mixture of genuine commitment and self-justifying comparison. The perfect tense of ἀφίημι (aphiēmi, to leave, forsake) emphasizes the completed action with continuing results: they had abandoned their livelihoods and remained in that state. Following (ἀκολουθέω, akoloutheō) implies continuous discipleship, not merely physical accompaniment.
What shall we have therefore? (τί ἄρα ἔσται ἡμῖν, ti ara estai hēmin)—Peter's question reveals lingering transactional thinking: we've paid the price, what's our reward? Jesus doesn't rebuke this but graciously promises abundant recompense (vv. 28-30). Yet His answer includes a sobering warning: many that are first shall be last (v. 30). Peter's comparison with the rich young ruler contains subtle spiritual pride that Jesus addresses through the following parable (20:1-16), where laborers hired last receive equal pay.
Historical Context
The disciples had indeed made significant sacrifices—Peter left his fishing business (4:20), Matthew abandoned tax-collecting (9:9), and all forsook family ties and economic security. In a culture where vocation and family ties defined identity and provided survival, their commitment was costly. Yet Jesus's response both affirms their sacrifice and warns against merit-based calculation of spiritual rewards.
Reflection
- How can Christians avoid Peter's subtle error of comparing our sacrifices favorably to others while still acknowledging the real costs of discipleship?
- What does Jesus's gracious answer to Peter's self-focused question reveal about how God responds to mixed motives in His followers?
- In what ways might we, like Peter, engage in spiritual scorekeeping that contradicts the grace-based nature of Kingdom rewards?
Cross-References
- References Peter: Mark 10:28, Luke 18:28
- Parallel theme: Matthew 9:9, Deuteronomy 33:9, Mark 2:14, Luke 5:11, 14:33, 15:29