Matthew 23:34
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Matthew 23:34
34 Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:
Chapter Context
Matthew 23 is a biographical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of truth, fellowship, creation. 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 21-39: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. 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 23:34
34 Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:
Analysis
I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes (ἐγὼ ἀποστέλλω πρὸς ὑμᾶς προφήτας καὶ σοφοὺς καὶ γραμματεῖς)—Jesus's "I send" reveals His divine prerogative to commission messengers. Apostello (send) is used of God sending prophets in the OT. He will send New Covenant ministers: apostles/prophets (Ephesians 4:11), wise men (teachers), and scribes (those trained in Scripture, like Matthew himself—13:52).
Some of them ye shall kill and crucify... scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city—Jesus prophesies the apostolic martyrdoms: James beheaded (Acts 12:2), Stephen stoned (Acts 7), tradition says Peter crucified, Paul beheaded. The synagogue scourgings fulfilled literally (2 Corinthians 11:24—Paul received 39 lashes five times). This proves the Pharisees are prophet-killers like their fathers—they'll do to apostles what ancestors did to prophets.
Historical Context
Jewish law permitted 39 lashes for serious offenses (Deuteronomy 25:3). Synagogue rulers administered this. Acts records repeated apostolic persecution by Jewish authorities: imprisonment, beatings, attempted stonings. Paul's letters detail his sufferings from Jewish opponents (2 Corinthians 11:23-27). The predicted pattern fulfilled precisely—demonstrating Jesus's prophetic authority and the religious establishment's unchanged heart. The generation that killed Jesus killed His apostles, filling up the measure.
Reflection
- How does Jesus's claim to personally send prophets, wise men, and scribes demonstrate His divine authority?
- What does the pattern of religious persecution of God's messengers teach about the danger of institutionalized religion without regenerate hearts?
- How do we participate in this pattern when we resist, marginalize, or silence prophetic voices that challenge our comfort?
Word Studies
- Prophet: προφήτης (Prophētēs) G4396 - Prophet
Cross-References
- Prophecy: Acts 13:1
- Parallel theme: Matthew 10:23, 13:52, Colossians 1:28