19 “When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. 20 For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” (Matthew 10:19–20 (ESV)
Today’s text continues Jesus’ instructions when He sent out the Twelve Disciples as apostles to the Jewish community (Matt. 10:1-15). He instructed them what, and what not, to do as they served. It was at this point that the Lord told them not only what to expect, persecution, but also what to say.
As previously noted, persecution is hostility and ill treatment. It is also persistent annoyance or harassment. In the context (Matt. 10:1-18), it is persecution because of the Gospel and being an ambassador of Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 5:17-21). It can come from the government, culture and personally from unbelievers; some of whom may be members of one’s own family.
Many believers in Christ have experienced persecution through the centuries for their commitment to the Gospel. How are we to respond when harassment happens by either the government, the culture or even our family and friends?
First, Jesus said that persecution will occur; “When they deliver you over.” The personal pronoun “they” refers us back to the immediate preceding context of vs. 17-18. “17 Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, 18 and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles.”
Second, Jesus said, “do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say,” Here is a second promise. We are not to worry about what we are to say in such situations.
Third, Jesus said, “…for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour.” Jesus provides a third promise. We will receive the words necessary to speak well in the midst of persecution.
Finally, Jesus said, “For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” The Holy Spirit will give us the words to say when we are harassed for preaching the Gospel.
“Jesus encourages the disciples not to be anxious because the same Spirit who has guided and empowered Jesus (4:1; cf. 1:18, 20; 3:1) will speak through his disciples amid their most difficult challenges,” explains Dr. John MacArthur.
I have experienced the truth of these verses. When I have shared the Gospel and faced criticism or antagonistic questions, the Lord has given me the right answers to speak with the right attitude. Often times, those right responses were concerning issues or questions I had not expected to answer. This does not mean I did not prepare to answer specific questions. It means that some questions people asked, I did not anticipate. However, the Lord did.
1 Peter 3:14–15 (ESV) says, “14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”
The principle of Scripture interpreting Scripture applies in today’s text. Believers in Christ should always be prepared to defend the Gospel. However, when facing harassment and arrest for the truth of God’s Word believers should rest in the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. In those moments, He will provide what is lacking in our thinking and speaking.
Soli deo Gloria!
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