But beware of men, for they will hand you over to their councils and flog you in their synagogues.
The article here need not mean these particular men, as Erasmus supposed. Christ declares that caution ought to be exercised in dealing with men generally, among whom everything is full of snares and injuries. Yet He points out a caution different from terror: not a dread that would keep them from their duty, but a watchfulness against being worn down by sudden attacks.
AI summary
Christ sends you as sheep into wolves' jaws, so you must learn to combine the serpent's cunning with the dove's innocence. He forewarned the disciples of sufferings to come, not to shake their faith, but to steel it; when troubles arrive as He predicted, they will confirm rather than destroy what you believe.
AI summary
Commenting on Matthew 10:16-42
They will be brought before Roman governors, who alone held power over life and death since the Sanhedrim had lost it. The apostles will suffer not as criminals but purely for Christ's sake and the Gospel's preaching, and their testimony before these magistrates will either convert many or stand against their judges on the day of judgment.
AI summary