But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to respond or what to say. In that hour you will be given what to say.
Christ does not mean to dampen the disciples' zeal by announcing these dangers, but rather to console them: God will be with them, and by His power they will be victorious. Most men fail because they measure success by their own strength, which is nothing; Christ forbids them to look at themselves and commands them to trust entirely in heavenly grace. The Spirit will form and guide their tongues in that very hour.
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 speak, yes, but not from themselves. The Spirit of God is the efficient cause; they are only instruments. What they say comes not from their own spirit or understanding, but from the Spirit of the Father, who proceeds from Him and bears the same nature. This character of Him ought to strengthen their faith, for He is the Spirit of their Father, who has paternal affection for them.
AI summary