Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers.
Christ shows they are not degenerate from their fathers but perfecting their ancient craft: killing the prophets of God is no new thing, but a hereditary calling of theirs. He does not command this; He states that they have inherited the right to oppose His servants, and in finishing what their ancestors began, they fill up the measure that God permits them to complete before judgment falls.
AI summary
A generation of vipers cannot escape the damnation of hell. Where will they flee? To what refuge can they run? Rocks and mountains will not hide them from the wrath to come. They are conscious of their own wickedness and malice; impenitent and unbelieving, they cannot evade the everlasting vengeance and fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
AI summary
This is a prediction of what they are about to do, and a call to show their true spirit openly. By slaying Him and persecuting His apostles, they will fill up the full measure of their fathers' iniquity, completing so much national guilt that God can bear no more. Then all this blood shall come upon them, and they shall be destroyed.
AI summary