Commentary

What does Matthew 16:27 mean?

“For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.” — Matthew 16:27

Commentary Devotional Prayer

Matthew 16:27 (KJV) states, "For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works." This verse is part of a larger passage in which Jesus is speaking to his disciples and foretelling his own death and resurrection. The verse is a powerful reminder of the ultimate justice and reward that will come from the Son of Man, Jesus Christ, as he returns in glory to judge the world.

The verse begins with "For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father." This statement speaks to the divinity of Jesus as the Son of God. It also alludes to the second coming of Christ, a central theme in Christian eschatology. This verse echoes the teaching of Jesus in other passages, such as Matthew 25:31, where he speaks of coming in glory with the angels to judge the nations.

The idea of Jesus coming with angels highlights the power and authority that he will have as judge. In the biblical context, angels are often depicted as messengers and instruments of God's will. Their presence with Christ signifies the divine nature of his judgment and the heavenly authority that he possesses.

The latter half of the verse states, "and then he shall reward every man according to his works." This statement emphasizes the importance of individual accountability before God. The concept of judgment according to works is a recurring theme in the New Testament, with the apostle Paul also addressing it in his letters (Romans 2:6, 2 Corinthians 5:10). This idea challenges the notion of salvation through mere belief or faith, as it highlights the necessity of a righteous and moral life in accordance with the teachings of Christ.

The verse also speaks to the righteousness and justice of God. The notion of being rewarded according to one's works implies a fair and equitable judgment based on individual actions and choices. This aligns with the broader biblical message of God's impartiality and righteousness in his dealings with humanity. The concept of divine retribution is also present, as those who have lived according to God's will are rewarded, while those who have acted in opposition to it will face consequences.

In terms of symbolism, the verse carries rich imagery that illustrates the power and majesty of Christ. The use of the term "Son of man" is significant, as it harkens back to the prophecy in the book of Daniel (Daniel 7:13-14) regarding the coming of a divine figure to whom dominion and glory are given. This title, used by Jesus to refer to himself, highlights his role as the messianic figure who will come to fulfill the purposes of God.

Overall, Matthew 16:27 conveys a message of hope and accountability for believers. It points to the future return of Jesus Christ, the ultimate judge, and the impartial reward that will be given to each person based on their deeds. The verse also serves as a call to righteous living and faithful adherence to the teachings of Christ, as individuals prepare for the coming judgment. Ultimately, it is a reminder of the sovereignty and justice of God and the assurance that all will receive their just reward in the end.

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Matthew 16:27 - "For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works."

"For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works." - Matthew 16:27