What role do prophets, wise men, and teachers play in Matthew 23:34? The Verse at a Glance “Therefore I am sending you prophets and wise men and scribes. Some of them you will kill and crucify; and others you will flog in your synagogues and persecute from town to town.” (Matthew 23:34) Why Jesus Mentions These Three Groups • They represent the full spectrum of God-given messengers—mouth, mind, and manuscript—sent to call Israel to repentance. • Their appearance underscores God’s patience: He keeps sending voices even when previous ones were rejected (cf. 2 Chronicles 36:15–16). • By naming them, Jesus foretells both their mission and their mistreatment, exposing the hardness of the religious leaders (Luke 11:49). Prophets — God’s Bold Mouthpieces • Charged to speak direct, authoritative revelation (Jeremiah 1:7). • Often delivered uncomfortable truths, confronting sin and foretelling judgment (Amos 7:10–13). • In the New Testament era, this role continues through John the Baptist and later through New-Covenant prophets such as Agabus (Acts 11:27-28). • Their rejection confirms Israel’s historic pattern of silencing God’s voice (Acts 7:52). Wise Men — God’s Persuasive Apologists • “Wise men” echoes Old Testament figures like Solomon and Daniel who articulated God’s wisdom before kings (1 Kings 4:29–34; Daniel 1:17). • In the gospel age, they include men like Stephen (Acts 6:9–10) who reasoned from Scripture with irresistible wisdom. • Their task: appeal to heart and mind, showing that Jesus fulfills the Law and Prophets (Luke 24:27). • Their persecution exposes willful blindness, not intellectual deficiency (1 Corinthians 1:20-24). Scribes/Teachers — God’s Faithful Expositors • “Scribes” (γραμματεῖς) were trained interpreters of Scripture; Ezra models the calling (Ezra 7:10). • Under the New Covenant, God gifts “teachers” to build up the church (Ephesians 4:11). • They labor to clarify doctrine, copy and preserve Scripture, and ground believers in truth (2 Timothy 2:2). • When rejected, their written witness stands as evidence in God’s courtroom (John 12:48). The Roles Summed Up 1. DECLARE truth (prophets). 2. DEFEND truth (wise men). 3. DISCIPLE in truth (teachers). Together they form a comprehensive ministry strategy—proclamation, persuasion, and instruction—sent by Christ Himself. The Tragic Response Foretold • Kill & crucify — violent elimination (fulfilled in James, Peter, Paul). • Flog in synagogues — religiously sanctioned abuse (Acts 22:19). • Persecute from town to town — relentless pursuit (Acts 14:19). Their suffering magnifies Israel’s culpability and sets the stage for the coming judgment of A.D. 70 (Matthew 23:36–38). Takeaway for Today • God still raises voices who speak, reason, and teach His Word. • Acceptance or rejection of those voices reveals the heart’s posture toward Christ Himself (John 13:20). |
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