Why do some who prophesy and perform miracles in Jesus' name face rejection in Matthew 7:22? Canonical Text and Translation “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’ ” (Matthew 7:22-23). Immediate Literary Context: The Sermon on the Mount Matthew 7:22-23 sits at the climax of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, which contrasts two gates (vv. 13-14), two trees (vv. 15-20), and two builders (vv. 24-27). Each contrast warns against superficial righteousness. The “many” of v. 22 belong to the same class as the “false prophets” of v. 15—outwardly impressive yet inwardly bankrupt. Authenticity and Manuscript Evidence All major Greek witnesses—𝔓^64/67, 𝔓^75, Codices Vaticanus (B), Sinaiticus (ℵ), and Ephraemi Rescriptus (C)—contain the passage without textual variation affecting meaning. Patristic citations (e.g., Irenaeus, Against Heresies 4.27.2; Origen, Commentary on Matthew 13.34) confirm its 2nd-century circulation, underscoring the verse’s originality and doctrinal weight. Prophecy, Miracles, and the Use of Jesus’ Name Scripture recognizes that genuine supernatural works may occur through divinely granted charismata (1 Corinthians 12:10) or be imitated by impostors (Exodus 7:22; 2 Thessalonians 2:9). Jesus does not deny the reported feats; He denies their salvific value apart from obedience. The phrase “in Your name” indicates appeal to Christ’s authority, yet authority invoked externally is no substitute for internal allegiance. The Lordship Claim: “Lord, Lord” Doubling “Lord” (Greek Κύριε) signals urgent pleading (cf. 2 Samuel 18:33 LXX). However, verbal confession alone cannot override a life of “lawlessness” (ἀνομία). Romans 10:9 links confession to heart-faith; Matthew 7 warns against confession devoid of that faith. Works Versus Faith: Pauline Harmony Ephesians 2:8-10 : “For it is by grace you have been saved…not by works…We are His workmanship.” Jesus’ verdict harmonizes, not contradicts, Paul. Works are evidential, not meritorious; without faith-rooted obedience, even dramatic works become empty (1 Corinthians 13:2). Divine Knowledge Versus Human Performance “I never knew you” employs γινώσκω, covenantal knowledge denoting relationship (Jeremiah 1:5 LXX; John 10:14). The issue is not Jesus’ omniscience but absence of covenant union. Isaiah 29:13 predicted lips without heart; Matthew 7 fulfills that prophecy. False Prophets and Self-Deception Deuteronomy 13:1-5 warns that prophets with real signs can still seduce Israel. Jesus’ audience includes self-deceived miracle workers and intentional deceivers. Self-deception emerges from comparing activity with others rather than with God’s holiness (Luke 18:11-14). Fruit as the Evidential Test Verses 16-20 define “fruit” as moral obedience—“good tree…good fruit.” Galatians 5:22-23 lists such fruit, emphasizing character over charisma. External power can masquerade; internal fruit cannot. Old Testament Background: Deuteronomy 13 & 18 Yahweh’s test: if a prophet’s words conflict with Torah, he is false, regardless of wonders. Jesus, the greater Prophet (Deuteronomy 18:15-18; Acts 3:22-23), applies the same criterion: conformity to God’s will (“whoever does the will of My Father,” v. 21). New Testament Illustrations: Judas, Simon Magus, Sons of Sceva Judas preached and expelled demons (Matthew 10:1-8) yet perished (John 17:12). Simon Magus amazed Samaria (Acts 8:9-24) but lacked regeneration. The seven sons of Sceva invoked Jesus’ name and were overpowered (Acts 19:13-16). Power displays do not guarantee salvation. The Role of Regeneration and the Holy Spirit John 3:3-8 teaches new birth by the Spirit. Regeneration produces obedience (1 John 2:3-4). Hebrews 6:4-6 demonstrates that tasting supernatural gifts is not equivalent to genuine conversion; only indwelling Spirit seals believers (Ephesians 1:13-14). Warning Passage Theology and Assurance of Salvation Matthew 7:22 is a gracious alarm to professing believers to “examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith” (2 Corinthians 13:5). Assurance rests on Christ’s finished work and the Spirit’s fruit, not spectacular ministries. Eschatological Scene: “That Day” “That day” evokes Day-of-the-LORD judgment (Isaiah 13:6; Malachi 4:5). Jesus, seated as Judge (John 5:22-23), separates authentic disciples from pretenders (Matthew 25:31-46). Final verdict is irreversible; hence the urgency of genuine repentance now (Acts 17:30-31). Practical Discernment for the Church 1 John 4:1 commands testing spirits. Criteria include doctrinal fidelity (v. 2), ethical fruit (v. 7), and submission to apostolic teaching (v. 6). Local congregations must evaluate leaders by these markers, not popularity or signs. Pastoral Application and Evangelistic Call Believers are summoned to cultivate intimacy with Christ through Scripture, prayer, and obedience (John 15:4-10). Seekers are invited to turn from works-righteousness and trust the risen Lord who “bore our sins in His body on the tree” (1 Peter 2:24). His grace transforms, enabling true good works prepared “beforehand” (Ephesians 2:10). Summary Rejection in Matthew 7:22 arises because spectacular ministries, unaccompanied by saving faith and obedient relationship, are “lawlessness.” Jesus, possessing covenantal authority and omniscient discernment, exposes empty profession. Authentic discipleship is evidenced not by the magnitude of actions performed in His name but by doing the Father’s will through Spirit-empowered obedience, grounded in the gospel of grace. |
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