New Testament
Matthew 10:18
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
You will be brought before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony against them and the Gentiles.
Compare translations
And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.
What Matthew 10:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is preparing His disciples for the challenges they will face as they spread His message. He tells them that they will be taken before powerful leaders, such as governors and kings, because of their faith in Him. This situation will serve as an opportunity for them to testify about Jesus and His teachings, not only to these leaders but also to the Gentiles, or non-Jewish people. The implication is that their suffering and trials will have a purpose, as they will be witnesses to the truth of the Gospel in front of influential figures. This verse highlights the idea that following Jesus may lead to persecution, but it also emphasizes the importance of standing firm in faith and using every opportunity to share the message of Christ, even in difficult circumstances.
How to apply Matthew 10:18 to your life
When facing challenges or opposition for your beliefs, remember that these moments can be opportunities to share your faith. Stand firm and be prepared to speak about your experiences and the hope you have in Christ, even in difficult situations.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Sending Out the Twelve (Matthew 10:1–42)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Matthew 10:18
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Matthew 10:18
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 10:18 mean?
Matthew 10:18 means that Jesus is warning His disciples that they will face persecution and be brought before powerful leaders because of their faith. This situation will allow them to testify about Him and share the Gospel with influential figures.
What is the significance of being brought before governors and kings in Matthew 10:18?
Being brought before governors and kings signifies that the disciples' faith will lead them into challenging situations where they can witness to those in authority. It highlights the importance of sharing their message even in the face of adversity.
What does 'testimony against them and the Gentiles' mean in Matthew 10:18?
The phrase 'testimony against them and the Gentiles' means that the disciples' experiences and words will serve as evidence of the truth of Jesus' teachings, not only to Jewish leaders but also to non-Jewish people.
How can I apply Matthew 10:18 to my life?
You can apply Matthew 10:18 by viewing challenges or opposition for your beliefs as opportunities to share your faith. Stand firm in your convictions and be ready to speak about your experiences with Christ in difficult situations.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.