New Testament
Matthew 16:20
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Then he strictly ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.
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Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.
What Matthew 16:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus instructs his disciples not to reveal his identity as the Messiah, or Christ. This command comes after Peter's declaration that Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus understands that the public perception of the Messiah is different from his mission, which involves suffering and sacrifice. By keeping his identity a secret, he aims to avoid misunderstandings about his role and to fulfill God's plan without premature interference. This moment highlights the importance of timing in Jesus' ministry and the need for his followers to grasp the true nature of his mission. The disciples are to focus on learning and understanding who Jesus is before spreading the news of his identity. This directive also emphasizes the significance of personal revelation and the gradual unfolding of Jesus' purpose to his followers, rather than a public proclamation that could lead to misinterpretation or conflict.
How to apply Matthew 16:20 to your life
We should be mindful of the timing and context when sharing our faith. Like the disciples, we may need to grow in our understanding before we can effectively communicate our beliefs to others. Patience and discernment are key.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Peter's Confession (Matthew 16:13–20)
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Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
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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 16:20 mean?
Matthew 16:20 means that Jesus instructed his disciples not to disclose his identity as the Messiah. This was to prevent misunderstandings about his mission, which involved suffering and sacrifice, and to allow his purpose to unfold at the right time.
What is the significance of secrecy in Matthew 16:20?
The secrecy in Matthew 16:20 highlights the importance of divine timing in Jesus' ministry. It shows that Jesus wanted to control how and when his identity as the Messiah was revealed to ensure that it aligned with God's plan.
What does this verse teach about discipleship?
This verse teaches that discipleship involves a process of learning and understanding before sharing one's faith. It emphasizes the need for patience and discernment in communicating beliefs to others.
How does Matthew 16:20 relate to understanding Jesus' mission?
Matthew 16:20 relates to understanding Jesus' mission by illustrating that his identity as the Messiah is tied to a purpose that includes suffering. It encourages followers to grasp the deeper meaning of his role rather than just a public acknowledgment.
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