New Testament

Matthew 26:55

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, Jesus addresses the crowd that has come to arrest him, questioning their motives and methods.

Author
Matthew the apostle
Written
Around AD 60-70
Genre
Gospel
Original Audience
Jewish Christians
CBTClear Bible Translation

Then Jesus spoke to the crowd: "Have you come out with swords and clubs as if I were a thief? I sat teaching in the temple day after day, and you never arrested me."

KJVKing James Version

In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, Jesus addresses the crowd that has come to arrest him, questioning their motives and methods. He points out the irony of their approach, comparing it to that of a thief. Jesus had been openly teaching in the temple every day, yet they chose to come at night with weapons, suggesting fear and dishonor in their actions. His words highlight the contrast between his peaceful teachings and their violent intentions. This moment underscores the injustice of his arrest, as he had not hidden from them but had been accessible and transparent in his ministry. Jesus' calm demeanor in the face of aggression reveals his understanding of the situation and his commitment to fulfilling his mission, even in the face of betrayal and violence.

Key themes

Related topics

justice, courage, truth

How to apply Matthew 26:55 to your life

This verse encourages us to stand firm in our beliefs, even when faced with opposition. It reminds us that truth and integrity are powerful, and we should not be intimidated by those who may come against us with force. Trust in God’s plan, even in difficult times.

Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Matthew 26:55 mean?

In Matthew 26:55, Jesus questions the crowd's approach to arrest him, highlighting the irony of their violent methods against his peaceful teachings. He emphasizes that he had been openly teaching in the temple, suggesting that their actions were unjust and cowardly.

What is the significance of Jesus comparing himself to a thief in Matthew 26:55?

By comparing himself to a thief, Jesus points out the absurdity of the crowd's aggressive tactics. He had been openly accessible, teaching daily, which makes their nighttime arrest with weapons seem dishonorable and unjust.

What themes are present in Matthew 26:55?

Key themes in Matthew 26:55 include injustice, courage, truth, betrayal, and authority. The verse illustrates the conflict between Jesus' peaceful teachings and the violent intentions of those arresting him.

How can we apply Matthew 26:55 to our lives today?

Matthew 26:55 encourages us to remain steadfast in our beliefs when facing opposition. It reminds us that integrity and truth are powerful, and we should not be intimidated by those who use force against us.

The Book of Matthew
Book Summary

The Book of Matthew

Matthew 1: The Generation and Birth of Jesus Christ

The book begins with the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. It records the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, each being fourteen generations. The genealogy concludes with Jacob begetting Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

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