What does Matthew 16:28 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 16:28 is a verse that has intrigued readers and theologians alike, due to the promise Jesus makes to some of his hearers.

The verse suggests that some of those who were with Jesus during his earthly ministry would not die before they saw "the Son of man coming in his kingdom." Considering that the verse was spoken nearly 2,000 years ago, it raises questions about what Jesus meant by "coming in his kingdom" and who the "some" who would not die could be.

There are various interpretations of this promise.

Some suggest it refers to the Transfiguration, which follows shortly in the Gospel narrative.

Others believe it refers to the resurrection, the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, or the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.

Still, others interpret this as a reference to Jesus' Second Coming, suggesting a symbolic or spiritual fulfillment rather than a literal one.

Historical Context

Matthew 16:28 falls within a series of teachings by Jesus regarding the cost of discipleship, the nature of his mission, and the revelation of his identity as the Messiah.

The Gospel of Matthew was written in a first-century Jewish context, and understanding this verse benefits from considering the expectations of the Messiah and the Kingdom of God in Jewish theology at the time.

The early followers of Jesus were expecting a Messiah who would bring about a tangible, political, and spiritual reign.

The author of Matthew is writing to a community grappling with the aftermath of Jesus' crucifixion and the delay of the parousia, or the return of Christ.

Theological Insights

There are several theological interpretations of Matthew 16:28.

Some scholars hold that this verse underlines the immediacy and certainty of Jesus' predictions about his death and resurrection and the establishment of his kingdom. It also can highlight the apocalyptic expectation of the early church.

From a preterist viewpoint, the reference could be to the events surrounding the destruction of Jerusalem, which can be seen as a vindication of Jesus' messiahship.

On the eschatological side, it may represent the anticipation of the ultimate fulfillment at the end of times when Christ returns.

A realized eschatology perspective posits that the kingdom of God is already present in the ministry of Jesus and through the church.

Practical Applications

Practically, Matthew 16:28 can inspire faith and hope in the promises of Jesus for the present and the future.

Christians might use this verse to remind themselves that God's kingdom can be experienced here and now through the work of the Holy Spirit and the community of believers.

It can also be a source of encouragement that the challenges faced in the meantime will not last forever, as the fulfillment of God's kingdom is assured.

Cross-References

• Matthew 17:1-9 (The Transfiguration)
• Mark 9:1 (Parallel passage on the kingdom)
• Luke 9:27 (Parallel passage on the kingdom)
• Acts 1:3-11 (The Ascension, promise of the return)
• Acts 2:1-4 (The coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost)
• Revelation 1:7 (The return of Christ)

Language Study

The key phrase in the original Greek is "heōs an idōsin ton huion tou anthrōpou erchomenon en tē basileia autou," which means "until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom." The key terms to analyze are:

• "Heōs an" (ἕως ἂν) - A term that indicates a condition of time, roughly "until."
• "Idōsin" (ἴδωσιν) - A subjunctive aorist form of the verb "to see," denoting a singular, often significant, event.
• "Erchomenon" (ἐρχόμενον) - A present middle participle of "to come," indicating an ongoing action.
• "Basileia" (βασιλεία) - The kingdom or reign.

This term holds considerable significance in the Gospels, typically referring to God's sovereign rule.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing this verse to other religious and cultural beliefs could involve looking at expectations of a divine or royal figure who brings about a change in the order of things.

In Judaism, the expectation of the Messiah's coming to establish God's kingdom has parallels.

In other religions, such as Hinduism, there are prophecies of avatars who come to restore dharma.

However, the concept of the "Son of Man" is specifically tied to the Jewish apocalyptic literature and the identity of Jesus in Christian theology.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives might consider the implications of prophecy on human perception of time and history. The expectancy of an imminent eschatological event, like the coming of God's kingdom, shapes human behavior and societal structures.

However, scientific methodology does not accommodate the supernatural elements of biblical prophecy, being predicated on empirical evidence and observation.

Commentaries

Scholarly commentaries on this verse are varied.

Some, like that of R.T.

France, view the reference to the "Son of man coming in his kingdom" as most immediately fulfilled in the Transfiguration.

Others, such as N.T.

Wright, may see it as a vindication through the resurrection or the early church's experience of Christ's lordship.

Still others, like Tom Schreiner, could consider the statement as Jesus' allusion to his ultimate return and future judgment.

All agree that the phrase has deep connections to the overall belief in the in-breaking of God's kingdom through the ministry of Jesus and further in the experience of the early church.