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MATTHEW 10:31 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
Matt 10:30Matt 10:32
“Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.”
Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. The conclusion of the Father's-care argument: do not fear, because you are more valuable than many sparrows, and the Father who knows every sparrow knows you infinitely better. The repeated fear not of verses 26, 28, and 31 is the pastoral application of the theological teaching: the disciples who understand the Father's comprehensive knowledge and care will not be paralyzed by the opposition's threats. 1 Peter 5:7 says cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you — the same transfer of anxiety to the caring Father that Matthew 10:29–31 grounds theologically.

Church Fathers on Matthew 10:31

Having set aside fear of death, that the Apostles should not think that if they were put to death they were deserted by God, He passes to discourse of God’s providence, saying, 'Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing, and one of them does not fall to the ground without your Father?'

Chrysostom · 4th century

If these little creations fall not without God’s superintendence and providence, and if things made to perish, perish not without God’s will, you who are immortal ought not to fear that you live without His providence.

Jerome · 4th century

Figuratively; That which is sold is our soul and body, and that to which it is sold, is sin. They then who sell two sparrows for a farthing, are they who sell themselves for the smallest sin, born for flight, and for reaching heaven with spiritual wings. [margin note: see Ps 124:7] C aug ht by the bait of present pleasures, and sold to the enjoyment of the world, they barter away their whole selves in such a market. It is of the will of God that one of them rather soar aloft;…

Hilary of Poitiers · 4th century
Read all 12 entries in the readerCatena Aurea · St. Thomas Aquinas, tr. J. H. Newman · public domain
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Matthew 10:31 — Community Reflections | HolyStudy