Matthew 16:20 — Community Reflections

MATTHEW 16:20 — KING JAMES VERSION 0

“Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.”

Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ. The command to silence after Peter's confession is the Messianic Secret at its most direct: the disciples have correctly identified Jesus, but the identification must not be publicly announced at this stage. The reason becomes clear in the following verses: the Christ that the disciples have confessed is the suffering, dying, rising Christ — not the triumphant political messiah the public expects.

Church Fathers on Matthew 16:20

Seeing Peter had confessed Him to be Christ the Son of the living God, because He would not have them preach this in the mean time, He adds, 'Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man, that he was Jesus the Christ.'
Origen · 3rd century

When then above He sends His disciples to preach, and commands them to proclaim His advent, this seems contrary to His command here, that they should not say that He is Jesus the Christ. To me it seems that it is one thing to preach Christ, and another to preach Jesus the Christ. Christ is a common title of dignity, Jesus the proper name of the Saviour.
Jerome · 4th century

For what having once had root has afterwards been torn up, if it is again planted, is with difficulty retained among the multitude; but what having been once rooted has continued ever after unmoved, is easily brought on to a further growth. He therefore dwells on these sorrowful things, and repeats His discourse upon them, that He may open the minds of His disciples.
Chrysostom · 4th century

Read all 6 entries in the readerCatena Aurea · St. Thomas Aquinas, tr. J. H. Newman · public domain

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