Matthew 16:26

Take Up the Cross and Follow Him

24 ^aThen Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and ^bfollow Me.

25 For ^awhoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.

26 For what ^aprofit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or ^bwhat will a man give in exchange for his soul?

27 For ^athe Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father ^bwith His angels, ^cand then He will reward each according to his works.

28 “Assuredly, I say to you, ^athere are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.”

Commentaries:

Adam Clarke

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Matthew 16:27 >>

Matthew 16:26

Lose his own soul - Or, lose his life, . On what authority many have translated the word , in the 25th verse, life, and in this verse, soul, I know not, but am certain it means life in both places. If a man should gain the whole world, its riches, honors, and pleasures, and lose his life, what would all these profit him, seeing they can only be enjoyed during life? But if the words be applied to the soul, they show the difficulty - the necessity - and importance of salvation. The world, the devil, and a man' s own heart are opposed to his salvation; therefore it is difficult. The soul was made for God, and can never be united to him, nor be happy, till saved from sin: therefore it is necessary. He who is saved from his sin, and united to God, possesses the utmost felicity that the human soul can enjoy, either in this or the coming world: therefore, this salvation is important. See also the note on Luke 9:25 (note).

**Other Adam Clarke entries containing Matthew 16:26:**

Job 27:8
Luke 9:25
Luke 17:33

<< Matthew 16:25

Matthew 16:27 >>

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