The opening words of Matthew 10:26 (So have no fear of them
) refer to the preceding verse (Matthew 10:25). The apostles may not yield to those who oppose their work by attributing it to Satan—the same people who also hated Jesus by calling him Beelzebul, and as such (So,
oun) the disciples should not fear them. The context shows that this fear is realistic, but the apostles, following the Master, who had given his life in the hands of these enemies himself, must proclaim their message boldly.
The opening words of Matthew 10:26 (So have no fear of them
) must be understood in connection to the preceding verse (Matthew 10:25). The apostles must not yield to those people who persecute their work by attributing it to Satan, and the same people also hated Jesus by calling him Beelzebul, and as such (So,
oun) the disciples should not fear them. The context here clarifies that this fear itself ought not to be rejected as unfounded (as if there was no reason for it). Yet the Master, who had even surrendered his life in the hands of these enemies himself, forbids his disciples from adopting such a fearful attitude. Do not fear them, and carry out your message without fear.1
26 “So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.