Matthew 23:30

30 If we had been living in the days of our fathers, we would not have taken part with them in the blood of the prophets.

Matthew 23:30 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 23:30

And say, if we had been in the days of our fathers
Their ancestors and predecessors: signifying, that if they had lived in the times they did, or had been in the same post and office with them, they should have opposed, at least not consented to their measures: we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the
prophets;
would not have joined them in persecuting the prophets, and in shedding their blood, and putting them to death; but would have received them as the prophets of the Lord, have hearkened to their advice and message, and have honoured and obeyed them as such; and this they thought they sufficiently declared, by building and adorning their tombs.

Matthew 23:30 In-Context

28 Even so you seem to men to be full of righteousness, but inside you are all false and full of wrongdoing.

29 A curse is on you, scribes and Pharisees, false ones! because you put up buildings for housing the dead bodies of the prophets, and make fair the last resting-places of good men, and say,

30 If we had been living in the days of our fathers, we would not have taken part with them in the blood of the prophets.

31 So that you are witnesses against yourselves that you are the sons of those who put the prophets to death.

32 Make full, then, the measure of your fathers.