Luke 12:4

Fear God Alone

4 I tell you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. ¹

Luke 12:4 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 12:4

And I say unto you, my friends
Whom he dearly loved, and had taken into the greatest intimacy and familiarity; making known to them whatever he had heard from his Father; giving them the best instructions, the most faithful and friendly advice, and proper precautions; all which, and more, showed them to be his friends, and for whom he after laid down his life:

be not afraid of them that kill the body;
though he would have them beware of the Pharisees, he would not have them be afraid of them; he would have them know them, and avoid their hypocrisy, and guard against it; but not fear them, or the worst they could do unto them, which was to kill the body; and that they had no need to be afraid of, since at death, their souls would be immediately happy, in the enjoyment and vision of God; and their bodies would sleep in Jesus, and be raised in the resurrection morn, and be united to their souls, and be both for ever blessed:

and after that have no more that they can do;
they have nothing more to kill, or which they can put to pain or misery; the soul is out of their reach, is an immortal spirit, and cannot be hurt or destroyed by them.

Luke 12:4 In-Context

2 There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, and nothing hidden that will not be made known.

3 What you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the housetops.

4 I tell you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more.

5 But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear the One who, after you have been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him!

6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.

Cross References

• 1. (Matthew 10:26–31)