everyone
The term "everyone" is inclusive, indicating that the promise is available to all who meet the condition. The Greek word "πᾶς" (pas) emphasizes the universality of the statement. It is a comforting assurance that no one is excluded from the opportunity to be acknowledged by Christ, regardless of their background or past. This inclusivity reflects the heart of the Gospel, which is open to all who believe and confess.

who confesses
The act of confessing, from the Greek "ὁμολογέω" (homologeo), means to agree with or to declare openly. In the biblical context, it involves a public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ. This confession is not merely a verbal acknowledgment but a profound declaration of allegiance and trust in Jesus as Lord. Historically, this confession often came at great personal cost, especially in the early church, where believers faced persecution for their faith.

Me
The "Me" in this verse refers to Jesus Christ Himself. It is a personal and direct reference, emphasizing the centrality of Christ in the Christian faith. The focus on Jesus highlights the necessity of a personal relationship with Him. In the broader scriptural context, Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the embodiment of God's redemptive plan for humanity.

before men
This phrase underscores the public nature of the confession. The Greek "ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ἀνθρώπων" (emprosthen tōn anthrōpōn) suggests a setting where one's faith is visible to others. Historically, this would have been a significant challenge, as early Christians often faced hostility from both Jewish and Roman authorities. The call to confess "before men" is a call to courage and boldness in living out one's faith in the world.

I will also confess
Here, Jesus promises reciprocity. The Greek "ὁμολογήσω" (homologēsō) mirrors the earlier "confesses," indicating that Jesus will acknowledge those who acknowledge Him. This promise is a profound assurance of divine recognition and acceptance. It reflects the covenantal nature of the relationship between Christ and His followers, where faithfulness is met with faithfulness.

him
The individual nature of this promise is highlighted by the word "him." Each person who confesses Christ is personally acknowledged by Jesus. This personal recognition underscores the intimate relationship between the believer and the Savior. It is a reminder that faith is not just a communal experience but also a deeply personal one.

before My Father
The phrase "before My Father" places the confession in the heavenly realm. The Greek "ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Πατρός Μου" (emprosthen tou Patros Mou) indicates a setting of divine judgment and approval. Jesus stands as an advocate for believers before God the Father, affirming their faith and securing their place in the kingdom. This assurance is rooted in the intercessory role of Christ, as seen throughout the New Testament.

in heaven
The final phrase "in heaven" situates the entire promise within the eternal and divine context. The Greek "ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς" (en tois ouranois) points to the ultimate reality of God's kingdom. It reminds believers that their confession has eternal significance and that their relationship with Christ transcends earthly circumstances. This heavenly perspective offers hope and encouragement, assuring believers of their eternal destiny with God.

(2) The result of confessing and of denying Christ. (Cf. ver. 24, note.) Verse 32. - Whosoever; every one... who (Revised Version); Matthew 7:24, note. Therefore. Summing up the thought of vers. 24-31, that he who suffers with Christ is only receiving such treatment as he ought to expect, and is never forgotten. Shall confess me (ὁμολογήσει ἐν ἐμοί). Ὁμολογεῖν ἐν occurs only in this verse (twice) and in the parallel passage, Luke 12:8 (cf. Bishop Westcott, on 1 John 2:23). Though the exact phrase is doubtless due to Hebrew influence (cf. Ewald, § 217, f. 2), yet its choice here is determined by an instinctive feeling that it expresses the union of him who confesses with him who is confessed, while the plain accusative makes no such implication, but only sums up the confession. Bishop Westcott ('Canon,' p. 275, edit. 1870) quotes Heracleon's comment on Luke 12:8. "With good reason Christ says of those who confess him in me (ὁμολογήσει ἐν ἐμοί), but of those who deny him me (ἀρνήσηταί με) only. For these even it' they confess him with their voice deny him, since they confess him not in their action. But they alone make confession in him who live in the confession and action that accords with him; in whom also he makes confession, having himself embraced them, and being held first by them" (Clem. Alex., 'Strom.,' 4:9, Fragment 50 in Sir. A. E. Brooke's edition of Heraeleon). Before men (τῶν ἀνθρώπων); ver. 17, note, and Matthew 6:1, note. Him. Not in any position of emphasis in the Greek. Will I confess also (cf. Revelation 3:5) before my Father. Not merely "the Father," but him who is in the closest relationship to me; the thought is of salvation as well as of creation. Which is in heaven. In nature, love; in position, majesty and omnipotence.

Parallel Commentaries ...