Why fear those who can only kill the body?

Introduction

The question “Why fear those who can only kill the body?” resonates deeply with many who face uncertainty and anxiety in a fragile world. It stems notably from the admonition found in Matthew 10:28: “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” This entry explores the theological, historical, and practical dimensions that illustrate why believers need not harbor fear of human threats, focusing instead on reverential awe and trust in the God who holds eternal authority.

Scriptural Foundation: The Call Not to Fear

Matthew 10:28 lays the bedrock of understanding. It emphasizes that, while earthly powers can inflict physical harm, they have no power over the eternal soul. From the early church era onwards, Christians have anchored their courage in God’s sovereignty rather than in the limited reach of human intimidation.

Jesus’ teaching underscores the difference between temporal life and eternal destiny. This distinction appears consistently throughout Scripture, such as in Luke 12:4–5: “I tell you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear the One who, after you have been killed, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him!” This contrast clarifies that the believer’s ultimate accountability and hope center on God.

Historical and Cultural Context

In the first century, many believers faced persecution from Roman authorities and religious leaders alike. Although these governing powers could imprison or execute Christians, they could not diminish the eternal inheritance Christ promised (1 Peter 1:3–4). Historical records, such as those preserved by church historians like Eusebius, reveal how continuing faith in God’s eternal plan emboldened early Christians, even in the face of danger. They understood that any earthly threat was momentary, compared to eternity with God.

Archaeological discoveries—such as the catacombs in Rome—further testify to the steadfast hope of persecuted believers. Artwork and inscriptions highlight their unwavering conviction of resurrection and eternal life. This historical and archaeological record illustrates early Christians’ focus on what lies beyond mortal life, rather than being paralyzed by the fear of earthly foes.

Fear of God vs. Fear of Man

1. Reverential Awe

Scripture consistently teaches that a proper “fear of the LORD” is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). This does not promote a paralyzing terror, but rather deep reverence and submission. Fearing God means acknowledging His holiness, just nature, and ultimate authority over life and death.

2. Misplaced Fear

Fearing humanity more than the Creator distorts priorities and undermines faith. The apostle Paul declared: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). When the eternal God is recognized as sovereign, the power of human opposition shrinks in comparison.

3. Eternal Perspective

Jesus places special emphasis on soul over body, realigning our focus toward the eternal. Those who might persecute can harm only the physical entity, but God’s dominion extends to both temporal and eternal realms.

Eternal Consequences and the Everlasting Soul

The biblical teaching on the soul’s immortality is vital. According to Scripture, humans are more than material beings; we possess a soul that lives on beyond physical death (2 Corinthians 5:1–8). By shifting fear from mortal threats to reverential awe of God, believers affirm the greater reality of eternal fellowship with Him. This is the foundation for Christian courage.

1. Resurrection of the Body

The resurrection of Christ is the crucial demonstration that death does not hold final power. Paul addresses this in 1 Corinthians 15:20: “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” Christ’s victory over death assures that mortal fear is overcome by eternal hope.

2. Eternal Assurance

Scripture anchors believers in future resurrection and eternal life. John wrote, “And this is the promise that He Himself made to us: eternal life” (1 John 2:25). Knowing this promise enables Christians to face any temporal hardship without ultimate fear.

Practical Applications for Believers

1. Confidence in Witness

The early Christian martyrs testified fearlessly to the reality of Christ’s eternal kingdom. Modern believers, likewise, can share their faith without being dismayed by ridicule or threats. The power of the message rests in God’s eternal truth, not in human approval.

2. Endurance in Suffering

Recognizing that earthly suffering is temporary while God’s authority is eternal fosters resilience. James 1:12 states: “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.”

3. Perspective on Material Concerns

Concerns about earthly matters—rejection, financial loss, or even physical harm—are consistently put into perspective when measured against God’s eternal kingdom. Fearing God frees the believer from enslavement to worry about human opinion or opposition.

Seeking Proper Devotion

Scripture champions a holy fear of God, which is healthy and life-giving because it reorients our hearts toward reverence, trust, and obedience. This reverential fear differs radically from powerless dread of people, who cannot alter our standing before our Creator.

In many places, including various anecdotes across church history, believers have testified to miraculous grace and protection in times of physical danger. While not every believer experiences such supernatural deliverance in the same manner, the unwavering theme remains: God’s lordship extends far beyond physical boundaries, offering a steadfast anchor when facing trials.

Conclusion

In matters of life and death, Scripture provides a clear perspective: do not fear those who can only kill the body, for they hold no control over the soul. True reverence is owed to God alone, who possesses ultimate authority over both mortality and eternity. This foundational truth guides believers to live courageously, devotedly, and confidently, knowing that God’s sovereign power, underscored by the resurrection of Christ, supersedes all earthly threats.

“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28)