Matthew Poole and continuators on Matthew 10:33

33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him also will I deny before my Father which is in heaven.

As this is a time for you publickly to own me, so there will be a time (in the Day of Judgment) for me to confess and publickly own you, before the Angels of God, (which Luke addeth to this Sentence, Luke 12.8.) as men deal with me in this Life, so I shall deal with them in that Day. Our Saviour speaketh much the same thing, as repeated by Mark Ch. 8.38. and Luke 9.26. only there in stead of whosoever shall deny me, it is, whosoever shall be ashamed of me, and my Words. Christ requireth of us not only a believing on him, but an External profession: nor that only, but a Confession of him, which signifyeth a profession of him, and his Gospel in the Face of Opposition and Enemies, see Rom. 10.10. 2. Tim. 2.12. It is dangerous either through shame, or fear, to withhold our publick owning and acknowledgement of Christ, and his Truths, when we are called to it, much more to deny them, but the Guilt is greater, when it is through shame, for where fear is the cause, the Temptation is more high. This Text must be understood, of those who persist in such denial, for Peter denyed his Master, yet was graciously upon his Repentance received by him.

Marginal references: Rev. 3.5.