Matthew Poole and continuators on Matthew 10:18

18 And ye shall be brought before governours and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the gentiles

The last word Gentiles maketh it plain, that our blessed Lord is not here arming his Disciples so much against any opposition they were like to meet with upon this their first going out, for they were not to go to the Gentiles as those they should meet with some years after his Ascension; yet not excluding what they should meet with from the Iews, for what is said, about delivering up to the Councils and Scourging in the Synagogues, seemeth to have a particular reference to the Iews. This Scripture was most eminently fulfilled, as to the Apostles, Acts 4.1, 2, 3. &c. 5.27. & 6.12. and as to being brought before Governours and Kings, there are instances enough in the Acts, more in Ecclesiastical stories. Neither do I think our Saviour hath in these words any reference to the distinction of their Councils amongst the Iews; he only designed to let them know, the time would come, when for their owning him, and Preaching his Gospel, they should be brought before all sorts of Magistrates, and in all kinds of Courts. That Phrase [and they will scourge you in their Synagogues] hath mightily perplexed some, especially such as have dreamed Religious Synagogues too Holy places for such Offices, but there is no need that we should take the term Synagogues here for the Places of their Worship, it doth as well signifie in their Conventions, and there are some that think, that they had adjoyning to their Synagogues, a place in which they punished Offenders, upon the Account of Religion; certain it is, 2 Cor. 11.24. That Paul was five times Scourged by the Iews according to their Law, Deut. 25.3. for a Testimony against them, and the Gentiles. A Testimony for me, that is expressed in those words, for my Names sake, and against them, whether Iews or Gentiles: A Testimony against them in the day of Judgment. [non-Latin text not transcribed], hence our terms of Martyr and Martyrdom, the one signifies a Witness, the other a Testimony.

Marginal references: Acts. 5.40. Acts 12.1. & 25.23.