Some Here Shall not Taste Death
Matthew 16:28 KJVS
Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.
There are a few understandings on what this scripture is expounding on. However, context is the key to understanding what Christ was trying to convey. It may seem a little confusing because we have some conflicting information.
First we see, “There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death” generally we know he was talking to the people that were with him, hence, his disciples. If you read the verse above it, it will tell you he was speaking to his disciples. Yet, it is puzzling as to how they would not die seeing that they would not have lived from the time of the Romans until now. So they would ultimately die. So was Christ lying? Secondly he said, “till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.” Well isn’t that supposed to be at the end of this world for judgement?
At this point many may find themselves scratching their heads as to what he means. Some may even say this must be talking about other events such as the transfiguration found in Matthew chapter 17. However, this isn’t the case either.
Matthew 16:24 KJVS
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
First, we see that Christ was talking to HIS disciples, hence, his followers. Now one may argue if it was just the twelve disciples that became apostles or leaders/ bishops, however, that argument does not change the fact that he was talking to his disciples. Nor does it mean that it doesn’t apply to all of his disciples at that time or even us as disciples today. Secondly, we need to understand what do the scriptures mean when it says “taste death”.
Hebrews 2:9 KJVS
But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
It is a common understanding that Christ was crucified and put to death. So when Hebrews refers to Christ in this context we see that when it says, “taste death for every man” this means that he died for every man (and woman and child of Israel of course). Referencing Matthew 16:28 again, yes, it means to die physically. There would be some of Christ’s followers that would not physically die. And for that to happen they would ultimately have to be alive again. However, why did he say “some”?
Revelation 6:9-11 KJVS
And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: [10] And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? [11] And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.
Christ understood this. That some of them would die at that time and earn their ticket and be one of the souls under the alter. While some would come back and ultimately die for the word and not physically be in the flesh when he comes the second time. And some would be alive again and witness his return. Again, some, not all.
Likewise, some of us will die for this word. And some of us will live all the way until Christ second coming to witness his return.
1 Corinthians 15:51 KJVS
Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
We shall not all sleep meaning die. We will not all die. However, all those that are righteous will be changed. They will receive their new immortal bodies. This is what Christ meant when he was talking to his disciples. Which is why they are able to bring this understanding later, both to us now and the church of Corinth then.
Acts 7:59-60 KJVS
And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. [60] And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
To sleep often means to die physically. However, the term “sleep” is used as our forefathers always knew that the righteous will be resurrected again. 1 Corinthians 15:51 is in conjunction with what Christ was saying in Matthew 16:24. However, it adds to the understanding as to why. We won’t all die, and when the kingdom comes with the second coming of Christ we will put off the physical nature, the carnal nature, and take on the new bodies. So we will be changed.
1 Corinthians 15:50-54 KJVS
Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. [51] Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, [52] In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. [53] For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. [54] So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
We will be changed at that time so when he says in Matthew 16:28 “till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.” This body will die and we will take on new immortal bodies. Not, “when Christ comes, now we will all just physically die.” This flesh will die, but the new bodies we will receive will live forever.
Matthew 16:28 KJVS
Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.
Now, how do we know for sure this is talking about the kingdom in the future aside from what we already covered. Context, read the verse above it provided below.
Matthew 16:27-28 KJVS
For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works. [28] Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.
Verse 27 lets us know that verse 28 is referencing Christ’s second coming. The first clue you see is that it says he shall come. Noting a future event. And he shall reward meaning give whatever judgement should be given accordingly. Need that be eternal life or eternal death. And we know for certain neither of those rewards have been given as of yet. You see the same context applied similarly in the book of Revelations.
Revelation 1:7 KJVS
Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.
Him coming with the clouds of heaven represents him coming in the glory of the angels and his father mentioned in Matthew 16:27. The rest of the verse gives additional details and a different perspective on “reward every man according to his works” in Matthew 16:28. The kindreds (aka families/ tribes) of the earth shall bewail him because they will know in that moment the Bible is true and they will be punished according to their sins. Everyone will know at that point. And those that did put him to death (or pierced him) that will even be brought back during this present time so Christ may have his vengeance. Everyone will get their just reward… Salvation or damnation.
Isaiah 63:1-4 KJVS
Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. [2] Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat? [3] I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment. [4] For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come.
