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Matthew 10:31Mission Discourse
Therefore don't be afraid. You are of more value than many sparrows.
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Interpretation

Matthew 10:31 shows a valued that is lived within solitude and community—see "therefore" and "don't". Let valued in generosity without notice—teach the body new reflexes.

Context

The setting is Matthew—gospel narrative, highlighting valued. Within ch. 10, a small unit frames the emphasis. Watch the terms “therefore” and “don't”.

Authorship & Historical Background

Early attribution points to Matthew the disciple (a former tax collector) for Matthew. Critical study of Matthew often concludes: Anonymous in earliest copies; attributed to Matthew in later tradition; reflects Mark and a sayings source.. Scholars commonly date Matthew AD 80–90. Matthew seems aimed at Jewish‑Christian community.. It sits within the Mission Discourse (gospel narrative). Catechetical structure appears in the discourse blocks.

More details
Traditional:Matthew the tax collector
Modern scholarship:Anonymous; attributed to Matthew; uses Mark + Q source.
Date:AD 80–90
Audience:Jewish‑Christian community.
Manuscripts & Textual Witnesses
The Greek text is preserved in more than 5,800 manuscripts, exceeding other ancient writings in manuscript count. 2nd-3rd century papyri like P46, P66, P75 provide text. Major uncial codices (Sinaiticus, Vaticanus, 4th century) contain complete or near-complete texts. The Byzantine text family represents the majority of later manuscripts. Textual variants exist but are mostly minor: word order, articles, spelling. No central Christian doctrine depends on any disputed text. Modern critical editions compare all manuscript families to determine the probably reflects the initial text reading.
Sources & witness notes
SinaiticusVaticanusP46