Matthew 16:27

Son of man. Jesus’ usual title for Himself (see on Mark 2:10).

Come in the glory. Those who lose their life for Christ’s sake are assured of finding it when the Lord returns in glory at the close of the age (1 Cor. 15:51-55; 1 Thess. 4:16, 17). It is then that every man may expect to receive his reward (see 2 Tim. 4:8; Rev. 22:12). Christ had just been speaking of Christians losing their lives (see Matt. 16:25) for His sake. If their “reward” for the sacrifice were to be received at death, as popular theology has it, it is strange that Christ here specifically declares that this reward is not given until He Himself shall return in glory at the close of the age (see on eh. 25:31).

With his angels. Compare Matt. 24:31; 1 Cor. 15:52; 1 Thess. 4:16.

According to his works. That is, according to what he has done in this life. Christ taught the same truth most emphatically in the parables of the Sheep and the Goats (ch. 25:31-46), the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31), the Tares (Matt. 13:24-30), the Dragnet (ch. 13:47-50), and the Marriage Feast (ch. 22:1-14). Nothing in the teachings of Christ can be construed to mean that there will be a time when men will be given a second chance, an opportunity to escape the “reward” of their evil deeds in this present life. The Scriptures consistently present this life as the “day of salvation” (Isa. 49:8; 2 Cor. 6:2), the time when a man is to “work out” — by faith in Christ and under the enabling power of the Holy Spirit — his “own salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil. 2:12).