Matthew 16:24 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

If any man will come after me— Because Peter's improper behaviour, just before mentioned, proceeded from his love to the world and its pleasures, Jesus declares publicly, that all who would be his disciples, and share with him in the glory of his kingdom, must deny themselves; that is to say, be in constant readiness to renounce every earthly pleasure, with life itself, when called to do so, (See Luke 14:33.); and, in ordinary cases, take up his cross; see on ch. Matthew 10:38. After having undergone many afflictions, the disciples of Christ may still look for more; which, when laid upon them, they must sustain with equal patience, followingtheir Master in the footsteps of his afflictions. This indeed is a hard and difficult lesson, but at the same time it is absolutely necessary; because if, in order to preserve our temporal life, we displease Christ, Matthew 16:25 we shall lose what is really and truly our life,—the eternal happiness of our souls: whereas, if we will die rather than disobey him, we shall obtain infinite and endless joys. See the next note. Dr. Clarke paraphrases the latter part of Matthew 16:25,: "Whoever parts with his virtue and good conscience to save his temporal life, shall lose that which is eternal; and, by escaping the first death for a time, shall incur the penalty of the second death for ever." See sermon 4: vol. 7 and for an exposition of Matthew 16:17-18 his 17th sermon, vol. 8.