‏ Matthew 10

The Apostles Sent Forth

This section explains how Jesus chose and prepared his twelve apostles. They were once just his close followers, but now he is sending them out with his authority. Jesus gave them special power and instructions. Their calling shows us that God prepares and tests people before giving them important work. The list of apostles also reminds us that God uses different kinds of people for his mission, and even those with a troubled past can be changed and used for good.

v. 1: Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority over unclean spirits and to heal all kinds of sickness and disease. Earlier, Jesus had called them to follow him, promising to make them "fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19 ^a), and now he fulfills that promise. Jesus often gives honor and responsibility step by step, like light growing brighter in the morning (Proverbs 4:18 ^b).

Jesus had kept these twelve in a time of testing. Even though he knew their hearts (John 6:70 ^c), he let them be tested as an example for the church. Important responsibilities need careful testing first. As the Bible says, Let them first be proved (1 Timothy 3:10 ^d), and do not place people into leadership too quickly (1 Timothy 5:22 ^e).

Jesus also prepared them for their work. First, he made sure they spent time with him. The best way to get ready for serving Christ is to know him personally. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also (John 12:26 ^f). Paul also needed Christ revealed "in him" before preaching (Galatians 1:16 ^g). Second, Jesus taught them, both in public and private. He explained the scriptures so they could understand God's kingdom. Those who teach must first learn themselves (2 Timothy 2:2 ^h). Giving someone the authority to teach without the ability is pointless, like sending a message by the hand of a fool (Proverbs 26:6 ⁱ). Jesus always taught before sending out his followers (Matthew 5:2 ^j), and after his resurrection, he gave them more instructions (Acts 1:3 ^k).

Jesus called the disciples to come closer to him. Before, he called them to follow, but now he invites them to a closer relationship. Those who humble themselves will be lifted up by Jesus. Ministers of the gospel are called to draw near to Christ, and this is both an honor and a responsibility. When they were learning, they came to Jesus by their own choice (Matthew 5:1 ^l), but now, for their commission, Jesus calls them. This shows we should be eager to learn but wait for a clear call before trying to teach others (no man ought to take this honour to himself; Hebrews 5:4 ^m).

Jesus gave them authority in his name. This included the right to command people and even to command evil spirits. All authority comes from Jesus. He shares his power with those he sends, just as Moses gave some of his authority to Joshua. Their special power was a sign that the gospel is meant to defeat evil and bring healing to the world. These apostles had no wealth or special honors, but Jesus gave them power to show his message was true.

Jesus gave them power especially to cast out unclean spirits. The devil works through lies and evil behavior (Revelation 16:13; 2 Peter 2:10 ⁿ), and ministers are meant to fight against him. Casting out demons from people’s bodies was a sign that Jesus came to destroy the devil's work (1 John 3:8 ^o).

He also gave them the power to heal every kind of sickness and disease. These miracles supported their teaching, showing that their message was truly from God. The gospel is meant to heal and save, not to destroy. Jesus’ miracles were for the good of people. There is no sickness too hard for Jesus to heal. In the same way, there is no sin so bad that Jesus cannot forgive and change a person.

v. 2-4: Jesus chose twelve apostles. "Apostle" means someone who is sent with a message. All faithful ministers are sent by Christ, but these twelve were the first and most important. It was only after Jesus went to heaven that their office became complete (Ephesians 4:11 ^p). Jesus himself is called an apostle because he was sent by the Father (Hebrews 3:1; John 20:21 ^q).

There were twelve apostles, matching the twelve tribes of Israel. The new church was to be like a new Israel. The apostles were to be like spiritual fathers for the people. They would later judge the twelve tribes (Luke 22:30 ^r). The twelve apostles also remind us of the twelve stars in the church’s crown (Revelation 12:1 ^s) and the twelve foundations of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:12,14 ^t).

v. 3-4: The names of the apostles are listed. Some, like Bartholomew and Simon the Canaanite, we know little about, but they were still faithful. Not all good ministers are well-known. The apostles are listed in pairs because Jesus sent them out two by two. This helped them support and remember what Jesus taught, and two witnesses made their message stronger (Deuteronomy 19:15 ^u). Some were brothers by blood as well as by faith—Peter and Andrew, James and John, James the son of Alphaeus and Lebbaeus. It is good when family ties support faith.

Peter is named first because he was called first and often spoke up for the group. He was the main apostle to the Jews, but he was not the leader over the others. There is no sign in the Bible that Peter had special authority above the rest.

Matthew, who wrote this gospel, lists himself after Thomas here, though in other places he is listed first (Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15 ^v). This shows humility, as Paul also wrote, in honor preferring one another (Romans 12:10 ^w). Matthew also calls himself "the publican" to remember that Jesus called him from a sinful job. This helps him stay humble and gives glory to God’s grace (Isaiah 51:1 ^x).

v. 4: Simon is called the Canaanite, which probably means he came from Cana, or it could mean "the Zealot." Judas Iscariot is always named last, with the note that he betrayed Jesus. Jesus knew Judas would betray him from the beginning (John 6:64 ^y). This shows that even in the closest groups, there can be hypocrites, but God will one day show who is true and who is false (Matthew 13:30 ^z).

The Mission of the Twelve Apostles

In this section, Jesus sends out the twelve apostles with special instructions. He tells them where to go, what to do, and how to act as his representatives. Jesus gives them both encouragement and warnings, teaching them to rely on God’s provision and to expect both acceptance and rejection as they spread the message of the kingdom of heaven.

v. 5–6: Jesus sent out the twelve apostles and told them not to go to the Gentiles or to the Samaritans. Instead, they were to go only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. This means their first mission was to the Jewish people. Jesus wanted them to start with those who had received God’s promises long ago. It would be after his resurrection that the message would go to all nations (Matthew 28:19 ^aa).

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v. 7: He commanded them to preach, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” This was the same message that John the Baptist and Jesus himself preached. It means that God’s rule was coming near, and people needed to prepare their hearts by turning to God and believing in Jesus as the Messiah.

v. 8: Jesus gave them authority to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, and cast out demons. These miracles were signs that God’s kingdom had truly come. He told them, “Freely you have received, freely give.” They were to use the gifts and power he gave them to help others, not to make money for themselves. Their service was to be generous and selfless.

v. 9–10: Jesus told them not to take money, extra clothes, or extra shoes for their journey. They should not worry about their material needs. Instead, they were to trust that God would provide for them through the kindness of the people they helped. He said, “The worker is worthy of his food.” This means those who serve God can expect God to meet their needs, but they should not be greedy or anxious about possessions.

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v. 11–13: When they entered a town or village, they were to find someone worthy and stay in their house until they left that place. They were to greet the house and offer peace to it. If the household was worthy, their peace would rest on it. If not, it would return to them. This shows that God’s messengers bring blessings, but not everyone will receive them.

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v. 14–15: If anyone would not welcome them or listen to their message, they were to shake the dust off their feet as they left that house or town. This was a sign that those people had rejected God’s message. Jesus said it would be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town. This means rejecting Jesus is a very serious choice, and those who do will face a severe judgment.

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Jesus Sends Out the Twelve with Warnings of Persecution

In this section, Jesus prepares his twelve disciples to go out and preach. He warns them that they will face danger, opposition, and persecution. Jesus teaches them to be wise, brave, and innocent as they share the message of God’s kingdom. He promises that God will be with them, giving them the words to say and the strength to endure. This section encourages Christians to be faithful and courageous, even when others oppose or mistreat them for their faith.

v. 16: Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. Jesus tells his disciples that he is sending them out like sheep among wolves. This means they will face dangerous and unfriendly people. He tells them to be as wise as serpents—careful, smart, and alert. But they should also be as harmless as doves—gentle, honest, and peaceful (Matthew 10:16 ^ab).

v. 17: But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; Jesus warns that people will arrest the disciples, take them to court, and even beat them in the synagogues. They should be careful and prepared, because some people will not accept their message (Matthew 10:17 ^ac).

v. 18: And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. The disciples will be brought before important rulers and government officials because they follow Jesus. This will give them a chance to explain their faith and be a witness to people everywhere, including non-Jews (Matthew 10:18 ^ad).

v. 19: But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. Jesus tells them not to worry about what to say when they are arrested. God will help them and give them the right words at the right time (Matthew 10:19 ^ae).

v. 20: For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. When the disciples speak in these difficult situations, it will really be God’s Spirit speaking through them. They do not need to rely on their own strength or wisdom (Matthew 10:20 ^af).

v. 21: And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. Jesus warns that even families will be divided because of him. Some people will betray their own family members, leading to suffering and even death, because of faith in Jesus (Matthew 10:21 ^ag).

v. 22: And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. The disciples will be hated by many people because they follow Jesus. But Jesus promises that those who stay faithful to the end will be saved (Matthew 10:22 ^ah).

v. 23: But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come. Jesus says that if the disciples are persecuted in one place, they should go to another. They will not finish going through all the towns of Israel before “the Son of Man comes,” which points to a special time of Jesus’ work or return (Matthew 10:23 ^ai).

v. 24: The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. Jesus reminds them that students are not greater than their teacher, and servants are not greater than their master. If Jesus suffered, his followers should expect to suffer too (Matthew 10:24 ^aj).

v. 25: It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? Jesus says it is enough for disciples to be like their teacher. If people insulted Jesus and called him evil names (like “Beelzebub”), his followers should not be surprised if they are treated the same way (Matthew 10:25 ^ak).

In summary, Matthew 10:16–25 teaches that following Jesus will bring both difficulty and opposition, but God will give his people wisdom, strength, and the right words to say. God values faithfulness, and those who endure to the end will be saved.

Nothing Covered Shall Not Be Revealed

v. 26: Jesus encourages his disciples not to be afraid of those who oppose them. He assures them that “there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.” This has a double meaning. First, the gospel message, which is now hidden from many, will one day be proclaimed openly to all nations and in every language. God’s truth will not remain secret; it will be made known to the ends of the earth. Second, the true character and innocence of Christ’s servants—now slandered and misunderstood—will one day be revealed. Even if their good name is covered by false accusations now, God will clear it, either in this life or at the final judgment, when the righteous will shine like the sun. This is a comfort to all who are wrongly accused for Christ’s sake: God will vindicate them in due time.

v. 27: Jesus tells his disciples, “What I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim on the housetops.” The truths Jesus teaches them privately are meant to be shared publicly. The gospel is not to be kept secret, but boldly declared. Christ’s ministers must faithfully reveal his truths, trusting God to reveal their integrity and to make the message effective.

God’s Providence Over All Creation

v. 28: Jesus warns his followers not to fear those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, they should fear God, who alone has power over both soul and body in hell. Human threats are limited to this life, but God’s authority is eternal. This teaches us to value our souls above our bodies and to be more concerned about God’s judgment than man’s persecution.

v. 29: Jesus reminds them of God’s providence, saying, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.” Even the smallest and least valuable creatures are under God’s care. Not a single sparrow dies or even lands on the ground without God’s knowledge and will. If God cares for sparrows, how much more does he care for his children? This is a great comfort to all believers, especially in times of suffering.

v. 30: Jesus goes further: “But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.” This means God knows and cares about every detail of our lives, even the smallest things we never think about. God’s care for his people is so complete that not a hair falls from their head without his notice. This should encourage us to trust God’s providence and not be anxious about our safety or well-being.

v. 31: Jesus concludes, “Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” All people are valuable to God, but Christ’s disciples are especially precious to him. If God cares for the least of his creatures, he will certainly care for those who belong to him. This truth should silence all our fears and strengthen our faith in God’s loving care.

The Cost of Discipleship

v. 32: Jesus promises, “Everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven.” It is our duty to confess Christ openly, not just to believe in him privately. If we are faithful to Christ, even when it brings reproach or suffering, he will honor us before God in the day of judgment. To be owned by Christ before the Father is the highest honor and happiness we can receive.

v. 33: On the other hand, “whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.” To deny Christ is to disown him, whether by words or actions, especially when we are pressured to do so. Those who are ashamed of Christ now will find him ashamed of them at the last day. This is a solemn warning: we must not be afraid to stand for Christ, even if it costs us dearly.

v. 34: Jesus says, “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.” The gospel brings true peace with God, but it also brings division among people, even within families. Following Christ may lead to conflict with those closest to us, because his truth challenges the world’s values and loyalties.

v. 35: “For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.” Jesus warns that loyalty to him may put us at odds with our own family members. The closest earthly relationships may be strained or broken because of our commitment to Christ.

v. 36: “And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household.” Sometimes, the greatest opposition to our faith comes from those we love most. We must be prepared for this possibility and not let it turn us away from Christ.

v. 37: “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” Jesus requires supreme love and loyalty. We must not let even our dearest relationships come before our devotion to him. If we love anyone more than Christ, we are not worthy to be his disciples.

v. 38: “And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” To follow Christ means to be willing to suffer for him, even to the point of death. Taking up our cross means accepting whatever difficulties or sacrifices come with being his disciple. We must follow Christ’s example, bearing our cross as he bore his.

v. 39: “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” If we try to save our lives by denying Christ, we will lose them in the end. But if we are willing to lose our lives for Christ’s sake, we will gain eternal life. True discipleship means holding this life loosely and valuing eternal life above all.

Receiving Christ’s Messengers

v. 40: “Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me.” Jesus assures his disciples that those who welcome and support them are really welcoming Christ himself, and even God the Father. The way people treat Christ’s messengers is the way they treat Christ and God.

v. 41: “Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward.” Even small acts of kindness to Christ’s servants, done out of respect for their calling, will be rewarded. God values not just the gift, but the love and faith that motivates it.

v. 42: “And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.” No act of kindness, however small, done for Christ’s sake will go unnoticed or unrewarded. Even a cup of cold water given to a humble disciple is precious in God’s sight, if it is given out of love for Christ.