Mat 10:1 | MHM | STEP | 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 ), 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 ). Jesus had kept these twelve in a time of testing. Even though he knew their hearts (John 6:70 ), 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 ), and do not place people into leadership too quickly (1 Timothy 5:22 ). 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 ). Paul also needed Christ revealed "in him" before preaching (Galatians 1:16 ). 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 ). Giving someone the authority to teach without the ability is pointless, like sending a message by the hand of a fool (Proverbs 26:6 ). Jesus always taught before sending out his followers (Matthew 5:2 ), and after his resurrection, he gave them more instructions (Acts 1:3 ). 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 ), 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 ). 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 ), 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 ). 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.

‏ Matthew 10:1

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.