Matthew 10

The Twelve Disciples; Instructions for Service

1 Jesus ¹summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to ²heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness.

2 ³Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: The first, ⁴Simon, who is called Peter, and ⁵Andrew his brother; and ⁶James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;

3 ⁷Philip and Bartholomew; ⁸Thomas and ⁹Matthew the tax collector; ¹⁰James the son of Alphaeus, and ¹¹Thaddaeus;

4 Simon the Zealot, and ¹²Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed Him.

5 ¹³These twelve Jesus sent out after instructing them: "Do not go in the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter any city of the ¹⁴Samaritans;

6 but rather go to ¹⁵the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

7 "And as you go, preach, saying, '¹⁶The kingdom of heaven is at hand.'

8 "Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give.

9 "¹⁷Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts,

10 or a bag for your journey, or even two coats, or sandals, or a staff; for ¹⁸the worker is worthy of his support.

11 "And whatever * city or village you enter, inquire who is worthy in it, and stay at his house until you leave that city.

12 "As you enter the house, ¹⁹give it your greeting.

13 "If the house is worthy, give it your blessing of peace. But if it is not worthy, take back your blessing of peace.

14 "Whoever does not receive you, nor heed your words, as you go out of that house or that city, ²⁰shake the dust off your feet.

15 "Truly I say to you, ²¹it will be more tolerable for the land of ²²Sodom and Gomorrah in ²³the day of judgment than for that city.

A Hard Road before Them

16 "²⁴Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be ²⁵shrewd as serpents and ²⁶innocent as doves.

17 "But beware of men, for they will hand you over to the ²⁷courts and scourge you ²⁸in their synagogues;

18 and you will even be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.

19 "²⁹But when they hand you over, ³⁰do not worry about how or what you are to say; for it will be given you in that hour what you are to say.

20 "For ³¹it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.

21 "³²Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and ³³children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death.

22 "³⁴You will be hated by all because of My name, but ³⁵it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved.

23 "But whenever they ³⁶persecute you in one city, flee to the next; for truly I say to you, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel ³⁷until the Son of Man comes.

The Meaning of Discipleship

24 "³⁸A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master.

25 "It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher, and the slave like his master. ³⁹If they have called the head of the house ⁴⁰Beelzebul, how much more will they malign the members of his household!

26 "Therefore do not ⁴¹fear them, ⁴²for there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.

27 "⁴³What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim ⁴⁴upon the housetops.

28 "Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable * to kill the soul; but rather ⁴⁵fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in ⁴⁶hell.

29 "⁴⁷Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.

30 "But ⁴⁸the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

31 "So do not fear; ⁴⁹you are more valuable than many sparrows.

32 "Therefore ⁵⁰everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven.

33 "But ⁵¹whoever * denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven.

34 "⁵²Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.

35 "For I came to ⁵³SET A MAN AGAINST HIS FATHER, AND A DAUGHTER AGAINST HER MOTHER, AND A DAUGHTER-IN-LAW AGAINST HER MOTHER-IN-LAW;

36 and ⁵⁴A MAN'S ENEMIES WILL BE THE MEMBERS OF HIS HOUSEHOLD.

37 "⁵⁵He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.

38 "And ⁵⁶he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.

39 "⁵⁷He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it.

The Reward of Service

40 "⁵⁸He who receives you receives Me, and ⁵⁹he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.

41 "⁶⁰He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward.

42 "And ⁶¹whoever * in the name of a disciple gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you, he shall not lose his reward."

Matthew 10 Commentary

Chapter 10

The apostles called. (1-4) The apostles instructed and sent forth. (5-15) Directions to the apostles. (16-42)

Verses 1-4 The word "apostle" signifies messenger; they were Christ's messengers, sent forth to proclaim his kingdom. Christ gave them power to heal all manner of sickness. In the grace of the gospel there is a slave for every sore, a remedy for every malady. There is no spiritual disease, but there is power in Christ for the cure of it. There names are recorded, and it is their honour; yet they had more reason to rejoice that their names were written in heaven, while the high and mighty names of the great ones of the earth are buried in the dust.

Verses 5-15 The Gentiles must not have the gospel brought them, till the Jews have refused it. This restraint on the apostles was only in their first mission. Wherever they went they must proclaim, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. They preached, to establish the faith; the kingdom, to animate the hope; of heaven, to inspire the love of heavenly things, and the contempt of earthly; which is at hand, that men may prepare for it without delay. Christ gave power to work miracles for the confirming of their doctrine. This is not necessary now that the kingdom of God is come. It showed that the intent of the doctrine they preached, was to heal sick souls, and to raise those that were dead in sin. In proclaiming the gospel of free grace for the healing and saving of men's souls, we must above all avoid the appearance of the spirit of an hireling. They are directed what to do in strange towns and cities. The servant of Christ is the ambassador of peace to whatever place he is sent. His message is even to the vilest sinners, yet it behoves him to find out the best persons in every place. It becomes us to pray heartily for all, and to conduct ourselves courteously to all. They are directed how to act as to those that refused them. The whole counsel of God must be declared, and those who will not attend to the gracious message, must be shown that their state is dangerous. This should be seriously laid to heart by all that hear the gospel, lest their privileges only serve to increase their condemnation.

Verses 16-42 Our Lord warned his disciples to prepare for persecution. They were to avoid all things which gave advantage to their enemies, all meddling with worldly or political concerns, all appearance of evil or selfishness, and all underhand measures. Christ foretold troubles, not only that the troubles might not be a surprise, but that they might confirm their faith. He tells them what they should suffer, and from whom. Thus Christ has dealt fairly and faithfully with us, in telling us the worst we can meet with in his service; and he would have us deal so with ourselves, in sitting down and counting the cost. Persecutors are worse than beasts, in that they prey upon those of their own kind. The strongest bonds of love and duty, have often been broken through from enmity against Christ. Sufferings from friends and relations are very grievous; nothing cuts more. It appears plainly, that all who will live godly in Christ Jesus must suffer persecution; and we must expect to enter into the kingdom of God through many tribulations. With these predictions of trouble, are counsels and comforts for a time of trial. The disciples of Christ are hated and persecuted as serpents, and their ruin is sought, and they need the serpent's wisdom. Be ye harmless as doves. Not only, do nobody any hurt, but bear nobody any ill-will. Prudent care there must be, but not an anxious, perplexing thought; let this care be cast upon God. The disciples of Christ must think more how to do well, than how to speak well. In case of great peril, the disciples of Christ may go out of the way of danger, though they must not go out of the way of duty. No sinful, unlawful means may be used to escape; for then it is not a door of God's opening. The fear of man brings a snare, a perplexing snare, that disturbs our peace; an entangling snare, by which we are drawn into sin; and, therefore, it must be striven and prayed against. Tribulation, distress, and persecution cannot take away God's love to them, or theirs to him. Fear Him, who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. They must deliver their message publicly, for all are deeply concerned in the doctrine of the gospel. The whole counsel of God must be made known, ( Acts 20:27 ) . Christ shows them why they should be of good cheer. Their sufferings witnessed against those who oppose his gospel. When God calls us to speak for him, we may depend on him to teach us what to say. A believing prospect of the end of our troubles, will be of great use to support us under them. They may be borne to the end, because the sufferers shall be borne up under them. The strength shall be according to the day. And it is great encouragement to those who are doing Christ's work, that it is a work which shall certainly be done. See how the care of Providence extends to all creatures, even to the sparrows. This should silence all the fears of God's people; Ye are of more value than many sparrows. And the very hairs of your head are all numbered. This denotes the account God takes and keeps of his people. It is our duty, not only to believe in Christ, but to profess that faith, in suffering for him, when we are called to it, as well as in serving him. That denial of Christ only is here meant which is persisted in, and that confession only can have the blessed recompence here promised, which is the real and constant language of faith and love. Religion is worth every thing; all who believe the truth of it, will come up to the price, and make every thing else yield to it. Christ will lead us through sufferings, to glory with him. Those are best prepared for the life to come, that sit most loose to this present life. Though the kindness done to Christ's disciples be ever so small, yet if there be occasion for it, and ability to do no more, it shall be accepted. Christ does not say that they deserve a reward; for we cannot merit any thing from the hand of God; but they shall receive a reward from the free gift of God. Let us boldly confess Christ, and show love to him in all things.

Cross References

• 1. Mark 3:13-15; Mark 6:7
• 2. Matthew 9:35; Luke 9:1
• 3. Matthew 10:2-4: {Mark 3:16-19; Luke 6:14-16; Acts 1:13}
• 4. Matthew 4:18
• 5. Matthew 4:18
• 6. Matthew 4:21
• 7. John 1:43f
• 8. John 11:16; John 14:5; John 20:24f; John 21:2
• 9. Matthew 9:9
• 10. Mark 15:40
• 11. Mark 3:18; Luke 6:16; Acts 1:13
• 12. Matthew 26:14; Luke 22:3; John 6:71; John 13:2, 26
• 13. Mark 6:7; Luke 9:2
• 14. 2 Kings 17:24f; Luke 9:52; Luke 10:33; Luke 17:16; John 4:9, 39; John 8:48; Acts 8:25
• 15. Matthew 15:24
• 16. Matthew 3:2
• 17. Matthew 10:9-15: {Mark 6:8-11; Luke 9:3-5; Luke 10:4-12;} Luke 22:35
• 18. 1 Corinthians 9:14; 1 Timothy 5:18
• 19. 1 Samuel 25:6; Psalms 122:7, 8
• 20. Acts 13:51
• 21. Matthew 11:22, 24
• 22. Matthew 11:24; 2 Peter 2:6; Jude 7
• 23. Matthew 7:22; Matthew 11:22, 24; Matthew 12:36; Acts 17:31; 1 Thessalonians 5:4; Hebrews 10:25; 2 Peter 2:9; 2 Peter 3:7; 1 John 4:17; Jude 6
• 24. Luke 10:3
• 25. Genesis 3:1; Matthew 24:25; Romans 16:19
• 26. Hosea 7:11
• 27. Matthew 5:22
• 28. Matthew 23:34; Mark 13:9; Luke 12:11; Acts 5:40; Acts 22:19; Acts 26:11
• 29. Matthew 10:19-22: {Mark 13:11-13; Luke 21:12-17}
• 30. Matthew 6:25; Luke 12:11, 12
• 31. Luke 12:12; Acts 4:8; Acts 13:9; 2 Corinthians 13:3
• 32. Matthew 10:35, 36; Mark 13:12
• 33. Micah 7:6
• 34. Matthew 24:9; Luke 21:17; John 15:18f
• 35. Matthew 24:13; Mark 13:13
• 36. Matthew 23:34
• 37. Matthew 16:27
• 38. Luke 6:40; John 13:16; John 15:20
• 39. Matthew 9:34
• 40. 2 Kings 1:2; Matthew 12:24, 27; Mark 3:22; Luke 11:15, 18, 19
• 41. Matthew 10:26-33: {Luke 12:2-9}
• 42. Mark 4:22; Luke 8:17; Luke 12:2; 1 Corinthians 4:5
• 43. Luke 12:3
• 44. Matthew 24:17; Acts 5:20
• 45. Hebrews 10:31
• 46. Matthew 5:22; Luke 12:5
• 47. Luke 12:6
• 48. 1 Samuel 14:45; 2 Samuel 14:11; 1 Kings 1:52; Luke 21:18; Acts 27:34
• 49. Matthew 12:12
• 50. Luke 12:8; Revelation 3:5
• 51. Mark 8:38; Luke 9:26; 2 Timothy 2:12
• 52. Matthew 10:34, 35: {Luke 12:51-53}
• 53. Micah 7:6; Matthew 10:21; Luke 12:53
• 54. Micah 7:6; Matthew 10:21
• 55. Deuteronomy 33:9; Luke 14:26
• 56. Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23; Luke 14:27
• 57. Matthew 16:25; Mark 8:35; Luke 9:24; Luke 17:33; John 12:25
• 58. Matthew 18:5; Luke 10:16; John 13:20; Galatians 4:14
• 59. Mark 9:37; Luke 9:48; John 12:44
• 60. Matthew 25:44, 45
• 61. Matthew 25:40; Mark 9:41

Footnotes

• [a]. Or "Jacob;" James is the Eng form of Jacob
• [b]. Gr "Joannes," Heb "Johanan"
• [c]. I.e. son of Talmai (Aram)
• [d]. Or "Jacob"
• [e]. Or "Cananaean"
• [f]. Or "go off"
• [g]. Or "on the road of" (Gr "hodos:" "way" or "road")
• [h]. Or "proclaim"
• [i]. Lit "has come near"
• [j]. Or "knapsack", or "beggar's bag"
• [k]. Or "inner garments"
• [l]. Lit "nourishment"
• [m]. Lit "there until"
• [n]. Or "household"
• [o]. I.e. the familiar Heb blessing, ``Peace be to this house!''
• [p]. Lit "your peace is to come upon it"
• [q]. Lit "your peace is to return to you"
• [r]. Or "show yourselves to be"
• [s]. Lit "put them to death"
• [t]. Lit "this"
• [u]. Lit "the other"
• [v]. Or "student"
• [w]. Or "Beezebul:" ruler of demons
• [x]. Gr "Gehenna"
• [y]. Gr "assarion", the smallest copper coin
• [z]. Lit "will confess in Me"
• [aa]. Lit "in him"
• [ab]. Lit "will deny"
• [ac]. Lit "cast"
• [ad]. Or "soul"
• [ae]. Or "soul"
• [af]. I.e. humble