Matthew10
American Standard Version · Public Domain
1And he called unto him his twelve disciples, and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of disease and all manner of sickness.
2Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;
3Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;
4Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.
5These twelve Jesus sent forth, and charged them, saying, Go not into any way of the Gentiles, and enter not into any city of the Samaritans:
6but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
7And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
8Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons: freely ye received, freely give.
9Get you no gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses;
10no wallet for your journey, neither two coats, nor shoes, nor staff: for the laborer is worthy of his food.
11And into whatsoever city or village ye shall enter, search out who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go forth.
12And as ye enter into the house, salute it.
13And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.
14And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, as ye go forth out of that house or that city, shake off the dust of your feet.
15Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city.
16Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
17But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to councils, and in their synagogues they will scourge you;
18yea and before governors and kings shall ye be brought for my sake, for a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.
19But when they deliver you up, be not anxious how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that hour what ye shall speak.
20For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father that speaketh in you.
21And brother shall deliver up brother to death, and the father his child: and children shall rise up against parents, and cause them to be put to death.
22And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved.
23But when they persecute you in this city, flee into the next: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone through the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.
24A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his lord.
25It is enough for the disciple that he be as his teacher, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more them of his household!
26Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.
27What I tell you in the darkness, speak ye in the light; and what ye hear in the ear, proclaim upon the house-tops.
28And be not afraid of them that kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
29Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? and not one of them shall fall on the ground without your Father:
30but the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
31Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.
32Every one therefore who shall confess me before men, him will I also confess before my Father who is in heaven.
33But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father who is in heaven.
34Think not that I came to send peace on the earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
35For I came to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law:
36and a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.
37He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
38And he that doth not take his cross and follow after me, is not worthy of me.
39He that findeth his life shall lose it; and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
40He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
41He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward: and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.
42And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only, in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you he shall in no wise lose his reward.
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Matthew 10.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: The apostles called. (1–4). The apostles instructed and sent forth. (5–15). Directions to the apostles. (16–42).
vv1-4
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.
vv5-15
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.
vv16-42
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, Ac 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.
Key Words
καί (kaí): and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
προσκαλέομαι (proskaléomai): to call toward oneself, i.e. summon, invite
αὐτός (autós): the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
δώδεκα (dṓdeka): two and ten, i.e. a dozen
μαθητής (mathētḗs): a learner, i.e. pupil
δίδωμι (dídōmi): to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
ἐξουσία (exousía): privilege, i.e. (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control), delegated influence
ἀκάθαρτος (akáthartos): impure (ceremonially, morally (lewd) or specially, (demonic))
πνεῦμα (pneûma): a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit
ὥστε (hṓste): so too, i.e. thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)
Cross References
Matthew 10Parallel account of the commissioning and empowerment of the twelve apostles.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Parallel Gospel account recording the sending out of the twelve two by two.
Supported by JFB
Direct Old Testament background for Christ's words about family division and foes of one's household.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole
Direct parallel: receiving a cup of water in Christ's name because you belong to him.
Parallel list of the names of the twelve selected apostles.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Luke's corresponding list of the choosing and naming of the twelve apostles.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Jesus declares He was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Verbal parallel where Jesus affirms the servant is not greater than his lord.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole
Identifies the specific charge where they called the master of the house Beelzebub.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole
Parallel instruction on fearing God who can cast into hell, rather than men.
Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB
Parallel discourse on bringing division/fire rather than peace on earth.
Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB
Parallel demanding supreme love to Christ above father, mother, or one's own life.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole
Doing kindness to 'one of the least of these my brethren' is done unto Christ.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Post-ascension list of the apostles gathered in the upper room.
Supported by JFB
Detailed parallel instruction that the laborer is worthy of his wages.
Supported by JFB
Identical commission directive sending disciples out as lambs among wolves.
Supported by JFB
Parallel teaching on God's sovereignty over the falling of cheap sparrows.
Supported by JFB
Warning of being denied by the Son of Man for being ashamed of Him.
Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB
Levitical precedent of prioritizing God's covenant over father, mother, and brothers.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole
Subsequent instruction on taking up the cross to follow Christ.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Identical theological formula: receiving the sent disciple is receiving Christ and the Father.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
The Shunammite woman receives Elisha because he is a holy man of God and is rewarded.
The widow of Zarephath receives and feeds the prophet Elijah, receiving a miraculous prophet's reward.
Philip brings Nathanael (Bartholomew) to Jesus, explaining their listing together.
Supported by JFB
Paul confirms that the gospel must first be spoken to the Jews.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Paul quotes the principle that the laborer is worthy of his reward.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Paul and Barnabas literally execute the command to shake off dust.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Parallel warning of judgment more tolerable for Sodom than unrepentant cities.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Parallel instruction not to premeditate defense speech under persecution.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Historical demonstration of disciples fleeing persecution in Jerusalem to spread the gospel.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Parallel on that which is hidden being made manifest and revealed.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Idiomatic Old Testament expression signifying complete physical safety under divine protection.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Historical example of Peter's temporary denial and subsequent restoration.
Supported by Matthew Henry
God is not unrighteous to forget labor of love shown toward His name in ministering to saints.
God promises to be with Moses' mouth, teaching him what to say.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Onesiphorus refreshed Paul in prison, showing the reception of an apostle and seeking mercy as reward.