Matthew 10WEB
Books
All books

Matthew10

World English Bible · Public Domain

1He called to himself his twelve disciples, and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every sickness.

2Now the names of the twelve apostles are these. The first, Simon, who is called Peter; Andrew, his brother; James the son of Zebedee; John, his brother;

3Philip; Bartholomew; Thomas; Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus; Lebbaeus, who was also called Thaddaeus;

4Simon the Zealot; and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

5Jesus sent these twelve out and commanded them, saying, “Don’t go among the Gentiles, and don’t enter into any city of the Samaritans.

6Rather, go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

7As you go, preach, saying, ‘The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!’

8Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, and cast out demons. Freely you received, so freely give.

9Don’t take any gold, silver, or brass in your money belts.

10Take no bag for your journey, neither two coats, nor sandals, nor staff: for the laborer is worthy of his food.

11Into whatever city or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy, and stay there until you go on.

12As you enter into the household, greet it.

13If the household is worthy, let your peace come on it, but if it isn’t worthy, let your peace return to you.

14Whoever doesn’t receive you or hear your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet.

15Most certainly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city.

16“Behold, I send you out as sheep among wolves. Therefore be 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.

18Yes, and you will be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony to them and to the nations.

19But when they deliver you up, don’t be anxious how or what you will say, for it will be given you in that hour what you will say.

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

21“Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child. Children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death.

22You will be hated by all men for my name’s sake, but he who endures to the end will be saved.

23But when they persecute you in this city, flee into the next, for most certainly I tell you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel until the Son of Man has come.

24“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his lord.

25It is enough for the disciple that he be like his teacher, and the servant like his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more those of his household!

26Therefore don’t be afraid of them, for there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.

27What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in the ear, proclaim on the housetops.

28Don’t be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.

29“Aren’t two sparrows sold for an assarion coin? Not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will.

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

31Therefore don’t be afraid. You are of more value than many sparrows.

32Everyone therefore who confesses me before men, I will also confess him before my Father who is in heaven.

33But whoever denies me before men, I will also deny him before my Father who is in heaven.

34“Don’t think that I came to send peace on the earth. I didn’t come to send peace, but a sword.

35For I came to set a man at odds against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.

36A man’s foes will be those of his own household.

37He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me isn’t worthy of me.

38He who doesn’t take his cross and follow after me isn’t worthy of me.

39He who seeks his life will lose it; and he who loses his life for my sake will find it.

40“He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives him who sent me.

41He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward. He who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward.

42Whoever gives one of these little ones just a cup of cold water to drink in the name of a disciple, most certainly I tell you, he will in no way lose his reward.”

Study Guide

Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Matthew 10.

Full AI study →

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

AndG2532Greek

καί (kaí): and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

calledG4341Greek

προσκαλέομαι (proskaléomai): to call toward oneself, i.e. summon, invite

hisG846Greek

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

twelveG1427Greek

δώδεκα (dṓdeka): two and ten, i.e. a dozen

disciplesG3101Greek

μαθητής (mathētḗs): a learner, i.e. pupil

gaveG1325Greek

δίδωμι (dídōmi): to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

authorityG1849Greek

ἐξουσία (exousía): privilege, i.e. (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control), delegated influence

uncleanG169Greek

ἀκάθαρτος (akáthartos): impure (ceremonially, morally (lewd) or specially, (demonic))

spiritsG4151Greek

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

toG5620Greek

ὥστε (hṓste): so too, i.e. thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)

Cross References

Matthew 10
v1Luke 9:1-6thematic

Parallel account of the commissioning and empowerment of the twelve apostles.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v1Mark 6:7-13thematic

Parallel Gospel account recording the sending out of the twelve two by two.

Supported by JFB

v35Micah 7:6allusion

Direct Old Testament background for Christ's words about family division and foes of one's household.

Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole

v42Mark 9:41allusion

Direct parallel: receiving a cup of water in Christ's name because you belong to him.

v2Mark 3:13-19thematic

Parallel list of the names of the twelve selected apostles.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v2Luke 6:13-16thematic

Luke's corresponding list of the choosing and naming of the twelve apostles.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v6Matthew 15:24thematic

Jesus declares He was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Supported by Matthew Poole

v24John 13:16thematic

Verbal parallel where Jesus affirms the servant is not greater than his lord.

Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole

v25Matthew 12:24thematic

Identifies the specific charge where they called the master of the house Beelzebub.

Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole

v28Luke 12:4thematic

Parallel instruction on fearing God who can cast into hell, rather than men.

Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB

v34Luke 12:49-53thematic

Parallel discourse on bringing division/fire rather than peace on earth.

Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB

v37Luke 14:26thematic

Parallel demanding supreme love to Christ above father, mother, or one's own life.

Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole

v42Matthew 25:40thematic

Doing kindness to 'one of the least of these my brethren' is done unto Christ.

Supported by Matthew Henry

v2Acts 1:13thematic

Post-ascension list of the apostles gathered in the upper room.

Supported by JFB

v10Luke 10:7-12thematic

Detailed parallel instruction that the laborer is worthy of his wages.

Supported by JFB

v16Luke 10:3thematic

Identical commission directive sending disciples out as lambs among wolves.

Supported by JFB

v29Luke 12:6thematic

Parallel teaching on God's sovereignty over the falling of cheap sparrows.

Supported by JFB

v33Mark 8:38thematic

Warning of being denied by the Son of Man for being ashamed of Him.

Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB

v37Deuteronomy 33:9typology

Levitical precedent of prioritizing God's covenant over father, mother, and brothers.

Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole

v38Matthew 16:24thematic

Subsequent instruction on taking up the cross to follow Christ.

Supported by Matthew Henry

v40John 13:20thematic

Identical theological formula: receiving the sent disciple is receiving Christ and the Father.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v412 Kings 4:8-10typology

The Shunammite woman receives Elisha because he is a holy man of God and is rewarded.

v411 Kings 17:9-15typology

The widow of Zarephath receives and feeds the prophet Elijah, receiving a miraculous prophet's reward.

v3John 1:45thematic

Philip brings Nathanael (Bartholomew) to Jesus, explaining their listing together.

Supported by JFB

v6Acts 13:46thematic

Paul confirms that the gospel must first be spoken to the Jews.

Supported by Matthew Henry

v101 Timothy 5:18thematic

Paul quotes the principle that the laborer is worthy of his reward.

Supported by Matthew Poole

v14Acts 13:51thematic

Paul and Barnabas literally execute the command to shake off dust.

Supported by Matthew Henry

v15Matthew 11:22-24thematic

Parallel warning of judgment more tolerable for Sodom than unrepentant cities.

Supported by Matthew Henry

v19Mark 13:11thematic

Parallel instruction not to premeditate defense speech under persecution.

Supported by Matthew Henry

v23Acts 8:1fulfillment

Historical demonstration of disciples fleeing persecution in Jerusalem to spread the gospel.

Supported by Matthew Henry

v26Mark 4:22thematic

Parallel on that which is hidden being made manifest and revealed.

Supported by Matthew Poole

v301 Samuel 14:45allusion

Idiomatic Old Testament expression signifying complete physical safety under divine protection.

Supported by Matthew Poole

v33Matthew 26:70-75thematic

Historical example of Peter's temporary denial and subsequent restoration.

Supported by Matthew Henry

v42Hebrews 6:10thematic

God is not unrighteous to forget labor of love shown toward His name in ministering to saints.

v19Exodus 4:12allusion

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.