The Twelve Apostles 1And calling His twelve disciples to Him, Jesus gave them authority over unclean spirits, so that they could drive them out and heal every disease and sickness. 2These are the names of the twelve apostles: first Simon, called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; 3Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4Simon the Zealot,a and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus.b The Ministry of the Twelve 5These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go onto the road of the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. 6Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. 7As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’ 8Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers,c drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. 9Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts. 10Take no bag for the road, or second tunic, or sandals, or staff; for the worker is worthy of his provisions. 11Whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy there and stay at his housed until you move on. 12As you enter the home, greet its occupants.e 13If the home is worthy, let your peace rest on it, but if it is not, let your peace return to you. 14And if anyone will not welcome you or heed your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. 15Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town. Sheep among Wolves 16Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. 17But beware of men, for they will hand you over to their councils and flog you in their synagogues. 18On My account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. 19But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to respond or what to say. In that hour you will be given what to say. 20For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rise against their parents and have them put to death. 22You will be hated by everyone because of My name, but the one who perseveres to the end will be saved. 23When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next. Truly I tell you, you will not reach all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. 24A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25It is enough for a disciple to be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul,f how much more the members of his household! Fear God Alone 26So do not be afraid of them. For there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, and nothing hidden that will not be made known. 27What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the housetops. 28Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.g 29Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?h Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. 30And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Confessing Christ 32Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father in heaven. 33But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father in heaven. Not Peace but a Sword 34Do not assume that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35For I have come to turn ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 36A man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’i 37Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me; 38and anyone who does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me. 39Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. The Reward of Service 40He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives the One who sent Me. 41Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward. 42And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is My disciple, truly I tell you, he will never lose his reward.” Footnotes: 4 a Greek Simon the Cananean 4 b Literally the one also having betrayed Him 8 c A leper was one afflicted with a skin disease. See Leviticus 13. 11 d Literally stay there 12 e Literally greet it 25 f WH Beezeboul; Vulgate Beelzebub 28 g Greek Gehenna 29 h Greek an assarion; that is, a Roman copper coin worth about 1/16 of a denarius 36 i Micah 7:6 Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  Matthew 10 Summary The Twelve ApostlesVerses 1–4 – The Twelve Are Named Verses 5–15 – Instructions for the Immediate Mission Verses 16–23 – Persecution Foretold Verses 24–31 – Courage Under Fire Verses 32–39 – Confessing Christ, Counting the Cost Verses 40–42 – Rewards for Receiving Matthew 10 records Jesus' commissioning of His twelve disciples, empowering them to extend His mission. He gives them detailed instructions for their mission, warns them of impending persecutions, and encourages them with the assurance of God's providence and protection. Historical Road Map Matthew 10 falls in Galilean ministry, probably around AD 28-29. Jewish expectations of a conquering Messiah were high under Roman occupation. Jesus instead commissions peaceful heralds to show mercy and preach repentance (cf. Isaiah 61:1). Who Are the Twelve? • Peter (Simon) – outspoken fisherman; later pillar of the church (Acts 2). • Andrew – Peter’s brother; early evangelist (John 1:41). • James & John – sons of Zebedee, called “Boanerges” (Mark 3:17). • Philip – points Nathanael to Jesus (John 1:45). • Bartholomew (likely Nathanael) – honest seeker. • Thomas – loyal doubter turned believer (John 20:28). • Matthew – former tax collector; author of this Gospel. • James son of Alphaeus – often called “the Less.” • Thaddaeus (also Judas son of James) – asks about Christ’s self-revelation (John 14:22). • Simon the Zealot – once part of anti-Roman resistance. • Judas Iscariot – treasurer who betrayed Jesus (Matthew 26:14-16). Jewish Mission Parameters Limiting the first mission to Israel honors covenant order: “to the Jew first” (Romans 1:16). After resurrection, the circle widens to “all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Jesus’ miracles mirror Elijah and Elisha, authenticating the message inside Jewish thought forms (1 Kings 17–2 Kings 5). Hospitality and Shalom In first-century villages, inns were rare and unsafe. Houses had guest rooms (Greek kataluma). Extending “peace” (Hebrew shalom) carried weight—inviting blessing, safety, and wholeness (Numbers 6:24-26). If rejected, the blessing returned to the messenger, hinting that spiritual gifts remain under God’s control, not man’s. Dusting Off the Feet Shaking dust was a rabbinic act when leaving Gentile lands, symbolizing separation from defilement. Doing this in Jewish towns was a stunning sign that unbelief, not ethnicity, brings judgment (cf. Acts 13:51). Persecution in Synagogues and Courts Synagogue leaders could administer thirty-nine lashes (Deuteronomy 25:3; 2 Corinthians 11:24). Roman governors, like Pontius Pilate or proconsuls in Acts, held broader power. Jesus promises the Spirit’s aid: “For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you” (v. 20), echoed later in Acts 4:8; 6:10. The Holy Spirit’s Prompting Old Testament parallels: God told Moses, “I will help you speak” (Exodus 4:12). Jeremiah heard, “Do not be afraid… I am with you” (Jeremiah 1:8). Jesus extends the same promise to every age (Luke 12:11-12). Value and Fear Two sparrows sold for a copper coin (about an hour’s wage). Archaeologists find clay bird traps and tiny bronze coins (prutah) in Galilee, illustrating this low cost. Yet God’s care for each bird reveals His intimate oversight. Confession vs Denial Peter’s later denial (Matthew 26:69-75) contrasts with his Pentecost confession (Acts 2:14-36). The warning is real, but failure is not final if repentance follows (John 21:15-19). Paul urges similar courage: “If we endure, we will also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He will deny us” (2 Timothy 2:12). Not Peace but a Sword Micah 7:6 foretells family strife in days of renewal. Jesus quotes it to show that allegiance to Him divides loyalties deeper than blood ties. The “sword” is metaphorical—truth that slices competing claims (Hebrews 4:12). Taking Up the Cross Before the Cross Crucifixion, a Roman torture for rebels, lined roadsides as chilling deterrent. Jesus’ hearers knew the image. Following Him means willingness to die to self. Paul echoes: “I have been crucified with Christ” (Galatians 2:20). Prophets, Righteous Ones, and Little Ones Three groups cover messengers of every rank. Reward language recalls 1 Kings 17, where a widow feeds Elijah and is sustained. Jesus promises even a cup of cold water will not be overlooked (Hebrews 6:10). Archaeological Glimpses • First-century stone oil lamps inscribed with “shalom” confirm household focus on peace blessings. • Galilean roads show travelers’ reliance on local wells—supports the cup-of-water teaching. • Ossuaries reveal family tombs crowded together, illustrating the pain of generational splits over Jesus. Links to the Hebrew Scriptures • Authority over disease and demons – foreshadowed in Psalm 103:3-4. • Free giving – reflections of Isaiah 55:1, “Come, buy without money.” • Endurance saves – Daniel 12:12 speaks of blessed endurance in trouble. • Fear not – Isaiah 41:10 parallels God’s comfort. Echoes in Acts and Epistles The pattern in Matthew 10 unfolds in Acts: apostolic healings (Acts 3), reliance on hospitality (Acts 16:15), persecution in synagogues and courts (Acts 18:12-17), Spirit-given words (Acts 4:31), and joyful endurance (1 Peter 4:12-14). Practical Living Today • Mission still starts where we are—family, friends, neighbors—before spanning the globe. • Travel light: hold possessions loosely and trust God’s supply. • Speak plainly about Jesus, expecting both open doors and opposition. • Remember your worth; anxiety shrinks when we know every hair is counted. • Take up your cross daily—choosing obedience over comfort brings lasting life. Connections to Additional Scriptures The Great Commission Matthew 28:18-20, where Jesus commands His followers to make disciples of all nations. Persecution for Righteousness 2 Timothy 3:12, which speaks of the inevitability of persecution for those who desire to live godly lives in Christ. God’s Provision Philippians 4:19, which assures us that God will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory. Taking Up the Cross Luke 9:23, where Jesus calls His followers to deny themselves and take up their cross daily. Teaching Points The Commissioning of the TwelveJesus calls and empowers His twelve apostles, giving them authority over unclean spirits and the ability to heal every disease and sickness (Matthew 10:1). Instructions for the Mission Jesus provides specific instructions for their journey, emphasizing reliance on God’s provision and the importance of preaching the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 10:5-15). Persecution and Endurance Jesus warns of the persecution His followers will face, encouraging them to endure and remain steadfast in their faith (Matthew 10:16-23). Fear and Assurance Jesus reassures His disciples not to fear those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul, highlighting the value God places on each of His followers (Matthew 10:28-31). The Cost of Discipleship Jesus speaks of the division that following Him may cause, even among families, and the necessity of taking up one’s cross (Matthew 10:34-39). Rewards of Discipleship Jesus promises that those who receive His disciples and support their mission will be rewarded (Matthew 10:40-42). Practical Applications Embrace Your CallingRecognize that as a believer, you are called to be a disciple of Christ, equipped to share the Gospel and serve others. Trust in God’s Provision In your mission, rely on God to provide for your needs, just as He instructed the apostles to do. Stand Firm in Persecution Prepare your heart to face opposition for your faith, knowing that Jesus has forewarned and encouraged us to endure. Value Your Worth in God’s Eyes Remember that God values you immensely, and His care for you surpasses any earthly fear. Prioritize Christ Above All Be willing to make sacrifices and prioritize your relationship with Jesus, even when it leads to difficult choices. People 1. Simon (Peter)Often considered the leader of the apostles, Simon is also known as Peter, which means "rock" in Greek (Πέτρος, Petros). Jesus gave him this name, signifying his foundational role in the early Church. 2. Andrew The brother of Simon Peter, Andrew was a fisherman by trade. He is known for being one of the first disciples called by Jesus. 3. James (son of Zebedee) James is the brother of John and part of Jesus' inner circle. He is sometimes referred to as James the Greater to distinguish him from the other James. 4. John (brother of James) Also a son of Zebedee, John is known for his close relationship with Jesus and is traditionally credited with writing the Gospel of John, the Epistles of John, and Revelation. 5. Philip Philip is from Bethsaida, the same town as Andrew and Peter. He is known for bringing Nathanael (Bartholomew) to Jesus. 6. Bartholomew Often identified with Nathanael, Bartholomew is known for his initial skepticism about Jesus, which turns into faith upon meeting Him. 7. Thomas Also known as "Doubting Thomas" due to his initial doubt about Jesus' resurrection, Thomas is remembered for his eventual declaration of faith. 8. Matthew (the tax collector) Also known as Levi, Matthew is the author of the Gospel of Matthew. He was a tax collector before following Jesus. 9. James (son of Alphaeus) Often referred to as James the Less, he is distinguished from James the son of Zebedee. 10. Thaddaeus Also known as Judas son of James, or Lebbaeus, Thaddaeus is one of the lesser-known apostles. 11. Simon the Zealot Known for his zeal, Simon was likely part of a Jewish nationalist group before following Jesus. 12. Judas Iscariot The apostle who later betrayed Jesus, leading to His arrest and crucifixion. His surname, Iscariot, may indicate his place of origin or a particular characteristic. Places 1. IsraelJesus instructs His disciples to focus their mission on "the lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Matthew 10:6). This indicates a specific geographical and ethnic focus on the Jewish people, emphasizing the initial scope of their mission. 2. Gentiles Although not a place per se, Jesus tells His disciples, "Do not go onto the road of the Gentiles" (Matthew 10:5). This instruction highlights the distinction between Jewish and non-Jewish territories, as "Gentiles" refers to non-Jewish nations or peoples. 3. Samaritans Similarly, Jesus instructs, "Do not enter any town of the Samaritans" (Matthew 10:5). Samaria was a region between Judea and Galilee, inhabited by Samaritans, who were ethnically and religiously distinct from the Jews. Events 1. Calling of the Twelve DisciplesJesus summons His twelve disciples and gives them authority over unclean spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. This event highlights the Greek term "apostolos," meaning "one who is sent," emphasizing their mission. 2. Naming of the Twelve Apostles The names of the twelve apostles are listed: Simon (Peter), Andrew, James (son of Zebedee), John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew (the tax collector), James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus, Simon (the Zealot), and Judas Iscariot, who later betrays Jesus. 3. Instructions for the Mission Jesus instructs the apostles to go to the lost sheep of Israel, not to the Gentiles or Samaritans, emphasizing the initial focus on the Jewish people. The Greek term "porneia" (meaning "lost") underscores the spiritual state of Israel. 4. Proclamation of the Kingdom The apostles are to proclaim, "The kingdom of heaven is near." This message is central to Jesus' ministry and reflects the Greek "basileia," meaning "kingdom" or "reign." 5. Miraculous Works Commanded Jesus commands them to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, and drive out demons, emphasizing the power and authority given to them. 6. Instructions on Provision The apostles are told not to take gold, silver, or copper in their belts, nor a bag for the journey, extra tunic, sandals, or staff, as "the worker is worthy of his provisions." This reflects reliance on God's provision. 7. Reception in Towns They are instructed to find a worthy person in each town to stay with and to let their peace rest on the house if it is worthy. The Greek "axios" (worthy) indicates those receptive to the message. 8. Handling Rejection If a town or home does not receive them, they are to shake the dust off their feet as a testimony against them, a symbolic act of judgment. 9. Warning of Persecution Jesus warns of persecution, stating they will be handed over to councils and flogged in synagogues, and brought before governors and kings for His sake. 10. Promise of the Spirit's Guidance In times of trial, they are assured that the Spirit of the Father will speak through them, emphasizing divine assistance. 11. Family Division Jesus predicts that His message will cause division even among families, with members turning against each other. 12. Call to Take Up the Cross The apostles are called to take up their cross and follow Him, signifying a life of sacrifice and commitment. 13. Finding and Losing Life Jesus teaches that whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for His sake will find it, highlighting the paradox of discipleship. 14. Rewards for Receiving the Apostles Those who receive the apostles receive Jesus, and by extension, the Father who sent Him. The Greek "dechomai" (receive) implies acceptance and hospitality. 15. Promise of Reward Even giving a cup of cold water to a disciple will not go unrewarded, emphasizing the value of even small acts of kindness in the kingdom of heaven. Topics 1. The Twelve Apostles CommissionedJesus calls His twelve disciples and gives them authority over unclean spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. This commissioning marks the beginning of their mission. The Greek term "apostolos" (ἀπόστολος) means "one who is sent," emphasizing their role as messengers. 2. Instructions for the Mission Jesus instructs the apostles on how to conduct their mission, emphasizing reliance on God and the message of the Kingdom of Heaven. He tells them, "Freely you have received; freely give" (Matthew 10:8), highlighting the grace and generosity expected in their ministry. 3. Persecution Foretold Jesus warns the apostles of the persecution they will face, stating, "You will be hated by everyone on account of My name" (Matthew 10:22). The Greek word "diōkō" (διώκω) for "persecute" conveys the idea of being pursued or harassed. 4. Fear God, Not Man Jesus encourages the apostles not to fear those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul. He emphasizes the sovereignty of God, saying, "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father" (Matthew 10:29). 5. Confessing Christ Before Men Jesus stresses the importance of acknowledging Him before others, promising that He will acknowledge them before His Father in heaven. The Greek term "homologeō" (ὁμολογέω) for "confess" implies a public declaration of faith. 6. Not Peace, But a Sword Jesus explains that His coming will bring division, even among families, as individuals choose to follow Him. He states, "For I have come to turn ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother’" (Matthew 10:35), indicating the cost of discipleship. 7. The Cost of Discipleship Jesus outlines the sacrifices required to follow Him, including taking up one's cross. He declares, "Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it" (Matthew 10:39), emphasizing the paradox of true life found in self-denial. 8. Rewards for Service Jesus concludes with a promise of reward for those who receive His disciples and support their mission. He assures, "And whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is My disciple, truly I tell you, he will never lose his reward" (Matthew 10:42). Themes 1. Commissioning of the Twelve ApostlesJesus appoints and sends out the twelve apostles, giving them authority over unclean spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. This commissioning underscores the apostolic authority and the continuation of Jesus' ministry through His chosen disciples. ^“Jesus called His twelve disciples to Him and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to drive them out and to heal every disease and sickness.”^ (Matthew 10:1) 2. Proclamation of the Kingdom The apostles are instructed to preach the message of the Kingdom of Heaven being near. This theme emphasizes the urgency and centrality of the Kingdom message in Jesus' ministry. ^“As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’”^ (Matthew 10:7) 3. Dependence on God’s Provision Jesus instructs the apostles to rely on God for their needs, highlighting the importance of faith and trust in divine provision rather than material resources. ^“Do not carry any gold or silver or copper in your belts.”^ (Matthew 10:9) 4. Persecution and Suffering for Christ Jesus warns the apostles of the persecution they will face, preparing them for the reality of suffering as His followers. This theme reflects the cost of discipleship and the expectation of opposition. ^“You will be hated by everyone on account of My name, but the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.”^ (Matthew 10:22) 5. Fearlessness in Witnessing The apostles are encouraged not to fear those who can harm the body but to have reverence for God. This theme underscores the call to boldness and courage in proclaiming the Gospel. ^“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.”^ (Matthew 10:28) 6. Divine Value and Care Jesus reassures the apostles of their worth and God’s attentive care, using the analogy of sparrows to illustrate God’s intimate knowledge and concern for His people. ^“So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”^ (Matthew 10:31) 7. Division and Loyalty to Christ Jesus speaks of the division His message will bring, even among families, emphasizing the necessity of prioritizing loyalty to Him above all earthly relationships. ^“For I have come to turn ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.’”^ (Matthew 10:35) 8. The Cost of Discipleship The call to take up one’s cross and follow Jesus highlights the sacrificial nature of true discipleship, requiring a willingness to forsake all for Christ. ^“Whoever does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me.”^ (Matthew 10:38) 9. Rewards for Receiving Christ’s Messengers Jesus promises rewards for those who receive and support His messengers, indicating the blessing associated with hospitality and support for the work of the Gospel. ^“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is My disciple, truly I tell you, he will never lose his reward.”^ (Matthew 10:42) Answering Tough Questions 1. Matthew 10:23 – Why has Jesus not returned if he promised his disciples they wouldn’t finish visiting all the towns of Israel before his coming? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. What does the naming and sending of the twelve disciples signify in the ministry of Jesus? 2. How do you understand the specific instructions Jesus gave to the disciples for their mission? 3. What lessons can you learn from Jesus' forewarning about future persecutions? 4. How can Jesus' reassurance about God's care during persecution offer comfort in your personal challenges? 5. What does it mean to fear God rather than people, and how can you apply this in your life? 6. How does Jesus' statement about bringing division affect your understanding of the Christian mission? 7. What does it mean to take up your cross and follow Jesus in today's context? 8. How does the promise of reward for receiving disciples encourage hospitality and support within the Christian community? 9. How can the commissioning of the disciples inspire your personal evangelistic efforts? 10. How do you respond to the idea of persecution for your faith? What practical steps can you take to prepare for such a scenario? 11. What does it mean to acknowledge Jesus before others? How can you practically do this in your daily life? 12. How do the disciples' instructions about relying on God's provision challenge your approach to ministry or service? 13. How do you understand the phrase "he who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it"? 14. What implications does the disciples' authority over unclean spirits and to heal diseases have on your understanding of spiritual power and authority? 15. How can the disciples' mandate to freely give as they have freely received shape your attitude towards service and generosity? 16. How does Jesus' teaching about household division for His sake challenge conventional notions of family loyalty? 17. How can you demonstrate the kind of commitment Jesus expects of His disciples in your life today? 18. How does the principle of reward for welcoming Jesus' disciples apply in your Christian fellowship? 19. What does the disciples' mission to the lost sheep of Israel reveal about God's heart for the lost? 20. How does Jesus' teaching about the value of each believer to God comfort and assure you in your faith journey? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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