# Overview Matthew Chapter 10 recounts the commissioning of the twelve #apostles by [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]], as He sends them out to proclaim the kingdom of #heaven. Jesus bestows upon them authority to heal the sick, cleanse lepers, raise the dead, and cast out demons, emphasizing that their mission is to the lost sheep of the house of #Israel. He instructs them to travel without gold, silver, or extra clothing, relying solely on the hospitality of those they encounter. Jesus warns them of the persecutions they will face, but reassures them that the #HolySpirit will guide their speech when they stand before governors and kings. This chapter highlights the cost of discipleship, as Jesus calls for complete loyalty to Him, even above family ties, and promises that those who lose their life for His sake will find it. The chapter also emphasizes the theme of #fearlessness, as Jesus encourages His disciples not to fear those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul. He reminds them of their value before #God, who knows even the number of hairs on their heads, and assures them of divine providence. Jesus speaks of the division His coming will bring, as He did not come to bring peace, but a sword, signaling a separation between those who accept and reject Him. This chapter closes with the promise of reward for those who receive the apostles, as receiving them is akin to receiving Jesus Himself, and by extension, God who sent Him. Through these teachings, the chapter underscores the urgency and significance of the apostles' mission and the profound commitment required to follow Christ. ## Theological Insights Matthew 10 reveals the commissioning of the twelve #apostles, highlighting Jesus' authority and the extension of His mission through His chosen representatives. The chapter underscores the principle of being sent with authority from [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]], as seen in Jesus giving the apostles power over unclean spirits and the ability to heal diseases, thus continuing His work on earth. Jesus' instructions in this chapter emphasize reliance on God's provision, as the apostles are sent without money or extra supplies, teaching them to trust in God's providence and the hospitality of others. This echoes the call to faith and trust seen throughout the #Scriptures, such as God's provision for the #Israelites in the wilderness during the Exodus ([[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 16]]). The chapter also addresses the theme of persecution, with Jesus warning His disciples that they will face opposition. This persecution is set within the framework of bearing witness to the truth of the kingdom of #Heaven, aligning with the experiences of the prophets who faced hostility for speaking God's word (e.g., [[Jeremiah/Jeremiah Chapter 20]]). In Matthew 10, Jesus calls His followers to prioritize allegiance to Him above familial and earthly ties, highlighting the cost of discipleship. This mirrors the call to wholehearted devotion found in the Shema ([[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 6]]) and the radical nature of following Christ, who fulfills the law and the prophets. The sending of the apostles serves as a precursor to the Great Commission ([[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 28]]), where Jesus commands His followers to make disciples of all nations. This chapter, therefore, not only prepares the apostles but also sets a paradigm for the church's mission throughout history—proclaiming the kingdom, enduring persecution, and relying on God's provision. Lastly, Matthew 10 concludes with the assurance of reward for those who receive and support the messengers of the gospel, affirming the importance of hospitality and mutual support within the community of believers, reminiscent of the hospitality shown to the early church as seen in [[Acts/Acts Chapter 2]]. ## Thematic Connections ### The Call and Commission of the Disciples The theme of calling and commissioning is central in Matthew 10, where [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]] summons his twelve #disciples and gives them authority. This act parallels the calling of other significant figures in the #Bible, such as [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 3|Moses]], who was commissioned by God to lead the Israelites, and [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 6|Isaiah]], who was called to be a prophet. The empowerment of the disciples to heal and cast out demons reflects Jesus' authority and the continuation of God's work through chosen individuals. ### The Cost of Discipleship Jesus outlines the cost of following him, emphasizing sacrifice and suffering. This theme resonates with the experiences of prophets like [[Jeremiah/Jeremiah Chapter 20|Jeremiah]], who endured persecution, and [[Daniel/Daniel Chapter 6|Daniel]], who faced trials for his faith. The call to take up one's cross and follow Jesus foreshadows Jesus' own journey to the cross, illustrating that discipleship requires total commitment and may lead to difficult circumstances. ### Proclamation of the Kingdom The sending of the disciples to proclaim the kingdom of heaven echoes the prophetic message of repentance and renewal found in the Old Testament, such as in [[Jonah/Jonah Chapter 3|Jonah's mission to Nineveh]]. The disciples' mission aligns with God's ongoing plan to bring redemption and hope to the world, signifying the imminence of the kingdom that Jesus embodies and preaches. ### Divine Provision and Trust Jesus instructs his disciples to rely on God's provision, trusting that their needs will be met as they undertake their mission. This theme of divine provision is evident in the story of [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 16|manna in the wilderness]], where God provides for Israel, and in [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 17|Elijah's sustenance]] through ravens and a widow. The disciples' reliance on God underscores the importance of faith and dependence on God's faithfulness. ### Division and Loyalty to Christ Jesus warns of division that his message will bring, even among families, highlighting the theme of allegiance to Christ above all else. This message echoes the call to exclusive devotion found in the Shema of [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 6|Deuteronomy 6:4-5]]. The demand for undivided loyalty challenges believers to prioritize their relationship with Christ, even when it conflicts with other loyalties. ### Assurance of God's Care and Ultimate Reward Jesus assures his disciples of God's intimate knowledge and care, even to the extent of numbering the hairs on their heads. This assurance of divine care is reminiscent of Psalms like [[Psalms/Psalms Chapter 139|Psalm 139]], which speaks of God's detailed knowledge and presence. The promise of reward for those who endure reflects the eschatological hope found throughout Scripture, affirming that faithfulness will ultimately be recognized and rewarded by God. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### Authority Over Unclean Spirits In [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 10]], Jesus grants His disciples authority over unclean spirits and the power to heal every disease and sickness. This act fulfills the prophetic vision of the #Messiah as a healer and restorer of Israel, as seen in passages like [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 61|Isaiah 61:1]], where the anointed one is described as bringing good news to the afflicted and healing the brokenhearted. By empowering His disciples, Jesus extends this messianic mission, fulfilling the expectation of divine intervention and restoration for the people of #Israel. ### Proclaiming the Kingdom of Heaven When Jesus sends out His disciples to proclaim that the "kingdom of heaven is at hand," He fulfills the prophecies concerning the coming reign of God. This echoes the message found in [[Daniel/Daniel Chapter 2|Daniel 2:44]], where God's eternal kingdom is foretold to be established. The proclamation of the kingdom aligns with the anticipation of a new era ushered in by the #Messiah, fulfilling the prophetic hope of God's sovereign rule being realized on earth. ### Persecution and Endurance In [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 10]], Jesus warns His disciples about the persecution they will face, paralleling the prophetic descriptions of the suffering servant in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 53|Isaiah 53]]. The disciples’ endurance under persecution reflects the path of righteousness and suffering outlined in the prophecies, highlighting their role in the ongoing fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Their willingness to suffer for the kingdom is a testament to the fulfillment of the prophecies about the trials that come with following the #Messiah. ### Division and Peace Jesus speaks of bringing not peace, but a sword, fulfilling the prophecy in [[Micah/Micah Chapter 7|Micah 7:6]], where the coming of God's representative causes division even among families. This division underscores the disruptive nature of the Messiah's mission, as prophesied, bringing about a realignment of loyalties and priorities. The fulfillment of this prophecy reveals the transformative and often divisive impact of the gospel message, as it challenges existing structures and calls for a deeper allegiance to God. ### Acknowledgment Before the Father Jesus promises that those who acknowledge Him before others will be acknowledged before the Father in heaven. This fulfills the prophetic assurance of divine advocacy found in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 43|Isaiah 43:10-12]], where God's witnesses are assured of His presence and support. The promise of acknowledgment aligns with the prophetic theme of vindication for God's faithful servants, fulfilling the expectation of divine recognition and reward for those who stand firm in their testimony. ## Verses - **Matthew 10:1** - "Jesus called his twelve disciples together and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness." - **Note**: See also [[Mark/Mark Chapter 3]], [[Luke/Luke Chapter 9]]. - **Matthew 10:2** - "Here are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (also called Peter), then Andrew (Peter’s brother), James (son of Zebedee), John (James’s brother)," - **Note**: See also [[Acts/Acts Chapter 1]]. - **Matthew 10:3** - "Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew (the tax collector), James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus," - **Note**: See also [[Mark/Mark Chapter 3]]. - **Matthew 10:4** - "Simon (the zealot), Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him)." - **Note**: See also [[John/John Chapter 13]]. - **Matthew 10:5** - "Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions: 'Don’t go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans," - **Note**: See also [[Acts/Acts Chapter 8]]. - **Matthew 10:6** - "but only to the people of Israel—God’s lost sheep." - **Note**: See also [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 15]]. - **Matthew 10:7** - "Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near." - **Note**: See also [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 3]]. - **Matthew 10:8** - "Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!" - **Note**: See also [[Luke/Luke Chapter 7]]. - **Matthew 10:9** - "Don’t take any money in your money belts—no gold, silver, or even copper coins." - **Note**: See also [[Luke/Luke Chapter 9]]. - **Matthew 10:10** - "Don’t carry a traveler’s bag with a change of clothes and sandals or even a walking stick. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve to be fed." - **Note**: See also [[1 Timothy/1 Timothy Chapter 5]]. - **Matthew 10:11** - "Whenever you enter a city or village, search for a worthy person and stay in his home until you leave town." - **Note**: See also [[Luke/Luke Chapter 10]]. - **Matthew 10:12** - "When you enter the home, give it your blessing." - **Note**: See also [[Luke/Luke Chapter 10]]. - **Matthew 10:13** - "If it turns out to be a worthy home, let your blessing stand; if it is not, take back the blessing." - **Note**: See also [[Luke/Luke Chapter 10]]. - **Matthew 10:14** - "If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave." - **Note**: See also [[Acts/Acts Chapter 13]]. - **Matthew 10:15** - "I tell you the truth, the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah will be better off than such a town on the judgment day." - **Note**: See also [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 19]], [[Luke/Luke Chapter 10]]. - **Matthew 10:16** - "Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves." - **Note**: See also [[Luke/Luke Chapter 10]]. - **Matthew 10:17** - "But beware! For you will be handed over to the courts and will be flogged with whips in the synagogues." - **Note**: See also [[Acts/Acts Chapter 5]]. - **Matthew 10:18** - "You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about me." - **Note**: See also [[Acts/Acts Chapter 25]]. - **Matthew 10:19** - "When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time." - **Note**: See also [[Luke/Luke Chapter 12]]. - **Matthew 10:20** - "For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you." - **Note**: See also [[Acts/Acts Chapter 2]]. - **Matthew 10:21** - "A brother will betray his brother to death, a father will betray his own child, and children will rebel against their parents and cause them to be killed." - **Note**: See also [[Micah/Micah Chapter 7]]. - **Matthew 10:22** - "And all nations will hate you because you are my followers. But everyone who endures to the end will be saved." - **Note**: See also [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 24]]. - **Matthew 10:23** - "When you are persecuted in one town, flee to the next. I tell you the truth, the Son of Man will return before you have reached all the towns of Israel." - **Note**: See also [[Luke/Luke Chapter 21]]. - **Matthew 10:24** - "Students are not greater than their teacher, and slaves are not greater than their master." - **Note**: See also [[John/John Chapter 13]]. - **Matthew 10:25** - "Students are to be like their teacher, and slaves are to be like their master. And since I, the master of the household, have been called the prince of demons, the members of my household will be called by even worse names!" - **Note**: See also [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 12]]. - **Matthew 10:26** - "But don’t be afraid of those who threaten you. For the time is coming when everything that is covered will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all." - **Note**: See also [[Luke/Luke Chapter 12]]. - **Matthew 10:27** - "What I tell you now in the darkness, shout abroad when daybreak comes. What I whisper in your ear, shout from the housetops for all to hear!" - **Note**: See also [[Mark/Mark Chapter 4]]. - **Matthew 10:28** - "Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell." - **Note**: See also [[Luke/Luke Chapter 12]]. - **Matthew 10:29** - "What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it." - **Note**: See also [[Luke/Luke Chapter 12]]. - **Matthew 10:30** - "And the very hairs on your head are all numbered." - **Note**: See also [[Luke/Luke Chapter 12]]. - **Matthew 10:31** - "So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows." - **Note**: See also [[Luke/Luke Chapter 12]]. - **Matthew 10:32** - "Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven." - **Note**: See also [[Luke/Luke Chapter 12]]. - **Matthew 10:33** - "But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven." - **Note**: See also [[Luke/Luke Chapter 12]]. - **Matthew 10:34** - "Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword." - **Note**: See also [[Luke/Luke Chapter 12]]. - **Matthew 10:35** - "I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law." - **Note**: See also [[Micah/Micah Chapter 7]]. - **Matthew 10:36** - "Your enemies will be right in your own household!" - **Note**: See also [[Micah/Micah Chapter 7]]. - **Matthew 10:37** - "If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine." - **Note**: See also [[Luke/Luke Chapter 14]]. - **Matthew 10:38** - "If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine." - **Note**: See also [[Luke/Luke Chapter 14]]. - **Matthew 10:39** - "If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it." - **Note**: See also [[Luke/Luke Chapter 9]]. - **Matthew 10:40** - "Anyone who receives you receives me, and anyone who receives me receives the Father who sent me." - **Note**: See also [[John/John Chapter 13]]. - **Matthew 10:41** - "If you receive a prophet as one who speaks for God, you will be given the same reward as a prophet. And if you receive righteous people because of their righteousness, you will be given a reward like theirs." - **Note**: See also [[2 Kings/2 Kings Chapter 4]]. - **Matthew 10:42** - "And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded." - **Note**: See also [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 25]].