JESUS CALLED HIS TWELVE DISCIPLES. This must be tied to the last three verses of chapter 9. The twelve disciples had already been called and had been with Jesus for some time. Now he sends them on a mission, as _apostles._ AND GAVE THEM AUTHORITY. To carry out the same mission of mercy and love whic... [ Continue Reading ]
THESE ARE THE NAMES. Four lists of the twelve are given: Matthew 10:2; Mark 3:16; Luke 6:14; Acts 1:13. The four lists are identical, with these exceptions: Luke does not include Judas Iscariot in Acts 1:13, since he was dead at that time. Both Matthew and Mark speak of the tenth disciple as Thaddae... [ Continue Reading ]
DO NOT GO TO ANY GENTILE TERRITORY. Later Jesus would send them to "all the world," but now they limit their work to the Jews. All non-Jews are "Gentiles." SAMARITAN TOWNS. Those who lived in Samaria were a blend of the "Ten Tribes" mixed with Gentiles (_see_ 2 Kings 17:24; 2 Chronicles 30:1-20). Th... [ Continue Reading ]
THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS NEAR. Both John the Baptist and Christ preached the "NEARNESS" of the Kingdom. It could not be set up until the events of the Cross (Luke 9:31). The apostles were to say it was near, since the time was nearly fulfilled. Jesus became King in his being "lifted up" on the Cross... [ Continue Reading ]
HEAL THE SICK. They were to duplicate the work of Jesus. Later, both the apostles and all Christians would do "greater works" in calling others into the church of Christ (John 14:12).... [ Continue Reading ]
DO NOT CARRY. The emphasis is on speed URGENCY! Also, the ones being "renewed" ought to supply the needs of the one "renewing.... [ Continue Reading ]
WHEN YOU COME. Living in different houses would require more time. They were to choose one who would give them room and board, and remain with them until they left to the next town.... [ Continue Reading ]
PEACE BE WITH YOU. A formal blessing, as well as a greeting.... [ Continue Reading ]
IF THE PEOPLE. "Peace be with you" was said before it was known that the people of the house would welcome them to stay. If they were not friendly, they were to immediately leave, and remove their word of blessing as well.... [ Continue Reading ]
SHAKE THE DUST OFF YOUR FEET. This is a symbolic act that says all responsibility has ended. God does not force his word upon unwilling people (_see_ Acts 13:50-51).... [ Continue Reading ]
REMEMBER THIS! This phrase always introduces a strong statement. GOD WILL SHOW MORE MERCY. These cities were destroyed because of their sins (Genesis 19:1-28). These cities had no opportunity, therefore not the same responsibility, as those to whom Christ and his apostles preached.... [ Continue Reading ]
JUST LIKE SHEEP. Defenceless by human means among fierce and cruel enemies. CAUTIONS AS SNAKES. Snakes were symbolic of extreme caution. GENTLE AS DOVES. Doves were symbolic of gentleness, purity, and innocence just the opposite of "wolves and dogs" (_see_ Philippians 3:2).... [ Continue Reading ]
WATCH OUT. Some religious leaders would severely oppose their work of renewal. They could expect to be arrested, tried in court, and whipped in the synagogues (_see_ Acts 22:19; Acts 26:11).... [ Continue Reading ]
YOU WILL BE BROUGHT TO TRIAL. Just like criminals! See Acts 12:1-5.... [ Continue Reading ]
19-20. DO NOT worry. They are promised supernatural help from the Holy Spirit. The maximum speed had to be maintained until Jerusalem was destroyed (_70 AD)._ See note on Matthew 24:14. YOUR FATHER. Jesus emphasized this new relationship to God. Also, God was his Father in a different sense than he... [ Continue Reading ]
MEN WILL HAND OVER THEIR OWN BROTHERS. This is not "make-believe!" Jesus causes division for the very reason that each must decide just who he is! Note Matthew 10:34_!_ Families would be literally torn to pieces over Jesus and his claims. "Christ on the Cross" is offensive to the Jews and nonsense t... [ Continue Reading ]
EVERYONE WILL HATE YOU. Hypocrites do not like to be exposed. As the followers of Christ expose sin, all who love sin and who follow Satan, will hate them (see Revelation 11:7-14). BUT WHOEVER HOLDS OUT. The one final victory WAS WON in the Cross. The one who "holds out" faithfully to the end of the... [ Continue Reading ]
RUN AWAY TO ANOTHER ONE. They were not to forfeit their life foolishly for no good purpose. Life is sacred and must not be flung away! But, they must value Christ even more than their own life! Before the Son of Man comes. That is, before he is glorified in the death of the Cross. (_See_ Matthew 16:... [ Continue Reading ]
NO PUPIL IS GREATER THAN HIS TEACHER. The disciples must expect to be treated just as Jesus would be. If the head of the family is called Beelzebul. The name given to the Devil as the chief of evil spirits. Some who opposed Jesus called him that (John 8:48).... [ Continue Reading ]
DO NOT BE AFRAID OF MEN, THEN. Christ will win the final victory in the Cross. Those who oppose him will be exposed for what they are.... [ Continue Reading ]
YOU MUST REPEAT IN BROAD DAYLIGHT. Jesus taught them in private what they are not to "Shout from the housetops." The eastern houses had flat roofs which made a "stage" for the speaker to attract attention.... [ Continue Reading ]
DO NOT BE AFRAID. The worst anyone could do was to destroy the body. God, who will raise the dead, can destroy the soul. In hell. Eternal punishment (GEHENNA _see note on_ Matthew 5:22).... [ Continue Reading ]
TWO SPARROWS FOR A PENNY. Among the smallest and least valuable birds. So cheap, yet God is aware of them.... [ Continue Reading ]
30-31. EVEN THE HAIRS OF YOUR HEAD. Assurance of our Father's concern for his children. The next verse shows to whom this applies.... [ Continue Reading ]
WHOEVER DECLARES PUBLICLY. To "confess Christ" is not to accept some creed, but to openly show yourself as a follower of Jesus, and to live as he directs. This implies: (1) A confession [declaration] of faith (as _Peter in_ Matthew 16:16). (2) Giving yourself as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1-2). I... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT WHOEVER DENIES PUBLICLY. The Jews repudiated him as Messiah. Those who refuse to accept him, DENY HIM. Those who allow the worries and problems of life to turn them from their Christianity DENY HIM. I WILL DENY HIM. As Judge, he will say: _"I never knew you"_ (Matthew 7:23).... [ Continue Reading ]
DO NOT THINK. To bring peace, evil must be defeated. Therefore, to preach purity and peace brings the opposition of evil. While Christ is the great "peacemaker," yet his coming would bring great struggle and bloodshed. A SWORD. Symbolic of great struggle. The only sword Christ and his followers woul... [ Continue Reading ]
I CAME TO SET SONS AGAINST THEIR FATHERS. This is the result, not the purpose. When one became a follower of Christ, this would at once set him against his own people who did not follow Christ. Families stand together, but religious feuds break up family ties. (_But notice_ Matthew 10:37_!_)... [ Continue Reading ]
A MAN'S WORST ENEMIES. This has been proved thousands of times. Many have been thrown out and banished because they had confessed Christ.... [ Continue Reading ]
WHOEVER LOVES HIS FATHER OR MOTHER MORE THAN ME. The Lord does not ask that we love these less, but that we love him morel He must have the highest priority! Is NOT WORTHY OF ME. A sharp line is drawn between those who do love Christ, and those who are indifferent.... [ Continue Reading ]
WHOEVER DOES NOT TAKE UP HIS CROSS. Symbolic of being faithful even at the price of pain and suffering. No one can be neutral about Jesus! We take up our cross daily! FOLLOW IN MY STEPS. Use his teaching to set our standards of life.... [ Continue Reading ]
WHOEVER TRIES TO GAIN. Some would deny Christ to save their lives. Some would give up their integrity and compromise with the world. The emphasis is on Eternity! See Romans 6:4-11.... [ Continue Reading ]
WHOEVER WELCOMES YOU. They were being sent out in Jesus' name by his authority. As his messengers and ambassadors, they officially represent Jesus, and to receive them is to receive him. (_Compare_ 2 Corinthians 5:16-21.)... [ Continue Reading ]
BECAUSE HE IS GOD'S MESSENGER. The one who welcomes, does so because he loves Christ. Therefore, he will share the reward.... [ Continue Reading ]
AND REMEMBER THIS! No act of kindness is too small to be rewarded, if the motives are right. Six things are mentioned in following Christ: (1) Confessing (Matthew 10:32-33); (2) Combat (Matthew 10:34-37); (3) Taking his cross (Matthew 10:38); (4) Self-sacrifice (Matthew 10:39); (5) Assistance (Matth... [ Continue Reading ]