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Matthew 10

42 verses

TL;DR

Jesus commissions the twelve disciples with authority, instructions, and warnings, emphasizing reliance on God, perseverance, and the cost of following Him.

Summary

Jesus gathers his twelve apostles and grants them power over demons and healing. He names them and sends them on a mission to the Jews, instructing them to proclaim the kingdom of heaven and perform miracles. He advises practical matters—no money, minimal gear, and hospitality from worthy hosts—and tells them to stay in a city until they are rejected. Jesus warns of persecution, betrayal, and the necessity of faith, reminding them that the Spirit will speak for them. He predicts familial strife, the necessity of the cross, and rewards for obedience, concluding with a call to honor and faithfulness.

Outline
  1. Commission and instructions to the apostles
  2. Practical guidance for mission work and hospitality
  3. Warnings of persecution, betrayal, and the cost of discipleship
Themes
Authority of ChristDependence on God over material provisionThe cost and rewards of discipleship
Keywords
apostlescommissionmissionpersecutionfaithspiritcrossobedience
People
JesusPeterAndrewJames (Zebedee)JohnPhilipBartholomewThomasMatthewJames (Alphaeus)Lebbaeus/ThaddaeusSimon (Canaanite)Judas IscariotFatherGovernorsKingsSamaritans
Places
IsraelSamaritansSodom and Gomorrahcities of Israel
Things
unclean spiritshealing powergoldsilverbrassscripcoatsshoesstavescrosswatercold cup
Key Verses
  • Matthew 10:1: Jesus gives the apostles authority over demons and healing.
  • Matthew 10:5: Lists the apostles, identifying the group.
  • Matthew 10:8: Summarizes mission tasks—preach, heal, raise, exorcise.
  • Matthew 10:9: Practical instructions on material support.
  • Matthew 10:15: Warning about rejection and the importance of resilience.
  • Matthew 10:16: Advice on wisdom and peace in hostile environments.
  • Matthew 10:20: Assures that the Holy Spirit will speak in times of persecution.
  • Matthew 10:23: Encourages perseverance amid persecution.
  • Matthew 10:39: The paradox of finding life by losing it for Christ.
Questions
  • How does Jesus prepare the apostles for the hardships of mission work?
  • What does the instruction to stay in a city until rejected imply about discipleship?
  • In what ways does reliance on the Holy Spirit function as a security for the apostles?
  • What tension exists between Jesus' command to love and his declaration of a ‘sword’?
  • How should modern Christians interpret the admonitions regarding family and obedience?
Sentiment

mixed
The chapter contains warnings and harsh realities of discipleship, yet also promises divine support and eternal reward.