101 Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits , to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness . 2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these : The first , Simon , who is called Peter , and Andrew his brother ; and James the son of Zebedee , and John his brother ; 3 Philip and Bartholomew ; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector ; James the son of Alphaeus , and Thaddaeus ; 4 Simon the Zealot , and Judas Iscariot , the one who betrayed Him.
5 These twelve Jesus sent out after instructing them: "Do not go in the way of the Gentiles , and do not enter any city of the Samaritans ; 6 but rather go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel . 7 "And as you go , preach , saying , ' The kingdom of heaven is at hand .' 8 "Heal the sick , raise the dead , cleanse the lepers , cast out demons . Freely you received , freely give . 9 " Do not acquire gold , or silver , or copper for your money belts , 10 or a bag for your journey , or even two coats , or sandals , or a staff ; for the worker is worthy of his support . 11 "And whatever e city or village you enter , inquire who is worthy in it, and stay at his house until you leave that city. 12 "As you enter the house , give it your greeting . 13 "If the house is worthy , give it your blessing of peace . But if it is not worthy , take back your blessing of peace . 14 "Whoever does not receive you, nor heed your words , as you go out of that house or that city , shake the dust off your feet . 15 "Truly I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Matthew 10:1-15
Commentary on Matthew 10:1-4
(Read Matthew 10:1-4)
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.
Commentary on Matthew 10:5-15
(Read Matthew 10:5-15)
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.