Matthew 10 - Twelve Apostles on a Mission from God

Christ gives the Apostles authority in His name. Jesus trusting His disciples enough to give them the authority passed on to Him by the Heavenly Father. These guys were the real thing, not a bunch of phony's like many preachers today.

1And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. Calls His twelve disciples (learners or students). Christ gives them authority in His name. (Jesus trusting His disciples enough to give them the authority passed on to Him by the Heavenly Father). These guys were the real thing, not a bunch of phony's like we have out there today.

 2Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Simon (meaning a hearing), Peter (meaning a rock or stone), Andrew (meaning manly), James (meaning supplanter), John (meaning Yahveh's gift).

 3Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Philip (meaning lover of horses), Bartholomew (meaning gift of God), Thomas (meaning twin), Matthew (meaning gift of Yahveh), James (Greek form of Jacob meaning supplanter).

 4Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. Simon the Canaanite, an Aramic word for the Greek "Zelotes" (meaning zealous), and Judas Iscariot (meaning man of Kerioth), the one who betrayed Jesus. Keep in mind that there were four major languages spoke back then. (Hebrew, Greek, Latin and Aramaic).

 5These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: Christ was not sending them to the Gentiles at this time. i.e. Don't go abroad and leave the land.

 6But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Limited to the Jews only. Of course the Jews would reject Jesus as Messiah, then His message would go to the Gentiles. (Acts 28:27-28, Romans 11:11).

 7And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Teach the "Kingdom of Heaven." (Matthew 3:2). Not doctrine of men.

 8Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. Share what God has given you without putting a price on it. To many preachers and churches out there selling Gods Word when its not theirs to sell. (Kind of like copyright infringement).

 9Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, Don't take any money with you and don't beg for cash. God will provide what you need. (That is, what to say at the right time through the Holy Spirit). Remember, your out there spreading the Word, not filling your pockets.

 10Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. If a man of God takes the true Word of God forth, he will be taken care of by the people. (God always provides).

 11And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence. Whenever you enter a town, search for a good or Godly man to stay with until you leave for the next town. (Another Christian).

 12And when ye come into an house, salute it. Be kind and friendly giving the house a blessing. "Peace be with you." (3 John 1:14).

 13And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. If it turns out to be a worthy home, give it your blessing; if not keep the blessing.

 14And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. If they do not want to hear or welcome the Word of truth, just move on. (Keep your message and blessing for the next home).

 15Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. This will be a bad sign for them who scoff at the word and refuse to even listen to His message. (Mark 6:11, Luke 10:12). You know the ones; bring up God and they want to change the subject, or give you some smart remark. (Matthew 12:36).

 16Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. Who is the one who watches after the sheep and gives them protection? "The shepherd." Christ is our shepherd, and we need to love and trust Him. But, always be wiser than the serpent. (Genesis 3:13). Don't go where your not instructed to go. "Where evil thrives and trouble awaits." (1 Thessalonians 5:22). Christ also instructs us to be as harmless as a dove. The dove is a bird of peace and is very cool and calm. Harmless until you try to harm it. (Always protect yourself and your family). I am speaking spiritually as well as physically here. We are to be soldiers in the army of Christ, not a bunch of wimps and pushovers to be walked on.

 17But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; Be careful of men and their doctrines. (Philippians 3:2). This also looks forward to the time when Satan sets up his synagogue. (Mark 13:12, Luke 12:11, 21:12, John 16:2).

 18And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. This word gentiles here is translated "heathen nations." You will testify against the "heathen nations" of the world that are unbelievers and do not align with God's plan. (Mark 13:9).

 19But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. We are speaking about the hour of temptation. (Revelation 17:12), also spoken of in (Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21). Christians have a purpose to be a testimony for Christ and against Satan. Don't worry! "God will give you the right words to say at the right time." (Luke 12:11, 21:14-15).

 20For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. At the right time the "Holy Spirit" will speak through you. (Mark 13:11, Luke 12:12).

 21And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. Who held the power of death? Satan! (Hebrews 2:14). Christ died to destroy death, which is the devil. Your own friends and family will deliver you up to Satan in the synagogues. Why? Because they think he is Christ, but he is really the antichrist. (He comes first pretending to be Christ). Many will even be put to death because of their own family betrayal. (Job 19:19). Don't think it won't happen, history always repeats itself.

 22And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. Stick with the true Christ. Fear none of these things. (Revelation 2:10). Stay working in the field; do not be deceived, or taken by antichrist. What did Christ say? "Those who endure to the end will be saved." And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations. (Revelation 2:26). (Not those who think they are getting a free flight out of here).

 23But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come. We are speaking of the second advent when the true Christ returns. i.e. Christ will return before all the persecution has ended.

 24The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. The disciple is not above his teacher; they crucified Christ, what are they going to do to you. (I Corinthians 10:13). Christ will not let any temptation unknown to man, or anything you cannot handle come upon you. He will always give you a way out. cont.

 25It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? Beelzebub, Lord of the flies. One of the many names of Satan. They called Christ Satan; so what are they going to call you who are followers of Christ. Remember what they accused Christ of, and what they called Him (Matthew 9:34, 12:24), partner to the prince of devils.

 26Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. There will come a time when all their secrets and plots will become public information. (People are not going to get away with hurting others). "What goes around comes around."

 27What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. "Through the Spirit." This is the calling to seed planters and teachers of the Word. When you receive a truth in the word, share it with others. Today, through the internet we can share it with the world. Praise God!

 28And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. You don't need to fear those who can only kill your physical body. (They can't touch your soul). Only God can destroy your soul. The word "destroy" here in the Strong's Concordance is G622 "apollumi" meaning to perish). God can blot you out as though you never existed. (The fate of a terrorist). Satan was once the anointed cherub that guarded the mercy seat of God, but now he is sentenced to "death" and will "perish" forever. (Ezekiel 28:14-19).

 29Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. Nothing happens without your Heavenly Father knowing it. He knows all about you as well as every living creature.

 30But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. God accounts for every hair on your head, "that is how much He cares for you." Keep in mind that "all souls belong to Him." (Ezekiel 18:4).

 31Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. God cares about you and will protect you, but you still need to use common sense in the spirit as well as everyday life. (Be wiser than the serpent, be wiser than your enemies).

 32Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. If you acknowledge Jesus Christ publicly here on earth, He will acknowledge you before the Heavenly Father. We are speaking of the "testimony of Christ." (Psalm 119:46, Luke 12:8, 1 John 4:15). In today's modern family, talking about the word (Jesus Christ), has almost become extinct. "Are you ashamed to talk about Christ?"

 33But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. Those who deny Christ or are ashamed of Him here on earth (non-believers), will also be denied before the Heavenly Father. (Luke 9:26, 12:9, 2 Timothy 2:12, 1 John 2:23). Be also aware of the false teachers who bring damnable heresies (defect from the true word), even denying the Lord, will bring destruction upon themselves. (2 Peter 2:1).

 34Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. God does not want to make peace with the ways of this world, He wants to change it. When Jesus Christ comes into your life, there will be division between you and other people, even your family. When Christ returns at the second advent, He returns with a sharp sword, "The True Word of God." (Revelation 1:16, 19:11-16, Hebrews 4:12). The "Word of God" is sharper then a two edge sword that divides soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and is a discerner of your thoughts and intents. (Hebrews 4:12).

 35For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. Isn't that common with family and friends today? It is hard to get two people to believe the same way, let alone the whole family. It appears everyone wants their own little belief or way to worship. If your family or friends say (you don't need Christ), just ignore them. i.e. Love your family, but you don't need to follow their ways.

 36And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. Christ is trying to tell us not to change His doctrine because of family. At times your family can be your worst enemy. (Micah 7:6). "Stick with God's Word."

 37He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. You are to love you Heavenly Father more than anyone else. (Matthew 22:37). In (Luke 14:26), there is a mistranslation. You are not to hate your loved ones, but to love them less than the Lord. Don't let anyone tell you that you must leave or not care about your family to be a Christian. "Christianity is all about family." Also, keep in mind that we (as believers), are all part of the many member family of Christ. (Romans 12:5, 1 Corinthians 12:12). "Our spiritual family."

 38And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. Christ taught this Word and we are to do the same. In times of Christ they picked up a cross because they were going to be nailed to it. Christ wants this type of commitment from us. He wants us to be so dedicated to Him that we will not veer from His doctrine. If you follow Christ, expect to have difficulties in your life, take up your cross, this is part of being a Christian.

 39He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. Live your life the way you want, or in the ways of the world and you will lose it. Live your life in the knowledge of the Word and follow Jesus, and you will find eternal life. (Matthew 16:25, Mark 8:35, Luke 17:33, John 12:25). Christ tells us not to fear the things that we may suffer because of Satan and the ways of the world; but rather be faithful till the end, and "He will give us the crown of life." (Revelation 2:10).

 40He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. Anyone who receives the Doctrine, The Truth, The living Word. "Jesus Christ."

 41He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. When you accept the teachings of the prophets, the teachings of the apostles, and the teachings of righteous people, you will receive the same blessing they receive from God.

 42And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward. Who are these little ones? We are! (Matthew 18:3-6, Mark 9:42). The modern day disciples of Christ sent forth by Him to bring truth to those who are lost. Those who even help the little ones (the followers of Christ), will surely be rewarded.

Keep the faith,
Barton