Sent with Authority and Courage

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Matthew 10 follows Jesus' early ministry of teaching and miracles, marking a transition as He formally sends out His closest followers to proclaim the kingdom. The twelve disciples represent the foundation of the new covenant community, chosen to carry God's message to Israel first. Understanding the Jewish context and Jesus' role as Messiah helps us grasp the significance of this mission. This chapter reveals the cost and power of kingdom service, preparing believers for faithful witness amid opposition.

What You'll Learn

• How Jesus authorizes His disciples with power over unclean spirits and sickness to demonstrate God's kingdom.
• The significance of sending the twelve specifically to Israel, highlighting God's covenant faithfulness.
• The practical instructions for dependence on God’s provision during ministry journeys.
• Warnings about persecution and encouragement to trust the Spirit’s guidance in trials.
• The call to fearless confession of Christ despite division and opposition within families.
• The promise of reward for those who receive and support kingdom workers.

Jesus commissions His disciples with authority and courage to proclaim the kingdom, trusting God’s provision amid opposition.

Bible Translation Note: All Scripture on this page is quoted from the King James Version (KJV) and presented in full without alteration.

Matthew 10:1 And 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.

Matthew 10:2 Now 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;

Matthew 10:3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;

Matthew 10:4 Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

Matthew 10:5 These 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:

Matthew 10:6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Matthew 10:7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

Matthew 10:9 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,

Matthew 10:10 Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.

Matthew 10:11 And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.

Matthew 10:12 And when ye come into an house, salute it.

Matthew 10:13 And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.

Matthew 10:14 And 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.

Matthew 10:15 Verily 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.

Matthew 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Matthew 10:17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;

Matthew 10:18 And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.

Matthew 10:19 But 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.

Matthew 10:20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.

Matthew 10:21 And 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.

Matthew 10:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

Matthew 10:23 But 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.

Matthew 10:24 The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.

Matthew 10:25 It 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?

Matthew 10:26 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.

Matthew 10:27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.

Matthew 10:28 And 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.

Matthew 10:29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.

Matthew 10:30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

Matthew 10:31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Matthew 10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 10:33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.

Matthew 10:35 For 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.

Matthew 10:36 And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.

Matthew 10:37 He 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.

Matthew 10:38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

Matthew 10:39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.

Matthew 10:40 He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

Matthew 10:41 He 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.

Matthew 10:42 And 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.

Matthew 10:1

And 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.

Study: Jesus calling His twelve disciples and giving them power over unclean spirits and diseases shows His authority as Messiah extending through them. This empowerment was essential to authenticate their message and demonstrate the kingdom’s arrival, fulfilling Old Testament expectations of the Messiah’s healing and deliverance.

Matthew 10:2

Now 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;

Study: Listing the twelve apostles by name roots the mission in real, historical individuals, emphasizing God’s intentional choice of these men. Their identities connect to Israel’s story, showing God’s covenant people being called to a new role in His redemptive plan.

Matthew 10:3

Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;

Study: The inclusion of diverse personalities, such as Matthew the tax collector and Simon the Canaanite, highlights God’s grace in calling unlikely followers. This diversity reflects the kingdom’s reach and the breaking down of social barriers through Christ.

Matthew 10:4

Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

Study: Naming Judas Iscariot, who would betray Jesus, reminds readers of human weakness and the reality of opposition even within God’s chosen. This detail underscores the seriousness of faithfulness and the cost of discipleship.

Matthew 10:5

These 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:

Study: Jesus’ command to avoid Gentile and Samaritan areas initially reflects God’s covenant priority to Israel, the 'lost sheep.' This focus respects the historical and theological context of God’s unfolding plan before the gospel expands to all nations.

Matthew 10:6

But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Study: The phrase 'lost sheep of the house of Israel' evokes Old Testament imagery of God’s care for His scattered people, emphasizing the disciples’ mission to restore Israel first. It reveals God’s faithfulness to His promises before the gospel goes to the Gentiles.

Matthew 10:7

And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Study: Preaching that 'the kingdom of heaven is at hand' announces the nearness of God’s reign through Jesus. This message calls for repentance and readiness, showing the kingdom’s arrival as both a present reality and future hope.

Matthew 10:8

Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

Study: The command to heal, cleanse, raise the dead, and cast out devils demonstrates the kingdom’s power over sickness and death, confirming Jesus’ authority. The instruction to give freely reflects the grace-based nature of kingdom ministry, encouraging generosity without expecting payment.

Matthew 10:9

Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,

Study: Jesus instructs the disciples not to carry money or extra supplies, teaching radical dependence on God and the hospitality of others. This counters self-sufficiency and models trust in God’s provision during kingdom work.

Matthew 10:10

Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.

Study: Not carrying coats, shoes, or staffs further emphasizes reliance on God and the community, showing that kingdom workers are worthy of support. This practical instruction also prepares them for the hardships ahead.

Matthew 10:11

And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.

Study: Seeking out a worthy person in each town to stay with fosters relationships and stability, reflecting the importance of community in ministry. It also shows respect for local discernment and God’s guidance in mission.

Matthew 10:12

And when ye come into an house, salute it.

Study: Greeting a house with peace symbolizes the blessing of God’s kingdom entering a home. This act of peace is a tangible sign of the kingdom’s presence and the disciples’ role as bearers of God’s peace.

Matthew 10:13

And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.

Study: If the house is worthy, the peace remains; if not, it returns to the disciples, indicating that acceptance or rejection of the gospel affects both parties. This teaches that the kingdom’s peace depends on the response to God’s message.

Matthew 10:14

And 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.

Study: Shaking off the dust from rejected towns recalls Jewish customs symbolizing separation from Gentiles, here used to show judgment on those who reject the gospel. It warns of serious consequences for rejecting God’s kingdom messengers.

Matthew 10:15

Verily 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.

Study: Comparing judgment on rejecting cities to Sodom and Gomorrah underscores the gravity of rejecting God’s message. This solemn warning highlights the accountability that comes with hearing the gospel.

Matthew 10:16

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Study: Jesus sending His disciples as 'sheep among wolves' acknowledges the dangers ahead, urging wisdom and innocence. This metaphor teaches the balance of being shrewd in dealing with opposition while maintaining purity and trust in God.

Matthew 10:17

But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;

Study: Warning about persecution from religious leaders prepares disciples for suffering, showing that opposition is expected in kingdom work. It reveals the cost of faithfulness and the reality of spiritual conflict.

Matthew 10:18

And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.

Study: Being brought before governors and kings for Jesus’ sake shows the global scope and significance of the disciples’ testimony. Their witness serves as a testimony against unbelief, advancing God’s kingdom even through trials.

Matthew 10:19

But 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.

Study: Jesus promises the Spirit’s guidance in what to say during persecution, assuring disciples they will not be abandoned. This highlights the Holy Spirit’s role in empowering faithful witness under pressure.

Matthew 10:20

For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.

Study: The Spirit speaking through the disciples emphasizes divine empowerment rather than human effort. This teaches reliance on God’s presence and power in proclaiming the gospel.

Matthew 10:21

And 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.

Study: Jesus predicts family betrayals, showing the deep divisions the gospel can cause. This warns that allegiance to Christ may disrupt even the closest relationships, underscoring the cost of discipleship.

Matthew 10:22

And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

Study: Being hated for Jesus’ name is a mark of true discipleship, but endurance leads to salvation. This encourages perseverance amid hostility, promising ultimate victory through faithfulness.

Matthew 10:23

But 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.

Study: The instruction to flee persecution and continue ministry in other cities shows God’s providential protection and the urgency of completing the mission. It also points to the coming of the Son of man, linking mission with eschatological hope.

Matthew 10:24

The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.

Study: The disciple not being above the master reminds believers that suffering and opposition are part of following Jesus. This sets realistic expectations for kingdom living and encourages humility.

Matthew 10:25

It 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?

Study: If Jesus, the master, was called Beelzebub, His followers should expect similar or worse treatment. This prepares disciples for rejection and slander, reinforcing the cost of loyalty to Christ.

Matthew 10:26

Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.

Study: Jesus commands fearlessness because hidden things will be revealed, encouraging boldness in proclaiming the gospel. This assures disciples that truth will ultimately triumph despite present opposition.

Matthew 10:27

What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.

Study: What is shared in secret is to be proclaimed openly, urging transparency and courage in witness. This contrasts secrecy with public confession, highlighting the call to boldly declare Christ.

Matthew 10:28

And 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.

Study: Fearing God rather than those who can kill the body teaches reverence for eternal judgment over temporal threats. This shifts focus from earthly dangers to the soul’s eternal destiny.

Matthew 10:29

Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.

Study: God’s care for even sparrows illustrates His intimate knowledge and concern for His people. This reassures disciples of their value and God’s providential care.

Matthew 10:30

But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

Study: The numbering of hairs on the head symbolizes God’s detailed knowledge of each person. This personal care encourages trust in God’s sovereignty and protection.

Matthew 10:31

Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Study: Believers’ greater value than sparrows calls for confidence and fearlessness in ministry. This affirms God’s love and the security found in His care.

Matthew 10:32

Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.

Study: Confessing Christ before others results in Jesus confessing the believer before God, highlighting the importance of public allegiance. This promise motivates boldness in faith.

Matthew 10:33

But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

Study: Denying Christ leads to being denied by Him before God, warning of serious consequences for unfaithfulness. This underscores the eternal significance of our earthly confession.

Matthew 10:34

Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.

Study: Jesus clarifies that His coming brings division, not peace, because allegiance to Him challenges existing loyalties. This reveals the radical nature of discipleship and kingdom allegiance.

Matthew 10:35

For 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.

Study: The setting of family members against each other illustrates the deep conflicts caused by the gospel. This shows that following Christ may disrupt even the closest human relationships.

Matthew 10:36

And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.

Study: Enemies from one’s own household emphasize the personal cost of discipleship. This warns believers to expect opposition even from loved ones.

Matthew 10:37

He 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.

Study: Loving family more than Christ disqualifies one from true discipleship, highlighting the supreme place of Jesus in the believer’s life. This calls for wholehearted devotion.

Matthew 10:38

And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

Study: Taking up one’s cross and following Jesus symbolizes willingness to suffer and die to self. This teaches the necessity of self-denial in kingdom commitment.

Matthew 10:39

He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.

Study: Finding life by losing it for Christ’s sake reveals the paradox of discipleship: true life comes through surrender. This encourages believers to trust God’s greater purpose.

Matthew 10:40

He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

Study: Receiving the disciples is equated with receiving Jesus and the Father, showing the unity of the mission. This affirms the importance of supporting kingdom workers.

Matthew 10:41

He 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.

Study: Receiving a prophet or righteous person in their name brings reward, highlighting God’s recognition of hospitality and support. This encourages honoring those who serve God.

Matthew 10:42

And 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.

Study: Even giving a cup of cold water to a disciple will not lose its reward, showing God values small acts of kindness in His kingdom. This teaches that every service matters.

Matthew 10 records Jesus commissioning His twelve disciples with authority to heal, cast out demons, and proclaim the kingdom of heaven. He instructs them to rely fully on God’s provision and warns them of the persecution they will face. The chapter highlights the cost of discipleship, including division even within families, but also promises God’s protection and reward for faithfulness. Jesus calls for boldness in confessing Him and assures that receiving His messengers is receiving Him and the Father. This chapter sets the foundation for kingdom mission marked by power, dependence, courage, and perseverance.

Lord Jesus, empower me with Your Spirit to boldly proclaim Your kingdom, trusting Your provision and presence in every challenge. Help me to faithfully follow You, even when it costs me dearly, and to serve others with the grace You freely give. Strengthen my heart to confess You openly and to endure persecution with hope, knowing You are with me always. Amen.

• Pray daily for boldness and reliance on the Holy Spirit in sharing your faith.
• Memorize Matthew 10:8 to remind yourself of the grace and power given for ministry.
• Reflect on any fears or hesitations about serving God and ask Him to increase your trust.
• Identify someone in your community to encourage or support in their faith journey.
• Journal about what it means to take up your cross and follow Jesus in your daily life.
• Practice greeting others with peace and kindness as a reflection of God’s kingdom.
• Read Matthew 10 again, noting how Jesus prepares His disciples for mission and suffering.

Matthew 10 reveals Jesus commissioning His twelve disciples with divine authority to proclaim the kingdom and heal, while preparing them for persecution and hardship. It teaches dependence on God, the cost of discipleship, and the call to fearless witness, emphasizing that true life is found in surrender to Christ.

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