Jesus grants his disciples the same divine authority over unclean spirits that he previously wielded alone, marking the first delegation of supernatural power in Matthew's Gospel.
Matthew 10
The Twelve Apostles
1He called to himself his twelve disciples, and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every sickness.
2Now the names of the twelve apostles are these. The first, Simon, who is called Peter; Andrew, his brother; James the son of Zebedee; John, his brother;
3Philip; Bartholomew; Thomas; Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus; Lebbaeus, who was also called Thaddaeus;
4Simon the Zealot; and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.
Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Apostles
5Jesus sent these twelve out and commanded them, saying, “Don’t go among the Gentiles, and don’t enter into any city of the Samaritans.
6Rather, go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
7As you go, preach, saying, ‘The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!’
8Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, and cast out demons. Freely you received, so freely give.
9Don’t take any gold, silver, or brass in your money belts.
10Take no bag for your journey, neither two coats, nor sandals, nor staff: for the laborer is worthy of his food.
11Into whatever city or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy, and stay there until you go on.
12As you enter into the household, greet it.
13If the household is worthy, let your peace come on it, but if it isn’t worthy, let your peace return to you.
14Whoever doesn’t receive you or hear your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet.
15Most certainly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city.
Persecution Will Come
16“Behold, I send you out as sheep among wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.
17But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils, and in their synagogues they will scourge you.
18Yes, and you will be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony to them and to the nations.
19But when they deliver you up, don’t be anxious how or what you will say, for it will be given you in that hour what you will say.
20For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.
21“Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child. Children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death.
22You will be hated by all men for my name’s sake, but he who endures to the end will be saved.
23But when they persecute you in this city, flee into the next, for most certainly I tell you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel until the Son of Man has come.
24“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his lord.
25It is enough for the disciple that he be like his teacher, and the servant like his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more those of his household!
Have No Fear
26Therefore don’t be afraid of them, for there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.
27What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in the ear, proclaim on the housetops.
28Don’t be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.
29“Aren’t two sparrows sold for an assarion coin? Not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will.
30But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
31Therefore don’t be afraid. You are of more value than many sparrows.
32Everyone therefore who confesses me before men, I will also confess him before my Father who is in heaven.
33But whoever denies me before men, I will also deny him before my Father who is in heaven.
Not Peace, but a Sword
34“Don’t think that I came to send peace on the earth. I didn’t come to send peace, but a sword.
35For I came to set a man at odds against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.
36A man’s foes will be those of his own household.
37He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me isn’t worthy of me.
38He who doesn’t take his cross and follow after me isn’t worthy of me.
39He who seeks his life will lose it; and he who loses his life for my sake will find it.
Rewards
40“He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives him who sent me.
41He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward. He who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward.
42Whoever gives one of these little ones just a cup of cold water to drink in the name of a disciple, most certainly I tell you, he will in no way lose his reward.”
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Theme
Jesus formally commissions his twelve disciples as apostles, granting them authority to heal and cast out demons as they proclaim the Kingdom of Heaven to Israel. He provides detailed instructions for their mission, warning them of coming persecution while encouraging them to remain fearless and faithful. The chapter emphasizes that following Jesus requires total commitment, even when it brings division within families, but promises rewards for those who receive his messengers.
Context
This chapter follows Jesus' teaching about the harvest being plentiful but workers few (chapter 9), now formally commissioning the twelve to begin that harvest work.
Key Themes
Outline
- 1-4 The Twelve Apostles Jesus calls his twelve disciples and grants them authority over unclean spirits and healing power.
- 5-15 Mission Instructions Jesus sends the twelve specifically to Israel with instructions on preaching, healing, and responding to rejection.
- 16-23 Warning of Persecution Jesus warns the apostles they will face opposition, trials, and even family betrayal for his sake.
- 24-31 Encouragement Against Fear Jesus encourages his disciples not to fear persecution, promising God's protection and the revelation of truth.
- 32-39 The Cost of Discipleship Jesus explains that following him may bring division even within families and requires taking up one's cross.
- 40-42 Rewards for Hospitality Jesus promises that those who receive his messengers will be rewarded according to their hospitality.
The Twelve Apostles
10:1–10:4 gospel narration solemn
Jesus calls his twelve disciples and gives them authority to cast out unclean spirits and heal diseases. The passage lists the names of all twelve apostles, including Judas Iscariot who would betray him.
person_contrast
Jesus grants his disciples the same divine authority over unclean spirits that he previously wielded alone, marking the first delegation of supernatural power in Matthew's Gospel.
Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Apostles
10:5–10:15 gospel instruction urgent
Jesus sends out the twelve apostles with specific instructions to minister only to Israel, preaching the kingdom and healing freely. He warns of judgment for cities that reject their message, comparing it to Sodom and Gomorrah.
person_contrast
Jesus' exclusive command to avoid Gentiles and Samaritans while targeting only "the lost sheep of Israel" creates Matthew's most ethnically restrictive missionary directive, contrasting sharply with the Gospel's universal Great Commission.
Persecution Will Come
10:16–10:25 gospel instruction warning
Jesus warns his disciples of coming persecution, including betrayal by family members and hatred from all people. He encourages them to be wise yet harmless, promising that those who endure to the end will be saved.
person_contrast
Jesus uniquely combines animal imagery—sheep, wolves, serpents, and doves—to create a paradoxical discipleship model requiring simultaneous vulnerability and cunning that appears nowhere else in Matthew's Gospel.
Have No Fear
10:26–10:33 gospel instruction hopeful
Jesus encourages his disciples not to fear persecution but to boldly proclaim his message. He emphasizes God's care for them and the importance of confessing him before others, warning of consequences for denial.
person_contrast
Jesus shifts from his typical role as judge and king to become protector and advocate, promising to confess faithful disciples before the Father.
Not Peace, but a Sword
10:34–10:39 gospel speech solemn
Jesus warns that following him will bring division even within families and requires complete commitment, including taking up one's cross. He teaches that true discipleship demands prioritizing loyalty to him above all earthly relationships.
person_contrast
Jesus transforms from the peaceful teacher of the Beatitudes into a figure wielding metaphorical swords, using military language ("sword," "foes") to describe discipleship's cost within intimate family bonds.
Rewards
10:40–10:42 gospel speech hopeful
Jesus promises rewards for those who receive his disciples and show kindness to them, emphasizing that even small acts of hospitality will be rewarded. He establishes the principle that receiving his messengers is equivalent to receiving him and God.
person_contrast
Jesus transforms from the authoritative sender of disciples into the generous rewarder of hospitality, promising divine compensation for even a cup of cold water given to his messengers.
Insights
Jesus' exclusive command to avoid Gentiles and Samaritans while targeting only "the lost sheep of Israel" creates Matthew's most ethnically restrictive missionary directive, contrasting sharply with the Gospel's universal Great Commission.
Jesus uniquely combines animal imagery—sheep, wolves, serpents, and doves—to create a paradoxical discipleship model requiring simultaneous vulnerability and cunning that appears nowhere else in Matthew's Gospel.
Jesus shifts from his typical role as judge and king to become protector and advocate, promising to confess faithful disciples before the Father.
Jesus transforms from the peaceful teacher of the Beatitudes into a figure wielding metaphorical swords, using military language ("sword," "foes") to describe discipleship's cost within intimate family bonds.
Jesus transforms from the authoritative sender of disciples into the generous rewarder of hospitality, promising divine compensation for even a cup of cold water given to his messengers.
Cross-References
Connected passages across Scripture
Matthew 10:1 5 references
Lexicals 5
Mark 6:7 Lexical
He called to himself the twelve, and began to send them out two by two; and he gave them authority over the unclean spir…
Luke 9:1 Lexical
He called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases.
Matthew 4:23 Lexical
Jesus went about in all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the Good News of the Kingdom, and healing every…
Matthew 9:35 Lexical
Jesus went about all the cities and the villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the Good News of the Kingdo…
Mark 1:27 Lexical
They were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching? For with authorit…
Matthew 10:2 5 references
Lexicals 5
Luke 6:14 Lexical
Simon, whom he also named Peter; Andrew, his brother; James; John; Philip; Bartholomew;
Acts 1:13 Lexical
When they had come in, they went up into the upper room where they were staying, that is Peter, John, James, Andrew, Phi…
John 1:40 Lexical
One of the two who heard John and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother.
Luke 5:10 Lexical
and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid. F…
Mark 1:29 Lexical
Immediately, when they had come out of the synagogue, they came into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.
Matthew 10:3 4 references
Lexicals 4
Mark 3:18 Lexical
Andrew; Philip; Bartholomew; Matthew; Thomas; James, the son of Alphaeus; Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot;
Acts 1:13 Lexical
When they had come in, they went up into the upper room where they were staying, that is Peter, John, James, Andrew, Phi…
Luke 6:15 Lexical
Matthew; Thomas; James the son of Alphaeus; Simon who was called the Zealot;
Luke 6:14 Lexical
Simon, whom he also named Peter; Andrew, his brother; James; John; Philip; Bartholomew;
Matthew 10:4 5 references
Lexicals 5
John 12:4 Lexical
Then Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, one of his disciples, who would betray him, said,
Mark 14:10 Lexical
Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went away to the chief priests, that he might deliver him to them.
Mark 3:19 Lexical
and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. Then he came into a house.
John 6:71 Lexical
Now he spoke of Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, for it was he who would betray him, being one of the twelve.
Mark 3:18 Lexical
Andrew; Philip; Bartholomew; Matthew; Thomas; James, the son of Alphaeus; Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot;
Matthew 10:5 2 references
Matthew 10:6 3 references
Lexicals 3
Matthew 15:24 Lexical
But he answered, “I wasn’t sent to anyone but the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
Luke 15:6 Lexical
When he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found…
Luke 15:4 Lexical
“Which of you men, if you had one hundred sheep and lost one of them, wouldn’t leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness a…
Matthew 10:7 4 references
Lexicals 4
Matthew 4:17 Lexical
From that time, Jesus began to preach, and to say, “Repent! For the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”
Acts 22:6 Lexical
“As I made my journey and came close to Damascus, about noon suddenly a great light shone around me from the sky.
Acts 9:3 Lexical
As he traveled, he got close to Damascus, and suddenly a light from the sky shone around him.
Matthew 3:2 Lexical
“Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!”
Matthew 10:8 5 references
Lexicals 5
Matthew 11:5 Lexical
the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the po…
Luke 7:22 Lexical
Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John the things which you have seen and heard: that the blind receive their sight, the…
Mark 6:13 Lexical
They cast out many demons, and anointed many with oil who were sick and healed them.
Mark 1:34 Lexical
He healed many who were sick with various diseases and cast out many demons. He didn’t allow the demons to speak, becaus…
Luke 9:1 Lexical
He called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases.
Matthew 10:9 4 references
Lexicals 4
Revelation 18:12 Lexical
merchandise of gold, silver, precious stones, pearls, fine linen, purple, silk, scarlet, all expensive wood, every vesse…
Acts 17:29 Lexical
Being then the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold, or silver, or stone, engrave…
James 5:3 Lexical
Your gold and your silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be for a testimony against you and will eat your flesh…
Mark 6:8 Lexical
He commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, except a staff only: no bread, no wallet, no money in…
Matthew 10:10 4 references
Lexicals 4
Luke 9:3 Lexical
He said to them, “Take nothing for your journey—no staffs, nor wallet, nor bread, nor money. Don’t have two tunics each.
Mark 6:8 Lexical
He commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, except a staff only: no bread, no wallet, no money in…
Luke 10:4 Lexical
Carry no purse, nor wallet, nor sandals. Greet no one on the way.
Luke 22:35 Lexical
He said to them, “When I sent you out without purse, bag, and sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.”
Matthew 10:11 5 references
Lexicals 5
Mark 6:10 Lexical
He said to them, “Wherever you enter into a house, stay there until you depart from there.
Mark 6:56 Lexical
Wherever he entered—into villages, or into cities, or into the country—they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged…
Luke 9:4 Lexical
Into whatever house you enter, stay there, and depart from there.
1 John 2:19 Lexical
They went out from us, but they didn’t belong to us; for if they had belonged to us, they would have continued with us.…
John 21:23 Lexical
This saying therefore went out among the brothers that this disciple wouldn’t die. Yet Jesus didn’t say to him that he w…
Matthew 10:14 5 references
Lexicals 5
Luke 9:5 Lexical
As many as don’t receive you, when you depart from that city, shake off even the dust from your feet for a testimony aga…
Mark 6:11 Lexical
Whoever will not receive you nor hear you, as you depart from there, shake off the dust that is under your feet for a te…
Acts 13:51 Lexical
But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came to Iconium.
Mark 1:45 Lexical
But he went out, and began to proclaim it much, and to spread about the matter, so that Jesus could no more openly enter…
Acts 7:58 Lexical
They threw him out of the city and stoned him. The witnesses placed their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul…
Matthew 10:15 5 references
Lexicals 5
Matthew 11:24 Lexical
But I tell you that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom on the day of judgment, than for you.”
Luke 10:12 Lexical
I tell you, it will be more tolerable in that day for Sodom than for that city.
Matthew 11:22 Lexical
But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.
Jude 1:7 Lexical
Even as Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, having in the same way as these given themselves over to sexual i…
2 Peter 2:6 Lexical
and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, having made them an example to t…
Matthew 10:16 3 references
Lexicals 3
Luke 10:3 Lexical
Go your ways. Behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves.
John 10:12 Lexical
He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who doesn’t own the sheep, sees the wolf coming, leaves the sheep, and flees…
Matthew 7:15 Lexical
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves.
Matthew 10:17 1 reference
Matthew 10:18 2 references
Matthew 10:19 5 references
Lexicals 5
Mark 13:11 Lexical
When they lead you away and deliver you up, don’t be anxious beforehand or premeditate what you will say, but say whatev…
John 16:4 Lexical
But I have told you these things so that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you about them. I didn’t tell…
Luke 12:11 Lexical
When they bring you before the synagogues, the rulers, and the authorities, don’t be anxious how or what you will answer…
John 9:21 Lexical
but how he now sees, we don’t know; or who opened his eyes, we don’t know. He is of age. Ask him. He will speak for hims…
John 8:44 Lexical
You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, a…
Matthew 10:21 3 references
Lexicals 3
Mark 13:12 Lexical
“Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child. Children will rise up against parents and cause the…
Luke 21:16 Lexical
You will be handed over even by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends. They will cause some of you to be put to deat…
Luke 18:29 Lexical
He said to them, “Most certainly I tell you, there is no one who has left house, or wife, or brothers, or parents, or ch…
Matthew 10:22 5 references
Lexicals 5
Mark 13:13 Lexical
You will be hated by all men for my name’s sake, but he who endures to the end will be saved.
Matthew 24:13 Lexical
But he who endures to the end will be saved.
Matthew 24:9 Lexical
“Then they will deliver you up to oppression and will kill you. You will be hated by all of the nations for my name’s sa…
Luke 21:17 Lexical
You will be hated by all men for my name’s sake.
Acts 4:12 Lexical
There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be…
Matthew 10:23 5 references
Lexicals 5
Matthew 19:28 Lexical
Jesus said to them, “Most certainly I tell you that you who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man wi…
Matthew 16:28 Lexical
Most certainly I tell you, there are some standing here who will in no way taste of death until they see the Son of Man…
Matthew 2:13 Lexical
Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise and take the youn…
Acts 26:11 Lexical
Punishing them often in all the synagogues, I tried to make them blaspheme. Being exceedingly enraged against them, I pe…
Mark 14:25 Lexical
Most certainly I tell you, I will no more drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in God’s Ki…
Matthew 10:24 1 reference
Matthew 10:25 3 references
Lexicals 3
Luke 22:11 Lexical
Tell the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, “Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my d…
Mark 14:14 Lexical
and wherever he enters in, tell the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says, “Where is the guest room, where I may eat th…
Philemon 1:16 Lexical
no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother—especially to me, but how much rather to you, both in the…
Matthew 10:26 2 references
Matthew 10:27 2 references
Matthew 10:28 2 references
Matthew 10:29 2 references
Matthew 10:30 1 reference
Matthew 10:31 1 reference
Matthew 10:32 4 references
Lexicals 4
Matthew 5:16 Lexical
Even so, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 6:1 Lexical
“Be careful that you don’t do your charitable giving before men, to be seen by them, or else you have no reward from you…
Luke 10:21 Lexical
In that same hour, Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit, and said, “I thank you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that y…
Matthew 18:14 Lexical
Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.
Matthew 10:33 5 references
Lexicals 5
Matthew 12:50 Lexical
For whoever does the will of my Father who is in heaven, he is my brother, and sister, and mother.”
Luke 10:21 Lexical
In that same hour, Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit, and said, “I thank you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that y…
Matthew 18:14 Lexical
Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.
Matthew 5:16 Lexical
Even so, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 6:1 Lexical
“Be careful that you don’t do your charitable giving before men, to be seen by them, or else you have no reward from you…
Matthew 10:34 1 reference
Matthew 10:35 1 reference
Matthew 10:37 5 references
Lexicals 5
Luke 12:53 Lexical
They will be divided, father against son, and son against father; mother against daughter, and daughter against her moth…
John 5:20 Lexical
For the Father has affection for the Son, and shows him all things that he himself does. He will show him greater works…
2 Corinthians 6:18 Lexical
I will be to you a Father. You will be to me sons and daughters,’ says the Lord Almighty.”
Luke 15:21 Lexical
The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I am no longer worthy to be called your so…
Matthew 15:4 Lexical
For God commanded, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘He who speaks evil of father or mother, let him be put to…
Matthew 10:38 3 references
Lexicals 3
Mark 8:34 Lexical
He called the multitude to himself with his disciples and said to them, “Whoever wants to come after me, let him deny hi…
Luke 9:23 Lexical
He said to all, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.
Matthew 16:24 Lexical
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and foll…
Matthew 10:39 3 references
Lexicals 3
Matthew 16:25 Lexical
For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, and whoever will lose his life for my sake will find it.
Luke 9:24 Lexical
For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever will lose his life for my sake will save it.
Mark 8:35 Lexical
For whoever wants to save his life will lose it; and whoever will lose his life for my sake and the sake of the Good New…
Matthew 10:41 3 references
Lexicals 3
Revelation 11:18 Lexical
The nations were angry, and your wrath came, as did the time for the dead to be judged, and to give your bondservants th…
Acts 10:43 Lexical
All the prophets testify about him, that through his name everyone who believes in him will receive remission of sins.”
James 5:10 Lexical
Take, brothers, for an example of suffering and of perseverance, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
Matthew 10:42 2 references
Interlinear
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