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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
Mat_10:1
Parallel passages: Mar_6:7; Luk_9:1. The prayer (Mat_9:38) is answered in the persons of those who were taught to pray. Christ establishes his new agency. And when he had called unto him. From the circle of the bystanders. His twelve disciples. Who had already been chosen to be specially with him (cf. Mat_9:35, note; and Mat_5:1). Twelve. To be heads of the tribes of the new Israel (Rev_21:14; cf. Jas_1:1; Mat_19:28). Observe that the office of the tribes of the covenant nation corresponded to the symbolism of the number 12 (3, Deity, x 4, world = Church). He gave them power; authority (Revised Version); ἐξουσίαν : the greater including the less. So Mark, but Luke expands to δύναμιν καὶ ἐξουσίαν . Against; over (Revised Version); simple genitive. Unclean spirits (Mat_4:24. note). Unclean. As belonging to the unholy, non-theocratic kingdom, the realm of darkness. "Hence also unclean animals (Mat_8:31, sqq.; Rev_18:2) and places (Mat_12:43, sqq.) have a kind of natural relationship with such spirits" (Kubel). To cast them out. Their authority was to ex-send to this. And to heal. Probably connected, not with ὥστε , but with ἐξουσίαν (cf. Luke). Observe that nothing is said of their receiving authority to convert. This God himself keeps. But they can remove all hindrances other than those purely subjective and spiritual, whether the objective hindrances be intruding evil spirits affecting body and mind or only bodily diseases. All manner, etc. (Mat_9:35, note).
Mat_10:2-4
THE NAMES OF THE AGENTS. Parallel passages: Mar_3:14-19; Luk_6:13-16 (cf. Act_1:13). This Commentary upon St. Luke deals so fully both with the list as a whole and with the separate names that it will not be necessary to say much here. Observe that the general agreement in arrangement points to some common basis underlying all four accounts; also that of these the one found in the Acts is the briefest, giving little more than the bare names; and that that found in our Gospel, on the contrary, is the fullest, containing, with two exceptions (vide infra), the details mentioned in one or other of the parallels, and adding two of its own. It mentions, in one instance or more, the parentage (Zebedee, Alphaeus), the relationship ("his brother … his brother"), the birthplace (Kerioth), the earlier occupation and religious standpoint ("publican … Zealot"), and, with a bare hint at the beginning (vide infra), but a clear statement at the end, the after-history ("first... who also betrayed him") of the apostles. The two omissions are the fact that our Lord added the names of Peter (parallels, but really given earlier, Joh_1:42) and Boanerges (Mark).
Mat_10:2
Now the names, In the parallels part of the word "names" is found as a verb, "whom also he named apostles;" i.e. the naming there refers, not to the individuals, but to their office. Is the form found in our Gospel an "accidental" rearrangement due to a reminiscence that the word "name" occurred in the earliest source, or is it possible that the two facts are connected, and that the individuals received a new name when they definitely entered on a new office? That they should have received a new name seems a priori not improbable, but the evidence is very slight. "Peter" is a clear case, for though the name was given earlier, it would receive a new application now, and perhaps was now again expressly given (cf. parallel passages); and other cases may be St. Matthew and possibly St. Bartholomew and St. Thaddaeus. Mark expressly says that the term "Boanerges" was given to the sons of Zebedee; but as there is no evidence that either St. James or St. John was afterwards known by this name, it need not have been a name in the same sense in which the others were. Observe the formal order of the first words of this verse ( τῶν δὲ δώδεκα ἀποστόλων τὰ ὀνόματα ἐστιν ταῦτα ). Did the author of the Gospel take them from the heading of a section that already contained the names in order? If so the δέ would probably not have existed there, and it is worth noting that the original hand of D, the manuscript that is of special value for Palestinian tradition, omits it. Of the twelve (verse 1, note) apostles (verse 5, note) are these: The first. This, perhaps, refers to the order of call, Luk_5:1 (Nosgen), but more probably to the leading position that St. Peter held among the twelve. On this leadership, cf. the fragmentary excursus by Bishop Lightfoot, printed in 'Clement of Rome,' 2. 487. Simon. His Hebrew name was Simeon, but his Gentile name (Mat_3:1, note) was Simon, this good Greek name being chosen as almost identical in sound. It occurs frequently in the Palestinian Talmud ( ðåîéñ ). Who is called Peter. In common Christian parlance (Mat_4:18; cf. Mat_16:18).
Mat_10:3
Bartholomew. Nathanael (Joh_1:45, equivalent to Theodore) was so common a name (cf. Num_1:8; 1Ch_2:14; 1Ch_15:24; 1Ch_26:4; 2Ch_17:7; 2Ch_35:9; Ezr_10:22; Neh_12:21, Neh_12:36), that for further identification a patronymic ("son of Tolmai," Ptolemy) was used, which in this case, superseded the proper name. Thomas. "As Thomas ( Δίδυμος ), ' the Twin,' is properly a surname, and this apostle must have had some other name, there seems no reason for doubting this very early tradition [Eusebius, 'Hist. Eccl.,' Ecc_1:13, and probably the Old Syriac of Joh_14:22, et al.] that he also was a Jude". The ' Clem. Hem.,' 2.1, give Eliezer as the name of the other brother. Matthew the publican, James the son of Alphseus. And Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; and Thaddaeus (Revised Version); as also Mark, while Luke and Act_1:13 read "Jude [the brother, Authorized Version, but better the son, Revised Version] of James," which was doubtless his proper name. If the word "Thaddaeus" ( éàãÌúÌ ) was as seems likely (for Edersheim's connexion of it with todah, "praise," is based on what is apparently a mere play of words in Talm. Bob., 'Sanh.,' 43a), originally a pet-name (Sehosskind, "Bosom-child," Weiss, Nosgen) from éãÌÅúÌÇ , "the female breasts," it is intelligible that he or others would prefer the somewhat synonymous "Lebbseus" ( áìÅ , "heart"), which might mean "child of one's heart," but more probably "courageous," found in the "Western" text. The similarity of sound would help towards this, even if another derivation that seems possible, "the Fiery" (from äáÌÈìÄ , "kindle"), be the true one. In the latter case the appellation, "Jude the Zealot" (Old Latin), may rest on something more than a mistaken interpretation of the parallel passage in Luke. In Westcott and Herr, 'App.,' it is said that "this name [Lebbaeus] is apparently due to an early attempt to bring Levi ( Δευείς ) the publican (Luk_5:27) within the Twelve, it being assumed that his call was to apostleship just as in Mar_2:14 Δευείς is changed in Western texts to Ἰάκωβος , because τὸν τοῦ Ἁλφαίου follows, and it was assumed that the son of Halphseus elsewhere named as one of the Twelve must be meant. The difference between the two forms of the name would be inconsiderable in Aramaic, Lewi and Levi or Lebi or Lebbi; and Βεββαῖος might as easily represent Lebbi as Θαδδαῖος Thaddi."
Mat_10:4
Simon the Canaanite. Simon the Cananaean (Revised Version); ὁΚαναναῖος representing Kann'an or Kan-'an ( ðàð÷ ), the Aramaic for "Zealot" (parallel passage in Luke; Act_1:13), the name given to members of the extreme nationalist party founded about a.d. 7 by Judas of Gamala, a city that appears to have lain near the east coast of the sea of Galilee (vide Schurer, 1. 2.225). And Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him; delivered him up, which seems more in accordance with παραδίδωμι , for, unlike "betray," and usually πμοδίδωμι , this does not in itself connote treachery.
Mat_10:5
Parallel passages: Mar_6:7, Mar_6:8; Luk_9:2. These twelve Jesus sent forth; ἀπέστειλεν (cf. Joh_17:18). Till now they had formed an inner circle of μαθηταί (Mat_9:35, note), but now they begin their work of carrying Christ's message to others. " Ἀποστέλλω corresponds with the idea of our own words 'despatch' and ' envoy,' and conveys the accessory notions of a special commission, and so far of a delegated authority in the person sent" (Bishop Westcott, on Joh_20:21, Add. Note). Bengel suggests (on Luk_9:1) that the twelve were not all absent at once, but were sent out in relays; but Mar_6:30 is against this opinion (cf. also Luk_22:35). On the New Testament conception of the name and office of an apostle, cf. Bishop Lightfoot's classical note in 'Galatians'. And commanded them, saying; charged them (Revised Version). Important as the charge is, its necessary subordination to the fact that they were sent is expressed by the very form of the sentence ( ἀπέστειλεν … ( παραγγείλας ).
Mat_10:5 - 42
CHRIST'S COMMISSION TO HIS AGENTS. The connexion and development of thought in this important charge is exceedingly difficult to perceive, and has been understood in many ways. Perhaps that most generally accepted in this country is Alford's, according to which the charge is divided into three sections—the first (Mat_10:5-15) referring to the mission to the cities of Israel; the second (Mat_10:16-23) to the general mission of the apostles as developing itself, after the Lord should be taken from them, in preaching to Jews and Gentiles, ending with the close of the apostolic period in the narrower sense (Mat_10:23 referring primarily to the destruction of Jerusalem); the third (Mat_10:24-42) spoken directly of all the disciples of the Lord, concluding with the last great reward.
But this threefold historical arrangement seems to be little more than fanciful, the basis of truth Underlying it probably being that the charge in its present form is due to the writer of the Gospel (nor to our Lord directly), who desired not only to record what our Lord said at the time of this mission, but also to incorporate other sayings of his that bore upon similar work, and thus to give such a summary of our Lord's utterances as would be of special use to preachers of the gospel, irrespective of place or time.
Observe that ch. 5-7, referred to believers in their private capacity—laying stress on the relation that they were to hold to the religion of the day—while this chapter refers to them as representing Christ to the world. The original basis of the commission was addressed to men called to give their whole time to this work, but as the chapter stands it applies to all believers in their capacity of witnesses for Christ. The ministerial function of preaching committed to men selected for it is only an accentuation of one of the duties expected from all Christ's followers.
The development of thought in the chapter appears to be as follows:—
1. The external conditions of conveying Christ's message, with special reference to the immediate occasion (Mat_7:5-15).
2. The internal conditions (Mat_7:16 -39).
(1) Mat_7:16-23 : Though surrounded by enemies, you must conduct yourselves with calmness (Mat_7:19); with endurance (Mat_7:22); with wisdom (Mat_7:23).
(2) Mat_7:24 -33: Remembering that fellowship with me in suffering is essential to fellowship with me in glory.
(3) Verses 34-39: Such fellowship with me will cost separation from the dearest on earth, yet its reward is great.
3. Final encouragement (verses 40-42).
Mat_10:5-15
The external conditions of conveying Christ's message, with special reference to the immediate occasion. Our Lord points out
(a) the sphere of their work (Mat_10:5, Mat_10:6);
(b) the substance of their message (Mat_10:7);
(c) its accompanying signs (Mat_10:8);
(d) the external means and methods that they should employ (Mat_10:9-15).
Mat_10:5
Matthew only. The sphere of their work. The reasons for the limitation here expressly enforced are:
(1) That it was only right that the proclamation of the coming of Messiah should be thoroughly made to the Jews first. Had they accepted it, they would have become the great factors in the evangelization of the Gentiles (cf. Rom_11:12, Rom_11:15); as they rejected it, it was necessary that the offer should, apart from them, be made to others (Act_28:28).
(2) The apostles were as yet in no fit state spiritually to carry the message beyond their own nation, and the facts which they were in a position to proclaim might, when proclaimed alone, have proved a stumbling-block to the after-acceptance by Gentiles and Samaritaus of a fuller and therefore truer message (cf. Mat_28:18, sqq.; Act_1:8). Therefore they are now bid perform their present duty without turning away from it, and, as we may add, will-out anticipating their entrance upon a wider sphere. Saying, Go not. This would be outside your course ( ἀπέλθητε ). In the Greek, however, the following words receive the emphasis. Into the (any, Revised Version) way of the Gentiles ( εἰς ὁδὸν ἐθνῶν ).
(1) These words are generally understood to mean "into any road that would lead to Gentile lands or districts." So Tyndale, "Go not into the wayes that leade to the gentyls." (For this genitive of direction, cf. Mat_4:15; Jer_2:18, and perhaps, Judith 5:14.)
(2) Weiss, 'Matthaus-ev.,' takes them as equivalent to "into any street in a heathen land," making the genitives, ἐθνῶν and Σαμαρειτῶν , both possessive. There are serious objections to these two interpretations; to the first, that the genitives are then used in different senses; to the second, that it suggests something altogether outside the Israelitish border.
(3) Is not a third interpretation possible—to consider flint our Lord had in his mind the parts of towns, otherwise Jewish, which were inhabited by heathen, just as, in the days of Omri and Ahab, such parts were assigned to Syrians in Samaria, and to Israelites in Damascus, or in modern times to Jews in Christian towns? We have not, indeed, direct evidence of Gentiles, during the time of our Lord, thus living in separate streets, but with the Jewish aversion to even letting them houses and to having more to do with them than possible (cf. Schurer, II. 1:51-56), it would seem probable that, without any formal arrangement being made, the result would be separation of this kind. It is true that ὁδός is not used elsewhere in this sense in the New Testament, but a comparison of passages in the LXX. seems to justify our so interpreting it. For úåÉöåÌç , in 1Ki_20:34, means such streets, and the LXX. for this is ἐξόδους ( ἔξοδον , Luke), yet úåÉöåÌç , in the sense of "streets," is often elsewhere rendered by ὁδοί (Jer_5:1; Jer_7:17; Eze_11:6; Nah_2:4; Nah_3:10). Compare especially 2Sa_1:20, "in the streets of Ascalon," where, for the common text, ἐν ταῖς ἐξόδοις Ασκάλωνος , Lucian's reads, ἐν ταῖς ὁδοῖς Ἀσκάλωνος . The expression thus means—Go not off into any quarter inhabited by Gentiles, and (both in complete parallelism and with perfect accuracy, for Samaritans dwelt alone) into any city of Samaritans enter ye not. And into any city. In the Greek both clauses are in the same order, the verb coming last. It will be noticed that the Revised Version has transposed both for the sake of uniformity. Of the Samaritans. By descent, a mixed race, from the intermingling of the remnants of the Israelitish population more especially with the heathen colonists introduced by the Assyrians (2Ki_17:24, sqq.); by religion, so far Israelite as to have accepted the Pentateuch, and to have maintained the observance of circumcision, the sabbath, and the annual festivals. Both sides of their connexion with Israel seem to have contributed to their being placed by the Mishna between Jews and Gentiles (cf. further, Schurer, II. 1.5, sqq.). Enter ye not. A slight turning away would sometimes bring them to Gentile quarters; but into a Samaritan town they would have definitely and purposely to enter. Observe that our Lord himself so far extended his own practice as not to refuse to take the opportunity of preaching to a Samaritan woman when it presented itself, and further followed up the work thus begun by continuing two days in her village (Joh_4:40). But the nature of the exception proves the rule.
Mat_10:6
But go. On your daily journeying ( πορέεσθε , present). Rather. With conscious preference. To the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Thus also he describes his own mission (Mat_15:24). The words recall Jer_50:6 (Jer_27:6, LXX.), "My people hath been lost sheep." Observe that our Lord implies a special relation of Israel to God (for the house has its owner) which was lacking in the case of all other nations. Yet, their proper teachers having proved faithless, they were now as shepherdless as these (Mat_9:36). Lost. Notice here the basis of the parable related in Luk_15:4-7; cf. Mat_18:12, Mat_18:13 (Mat_18:11 of the Received Text is a gloss), where the term "wandering" is not so strong (Bengel).
Mat_10:7
Parallel passages: Luk_9:2 (the twelve); Luk_10:9 (the seventy; observe that the substance of the proclamation was to be the same). And as ye go. For your journey is not to one place, but many. Preach. Aloud and publicly. Saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. That which men had so long been desiring (vide Mat_3:2; Mat_4:17) was now near. But had it not come (Mat_12:28; Mat_11:12)? Not in full realization. But its near realization was then a possibility, and was only not brought about because, as a nation, they rejected him who introduced it.
Mat_10:8
We have here the details of the orders summarized in Mat_10:1. The details are not given in Luk_9:1, Luk_9:2 or Luk_10:9. Heal the sick, etc. According to the true order of these commands, solely physical ills are mentioned first in their partial (sick) and in their final effect (dead); then physical and ceremonial pollution (lepers), which forms a transition to the mention of ills primarily spiritual, even though they ultimately affect the body (devils). On the good that might be expected from their performing these miracles, cf. Thomas Scott (in Ford), "Men will never believe that we really intend the good of their souls, if they do not find that we endeavour to do them good, disinterestedly, in temporal things (Joh_4:15)." Freely (vide infra) ye have (omit "have," with Revised Version) received. Blessings of the kingdom, but especially authority and power for this work (Luk_10:1). Freely give. All that is needed to carry that authority into effect—whatever toil and energy in soul and body the occasion may demand. The clause comes in Matthew only, but comp. Act_20:35. Observe, Christ's recognition of the tendency of human nature to traffic in the holiest things. Did Judas take the warning at all to heart? (For the thought, cf. Wis. 7:13; Le 25:37, 38.) Freely. Gratuitously ( δωρεάν ); comp. Rev_21:6; Rev_22:17; Rom_3:24 (on God's side); 2Co_11:7; 2Th_3:8 (on man's side).
Mat_10:9, Mat_10:10
Parallel passages: Mar_6:8; Luk_9:3 (the twelve); Luk_10:4 (the seventy); cf. also our Lord's reference in Luk_22:35 to the mission of the twelve. Provide; get you. There is no connotation of foresight in the word itself, but only of acquisition. Observe that the apostles are not forbidden to take what they already have. Lightfoot, 'Hor. Hebr.,'shows that travellers ordinarily took with them a staff, a purse, shoes, a wallet, and sometimes a book of the Law. Neither gold, nor silver, nor brass. The brass would be the copper coinage of the Herods, which alone might be struck by them; or some of the Greek imperial coins, especially those struck at Antioch. The silver, either Greek imperial tetradrachms or Roman denarii of a quarter their weight, didrachms having fallen into disuse; only certain free cities were allowed to coin silver. The gold, as Palestine was a subject province, must have been coined at Rome, for she retained the coining of gold entirely in her own hands. In your purses; literally, girdles, which in the East often serve as purses. This prohibition may have been suggested by the last words of verse 8, but can hardly refer to them. It seems to regard the journey only (cf. parallel passages). Nor scrip; no wallet (Revised Version). At the present time, "all shepherds have them, and they are the farmer's universal vade-mecum. They are merely the skins of kids stripped off whole, and tanned by a very simple process". But they might be made even of fish-skin (Mishna, 'Kelim,' 24.11). Because of 1Sa_17:40, an haggada says that David's money was stamped with a staff and wallet on one side, and a tower on the other ('B'resh..R.,' § 39, in Levy, s.v. ìéîøú ). For your journey. The clause is to be joined with "scrip" only. Neither two coats. A second for sabbaths and festivals. For the rabbinic rule insisted upon a different coat for these days from that ordinarily worn. To the objection of poor disciples, that they had but one garment for sabbath and week-day alike, R. Samlai said that they must at least change the way in which they wore it. Neither shoes. The parallel passage, Mar_6:9, has. "but to go shod with sandals" (Revised Version). This is, perhaps, a case of verbal inaccuracy, but as it is impossible to suppose that our Lord can have wished his disciples to go without the ordinary protection to the feet, or that the author of this Gospel, accustomed, on any theory, to Eastern modes of life, can have intended to credit him with such a wish, some other explanation of the verbal discrepancy must be looked for. The true explanation is probably this—The rabbis insisted so strongly on a man never appearing barefooted: "Let a man sell the beams of his house and buy shoes for his feet", that it is very possible that a second pair was often carried in ease of need. it is this that our Lord forbids. On the other hand, Jews did not carry one pair for sabbath and another for week-days (Talm. Jeremiah, 'Sabb.,' 6.2). Some commentators escape the difficulty by distinguishing between "shoes" and "sandals;" but it is very doubtful if the usage of the words is always so exact that one term excludes the other. Nor yet staves; nor staff (Revised Version). The plural, both here (Stephen) and in Luk_9:3 (Received Text), is a clumsy attempt to harmonize with Mar_6:1-56.8, where our Lord bids the twelve take nothing "save a staff only." The difference between the two reports of our Lord's words has been magnified by many commentators into a contradiction. But this is not the true state of the case. For it would be so extraordinary and apparently so useless an order to forbid their having a staff, that it is hard to suppose this to have been the meaning of his words as reported here. His thought in Mar_6:9, Mar_6:10 is rather that they were to make no preparation, for their wants should be supplied, and that even if they had not a staff they were not to take the trouble to procure one. St. Mark's account only so far differs that he assumes that they will st least have a staff already. Observe, however, that no stress can be placed on the difference of the verbs here and in Mark, for in this respect Mark and Luke agree.
Mat_10:10
For the workman; labourer (Revised Version); thus connecting the utterance closely with Mat_9:37, Mat_9:38. Is worthy of his meat. The disciples may therefore expect that it will be provided for them by those to whom they minister (Luk_10:7, of the seventy), and indirectly by the Master whom they serve (Mat_9:38). Meat; food (Revised Version). In all but most highly organized systems of society, this is an important (frequently the most important) part of the day labourer's wages. Hence not unnaturally "wages" is found in the form of the sayings given by St. Luke (Luk_10:7) and St. Paul (1Ti_5:18). Probably our Lord's words became a current proverb in Christian circles, the original word "food" being modified to suit the more general circumstances of life. Clem. Romans, § 31, recalls the Matthaean form, "The good workman receiveth the bread of his work with boldness.'' Epiphanius gives a kind of confla-tion, containing the further thought that if the workman receives his food he must be content: "The workman is worthy of his hire, and sufficient to him that works is his food." Resch connects this form of the saying with the practice of giving only food to the travelling "apostles" and prophets of the sub-apostolic age ('Did.,' § 11.). Professor Marshall (Expositor, IV. 2.76) suggests that if our Lord's original word was äãÈéõÅ , it would explain the origin of both Matthew and Luke; but it seems very doubtful it' it really ever means "wages.'' Two patristic remarks are worth quoting: the first from Origen ('Cram. Cat.'), "In saying τροφήν , ('food') he forbade τρυφήν ('luxury');" the second from St. Gregory the Great (in Ford), "Priests ought to consider how criminal and punishable a thing it is to receive the fruit of labour, without labour."
Mat_10:11
Parallel passages: Mar_6:10; Luk_9:4 (the twelve); Luk_10:5-8 (the seventy). Matthew alone mentions the command to inquire who is worthy. And into whatsoever city or town; village (Revised Version); cf. Mat_9:35, note. Ye shall enter, inquire; search out (Revised Version). Much more is implied than merely asking some chance passer-by (cf. Mat_2:8). Who in it is worthy; i.e. equivalent by moral rate ( ἄξιος )—in this case to the privilege of your lodging with him; elsewhere to the offer of peace (Mat_9:13), to the favour of an invitation (Mat_22:8), to walking with Christ clothed in white (Rev_3:1-22 :47, to punishment (Rev_16:6). And there abide till ye go thence; go forth (Revised Version); i.e. finally (Rev_3:14). The object of this command, which was reckoned so important as to be recorded in all three parallel passages (vide supra), is to prevent; partly favouritism and rivalry, partly waste of time. For "when a stranger arrives in a village or an encampment, the neighbours, one after another, must invite him to eat with them. There is a strict etiquette about it, involving much ostentation and hypocrisy; and a failure in the due observance of this system of hospitality is violently resented, and often leads to alienations and feuds among neighbours. It also consumes much time, causes unusual distraction of mind, leads to levity, and every way counteracts the success of a spiritual mission"; cf. St. Luke's "Go not from house to house" (Luk_10:7). It is, on the other hand, quite unnecessary to see here, with Meyer and Weiss, a prohibition to go to the synagogues or indeed to anywhere else where they could gain a hearing during their stay. Our Lord is referring only to lodging and food (Luk_10:7).
Mat_10:12, Mat_10:13
Parallel passage: Luk_10:5, Luk_10:6 (the seventy). Your very entrance is to be an occasion of imparting spiritual blessing if the house be receptive of it.
Mat_10:12
And when ye come; and as ye enter (Revised Version), synchronous with the moment of your entrance (cf. Luk_17:12). Into an house; the house (Revised Version); i.e. of him who is worthy. Salute it. With the usual greeting of "Peace" (Jdg_18:15; 1Sa_25:5, 1Sa_25:6). Observe that Christ practised what he preached (Joh_20:19 [Luk_24:3]).
Mat_10:13
And if the house. Not the householder alone (Mat_10:11), but he and his family as a whole. Be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. It is tempting to see in these words a promise that your activity shall at least issue in increased blessing on yourselves, but it can hardly be pressed so far. It rather means that failure to impart blessing shall not bring spiritual loss to yourselves. "The dove returned to the ark again when it found the earth under water" (cf. Gurnall, in Ford).
Mat_10:14, Mat_10:15
If rejected, bear your solemn witness to the fact, for to reject you brings awful consequences.
Mat_10:14
Parallel passages: Mar_6:11; Luk_9:5 (the twelve); Luk_10:10, Luk_10:11 (the seventy). And whosoever shall not receive you—on your formal request as heralds of the kingdom—nor hear your words (Mat_7:24, note), when (as, Revised Version, Luk_10:12, note) ye depart (go forth, Revised Version) out of. At the moment of going out (cf. Luk_10:12), ἐξερχόμενοι ἔξω (Mat_21:17; Act_16:13), in this case finally. That house or (that, Revised Version) city. "The house," rightly further defined by "that" in English, comes in Matthew only; "that city" comes also in the parallel passage, Luk_9:5, and therefore belongs to the source used by St. Matthew. Shake off the dust of your feet. Treating it as a heathen place, whose pollution must be shaken off. For the very dust from a heathen land was to be reckoned as polluting, since, as Rashi says on Talm. Bab., 'Sabb.,' 15b (cf. Lightfoot, 'Hor. Hebr.,' in loc.), "It may be doubted, of all the dust of a heathen land, whether it were not from the sepulchre of the dead." (For the apostolic fulfilment of our Lord's injunction cf. Act_13:51 and Act_18:6; see also Neh_5:13.)
Mat_10:15
Parallel passage: Luk_10:12 (the seventy). Similar words are used by our Lord in his apostrophe of Capernaum (Mat_11:24, where see note). The combination in Luk_10:11, Luk_10:12-15 of both the contexts is an instructive warning against accepting the present position of our Lord's sayings as the final indication of the occasion upon which they were delivered. Verily. (For the idea of acquiescence that always underlies this word—even in the case of so solemn a matter as the present—comp. Mat_5:18, note.) I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha. Whose inhabitants were the typical example of the worst of sinners (Deu_32:32; Isa_1:10; Eze_16:46; Rev_11:8). "The men of Sodom have no part in the world to come" (Mishna, 'Sanh.,' 10.3). In the day of judgment. Luke has "in that day;" cf, Mat_7:22. In the only two passages in the LXX. (Pro_6:34; Isa_34:8) where, as it seems, our phrase occurs, it refers, not to the judgment of all, good and bad alike, but to that of the wicked alone. So also in 2Pe_2:9; 2Pe_3:7; and possibly also in Mat_12:36, but not in 1Jn_4:17 (the only passage where it is not anarthrous). Than for that city. Observe that this verse implies that the wicked dead are still in existence, and are waiting for their final judgment; also that in the judgment of the wicked there will be degrees of punishment.
Mat_10:16-39
The internal conditions of conveying Christ's message. The subdivisions of this section are after Mat_10:23 and Mat_10:33 (cf. Mat_10:5, note).
Mat_10:16-23
You will be in the midst; of foes, and simplicity must be accompanied by prudence (Mat_10:16, a summary of all); you will be ill-treated publicly (Mat_10:17, Mat_10:18), but must conduct yourselves with calm faith that you will be guided in your defence (Mat_10:19, Mat_10:20), with endurance of family and universal enmity. (Mat_10:21, Mat_10:22), with common sense in avoiding unnecessary danger, for wherever you go you will find work to be done (Mat_10:23).
Mat_10:16
Parallel passage: Luk_10:3 (the seventy); 16b, Matthew only. Behold. He calls their attention. I send you forth. I ( ἐγω ), with the full consciousness of all that will befall you; I, whose message you will carry, whose character you will represent. In this I lies the germ of verses 40-42. As sheep in the midst of wolves. The 'Midrash' on Est_8:2 uses the same phrase of the position of Israel amidst a hostile world (cf. Edersheim, 'Life,' 1.645), adding, "How great is that Shepherd who delivers them and vanquishes the wolves?" 'Clem. Romans,' it. § 5, has an interesting addition, "The Lord saith, Ye shall be as lambs in the midst of wolves. But Peter answered and said unto him, What then, if the wolves should tear the lambs? Jesus saith unto Peter, Let not the lambs fear the wolves after they [the lambs] are dead." Be ye therefore. Prove yourselves to he ( γίνεσθε ). Wise. Prudent ( φρόνιμοι ). As serpents. )*,with Ignat., 'Polyc.,' § 2, has the singular, perhaps taking it generically, or perhaps not without reference to the phrase in Gen_3:1, "The serpent was more subtle," etc. ( ὁδὲ ὄφις ἦν φρονιμώτατος κ .τ.λ.). The prudence of the serpent is specially apparent in the quickness of its perception of danger and the rapidity with which it escapes from it. Kubel gives Mat_22:23, sqq., 34, sqq.; Joh_2:24; Joh_11:9, Joh_11:10, as examples of this proper prudence in the ease of our Lord. And harmless as doves. Harmless; rather, simple, with Revised Version margin, for ἀκέραιος is literally "unmixed, unadulterated'' (cf Bishop Lightfoot, on Php_2:15), and emphasizes the idea of simplicity of character. It is thus not active, but passive. Comp. 'Shir. R.' (Son_2:14), "With me they [Israel] are simple [ îéîéîú ; of the (Etz Ya‛, which refers to Hos_7:11 as doves, but among the nations of the world they are subtle as serpents" (cf. Mat_3:16, note).
Mat_10:17
Mat_10:17-22 are remarkable as being practically identical with Mar_13:9-13, to which the parallels are Luk_21:12-19 and Mat_24:9-14. It is hard to resist the conclusion that St. Matthew
(1) has incorporated into the present address of our Lord's on missionary work warnings actually given in his great address at Jerusalem on the fall of the city and the end of the world; and
(2) to some extent repeats these warnings in their proper place. But beware. Apparently in contrast to being only "dove-like"; but it is no wonder that the connexion with verse 16 should be rather harsh if the passage be really taken from a later speech. Of men. Generically ( τῶν ἀνθρώπων ), regarded.as one hostile body (cf. Meyer). The culminating point of that opposition to God which is innate in fallen humanity is found in the deification of the Roman emperors (cf. Bishop Westcott's essay on the Two Empires, § 3, in his Epistles of St. John). For they will deliver you up to the (omit "the," with the Revised Version) councils ( εἰς συνέδρια , Mat_5:22, note); "Synedria, uhi proceres conveniunt; synagogae, ubi etiam populus" (Bengel). And they will scourge you in their synagogues (the order of the words is reversed in the Revised Version). With this compare Mat_23:34, where our Lord says, "Therefore, behold, I send [ ἰδοὺ ἐγὼ ἀποστέλλω : cf. Mat_23:16, note] unto you prophets.., and some of them ye shall scourge in your synagogues, and (cf. Mat_23:23, infra) persecute from city to city." Is our present passage a reminiscence of this also? For the fulfilment of this prophecy of. Act_22:19 (Act_26:11). Farrar thus summarizes the enactments on Jewish scourging as recorded in the Mishna ('Makkoth'): "Even a single Jewish scourging might well entitle any man to be regarded as a martyr. Thirty-nine blows were inflicted, unless, indeed, it was found that the strength of the patient was too much exhausted to admit of his receiving the full number. Both of his bands were tied to what is sometimes called a column. but which was in reality a stake a cubit and a half high. The public officer then tore down his robe until his breast was laid bare. The executioner stood on a stone behind the criminal. The scourge consisted of two thongs, one of which was composed of four strands of calf's skin, and one or two strands of ass's skin, which passed through a hole in a handle. The executioner, who was ordinarily the Chazzan of the synagogue, could thus shorten or lengthen them at will, so as not to strike too low. The prisoner bent to receive the blows, which were inflicted with one hand, but with all the force of the striker, thirteen on the breast, thirteen on the right and thirteen on the left shoulder. While the punishment was going on, the chief judge read aloud Deu_28:58, Deu_28:59, 'If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, the Lord thy God; then the Lord will make thy plagues ["strokes"] wonderful, and the plagues of thy seed.' He then read Deu_29:9, 'Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may prosper in all ye do;' and lastly, Psa_78:38, Psa_78:39, 'But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away. and did not stir up all his wrath.' If the punishment was not over by the time that these three passages were read, they were again repeated, and so timed as to end exactly with the punishment itself Meanwhile a second judge numbered the blows, and a third before each blow exclaimed, 'Hakkehu' ('strike him') The severity of the pain may best.be estimated by the brief addition, ' If the criminal die under the infliction, the executioner is not accounted guilty unless he gives by mistake a single blow too many, in which case he is banished.'"
Mat_10:18
And; yea and (Revised Version); καὶ … δέ . Ye shall be brought. Transposed in the Revised Version with the following words, because the stress of Christ's saying lies, not on his followers being brought to trial, but on the high position of their judges. This marks both the extreme importance that their enemies will attach to them, and the lengths to which these will go. Before governors; i.e., probably, representatives of others in supreme power. Such were Felix and Festus, the praetors at Philippi (hardly the politarchs at Thessalonica, for this was a free city), and Gallio at Corinth. But perhaps ἡγεμών is here used in the narrower sense of procurator, in which case of the above names only the first two ought to be mentioned, for Gallio was a proconsul ( ἀνθύπατος ). And kings. The supreme authorities themselves. So especially Nero (2Ti_4:16), and even Herod Agrippa II. (Act_25:13, sqq.), for he was autocratic in his kingdom, save that he owed allegiance to the power that gave it to him. For my sake (Mat_5:11, note). St. Peter ("for the Lord's sake … king … governors," 1Pe_2:13, 1Pe_2:14) possibly refers to this utterance, but by using the singular, "king," recalls more definitely the one political organization with which his readers would be brought into contact in Asia Minor, the Roman emperor and his representatives. For a testimony against (to, Revised Version) them and (to, Revised Version) the Gentiles. Them. Not the Jews (Bengel, Meyer, and perhaps also the Revised Version), but the governors and kings. For (a) the parallel passage, Mar_13:9, omits "the Gentiles;" (b) the parallel passage, ch. 24:14 (vide supra), runs, "This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world [possibly, too, the word employed, οἰκουμένη , has special reference to the Roman empire] for a testimony unto all the Gentiles." Both passages show that the Lord is not here thinking of the Jews, but only of the Gentiles and rulers from among them. Against; to. A witness to these Gentile rulers of what the gospel really does for men, and of their consequent responsibility; cf. Mat_8:4, note; also the parallel passage, Luk_21:13. Eusebius, referring to out' Lord's words, gives a striking illustration in his 'Mart. Pal.,' 6.
Mat_10:19, Mat_10:20
For these two verses, compare Luk_12:11, Luk_12:12, with which there is doubtless a common basis. As the two verses do not seem to have in Luk_12:1-59. a very close connexion with their context, it is probable that there also, as here, they are taken from a speech of later date. But when they deliver you up, take no thought; be not anxious (Revised Version); Mat_6:25, note. So also Luk_12:2; but Luk_21:14 goes further, and forbids the disciples to "meditate beforehand how to answer." Bengel says here, Usa, non curandi, cura sit. How or what. The general direction or the actual matter. Ye shall speak—i.e. in defence, as defined in Luk_12:11; Luk_21:14—for it shall be given you in that same (omit "same," with the Revised Version) hour what ye shall speak. And if in similar extraordinary circumstances, the Christian may expect similar extraordinary help. The omission of this clause by some Western authorities is probably due to the fact that the next verse also begins with "for," and contains a promise that much resembles this. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you (cf. Gen_41:38). Observe:
(1) The thoughtful reminder, "your Father," whose children you have become (Mat_5:16, note), and whose protection you may look for.
(2) It is not said that the Father, but that the Spirit speaks (cf. Act_4:8; Act_13:9; and, for Christ speaking, 2Co_13:3).
(3) The phrase is quite compatible with, but would hardly have then been understood as expressing, the personality of the Holy Spirit.
(4) Though the promise would doubtless hold good, and that in a special degree, for the most important of all "defences," the writing of Holy Scripture, yet even there it did not preclude the use of human means (Luk_1:3).
Mat_10:21
The persecutors shall be found among those most closely connected with you by blood and natural affection. Observe that our Lord does not mention this until he has reminded them that they are connected by still deeper family ties with One above. The thought and partly the language of Mat_10:21, Mat_10:22 comes in 4 Esdr. 6:24, 25, "Et erit in illo tempore debellabunt amici amicos ut inimici … et erit, omnis qui dcrelictus fuerit ex omnibus istis quibus praedixi tibi, ipse salvabitur et videbit salutare meum et finem saeculi mei. [5. 1. vestri]." The author is speaking of the signs of the cud of the world. It seems probable that he was acquainted with some form of the original discourse of our Lord in Mar_13:12, Mar_13:13. (For other references somewhat similar of. Schurer, II. 2:155.) And ( δέ ). In contrast to the preceding encouragement (Kubel). The brother. The omission of the article by the Revised Version throughout this verse is justified, not only by grammar, but also by the consideration that it thus becomes less possible to interpret the phrase of a false "brother" in the Church. And the father the child. Philip It. of Spain is reported to have said of the Protestants, "If it were my own son, I would bring the faggot." And the children shall rise up against their parents. The verb ( ἐπαναστήσονται ) is perhaps a reminiscence of Mic_7:6, other words of which arc quoted below (verse 35). The plural suggests the plurality of cases. And cause them to be put to death; put them to death; but perhaps through the agency of others. Observe that more direct cruelty is predicated of the children than of the brothers and fathers. Past kindness received will go for nothing.
Mat_10:22
And ye shall be hated. For no little time ( ἔσεσθε μισούμενοι ). "Suffering sometimes becomes as a reward for doing. You read of the heifers which brought home the ark out of the Philistines' country, that, when they brought the ark home, the Israelites took the heifers and offered them up to God, as a sacrifice (1Sa_6:14). 'Why so?'saith one. 'It is an ill requital to the heifers.' No; the heifers could not have so high an honour put upon them (Php_1:29; Act_9:16; Act_21:13)" (Wm. Bridge, in Ford). Of all men (Mat_10:17, note). As with the old Israel, so also with the new (cf. Kubel). For my name's sake (Mat_6:9, note). But he that endureth to the end (Revised Version adds, the same) shall be saved (so Mat_24:13). The emphatic insertion of οὗτος points out both the absolute necessity of endurance and the certainty of blessing to him who shows it (of. 2Ti_2:11). To the end ( εἰς τέλος ); i.e. not to the end of the time during which persecution shall last ( εἰς τὸ τέλος ), but to completeness in the endurance required (of. Joh_13:1 [Bishop Westcott's note]; 1Th_2:16). Shall be saved. In the fullest sense (cf. the parallel passage, Luk_21:19).
Mat_10:23
Matthew only; but even this verse is not free from what appear to be reminiscences of the words recorded in Mat_24:14, Mat_24:16). But when they persecute you in this city. Act wisely (Mat_24:16); flee to another city; you will find work there. Flee ye (cf. Mat_23:34, and supra, Mat_23:17, note) into another; into the next (Revised Version); εἰς τηραν . There are occasions when the duty is rather to spread the message than to seal it with death or to have one's lips closed by imprisonment. But only "he that is spiritual" (1Co_2:15) will be able to understand which course of action the special circumstances require. Our Lord's example (Mat_12:15) was followed by Christians in the earliest (Act_8:1; Act_9:25, Act_9:30; Act_14:6; Act_17:10, Act_17:14) and in later times. Codex Bezae and some Western authorities, including Tatian's 'Diatess.,' add, "And if out of this they persecute you, flee into another;" but this is a not unnatural gloss upon the true text. For verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over; through (Revised Version); οὐ μὴ τετέσητε : literally, hare completed, like the harvest (Rth_2:23). The cities of Israel (cf. Mat_24:6) till the Son of man (Mat_8:20, note) be come. The mere fact that there was no persecution of the kind just spoken of until after our Lord's death in itself refutes the opinion that these words refer to his rejoining his disciples on their mission (Mat_11:1; cf. Luk_10:1). They may, perhaps, refer to his coming in the fall of Jerusalem, but rather look forward to h is complete return in his second advent, as apparently Agathangelus, in Resch, loc. cit., understands them. The cities of Israel are named because work among the Jews lay at the basis of the commission. If an exact fulfilment of the words is demanded, it is perhaps to be seen in tile fact that there will be some Jews unconverted until the Lord's return.
Mat_10:24-33
Fellowship with me in suffering is essential to fellowship with me in glory.
(1) Fellowship in suffering (Mat_10:21-31).
(2) The result of confessing or of denying Christ (Mat_10:32, Mat_10:33).
(1) Fellowship in suffering (Mat_10:24-31).
(a) You must not expect better treatment than your Master (Mat_10:21, Mat_10:25).
(b) But opponents are not to be feared (Mat_10:26-28), because
( α ) they are powerless to really injure (Mat_10:26-28);
( β ) there is a greater Object of fear (Mat_10:28).
( γ ) Who cares minutely for all his creatures, and much more for you (Mat_10:29-31).
Mat_10:24, Mat_10:25
Matthew only; but comp. Joh_13:16 and Joh_15:18-21; the latter passage is a commentary. In Luk_6:40 there is close verbal similarity, but the thought is completely different. For there our Lord means that a disciple shall not escape the moral loss that his teacher incurs; on the contrary, when fully instructed, he shall be as his teacher is, in the same evil state. But here he is giving encouragement—whatever treatment a disciple receives he is, if his Teacher received it also, not to count it a strange thing (1Pe_4:12).
Mat_10:24
The (a, Revised Version) disciple. The absence of the article lays more stress on the man's position as disciple. Is not above. The emphasis of the sentence is upon the denial of such a possibility ( οὐκ ἔστιν ὁμαθητής ). His master; teacher; διδάσκαλον . Nor the (a, Revised Version) servant above his lord.
Mat_10:25
It is enough ( ἀρκετόν ); Mat_6:34, note. It will quite content him; it is sufficient for his aims and wishes (Heb_13:5 : Joh_14:8). So Talm. Bab., 'Berach.,' 58b, R. Ula comforts Rub Hisda for the desolation of a friend's house which he formerly knew in its prosperity, by reminding him that the temple too is in ruins, and "It is sufficient for the servant that he be as his master ( åáøê àäéù ãáòì åéã )." For the disciple. Here (unlike Mat_6:24) pictured before the mind. That he be. Eventually ( ἵνα γένηται ). (For the weakened relic force of ἵνα here, cf. Ellicott on 1Co_4:3.) As his master, and the servant as his lord. That the pronoun was added to "lord" in Mat_6:24 was perhaps due to the unconscious desire on the part of the reporter to, avoid any possible ambiguity arising from the familiar phrase ὁκύριος : in these two clauses the insertion of the pronoun is rather due to the fact that "disciple" and "servant" are both defined by the article. If they have called. A typical example of the treatment his disciples will sometimes receive—complete rejection of their message, with deliberate accusation of the worst of crimes. Observe that it is implied that the opprobrious term had already been used of our Lord, although St. Matthew has not yet related it (Mat_12:24). (On Mat_9:34, cf. note there.) Called. By no mere chance expression, but by purposely giving him the title ( ἐπεκάλεσαν ); cf. Heb_11:16. The master of the house. Heb_3:2-6 may be compared, even though not Christ but God is there probably spoken of as the owner of the house. Beelzebub; "Gr. Beel-zebul; a