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Matthew 10:1
Verse
Context
The Twelve Apostles
1And calling His twelve disciples to Him, Jesus gave them authority over unclean spirits, so that they could drive them out and heal every disease and sickness.
Sermons
Derek Prince
David Wilkerson
Major Ian Thomas
Jackie Pullinger
Ray Comfort
Leonard Ravenhill
Bill McLeodSummary
Commentary
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here we are told, I. Who they were that Christ ordained to be his apostles or ambassadors; they were his disciples, Mat 10:1. He had called them some time before to be disciples, his immediate followers and constant attendants, and he then told them that they should be made fishers of men, which promise he now performed. Note, Christ commonly confers honours and graces by degrees; the light of both, like that of the morning, shines more and more. All this while Christ had kept these twelve, 1. In a state of probation. Though he knows what is in man, though he knew from the first what was in them (Joh 6:70), yet he took this method to give an example to his church. Note, The ministry being a great trust, it is fit that men should be tried for a time, before they are entrusted with it. Let them first be proved, Ti1 3:10. Therefore, hands must not be laid suddenly on any man, but let him first be observed as a candidate and probationer, a proposant (that is the term the French churches use), because some men's sins go before, others follow, Ti1 5:22. 2. In a state of preparation. All this while he had been fitting them for this great work. Note, Those whom Christ intends for, and calls to, any work, he first prepares and qualifies, in some measure, for it. He prepared them, (1.) By taking them to be with him. Note, The best preparative for the work of the ministry, is an acquaintance and communion with Jesus Christ. They that would serve Christ, must first be with him (Joh 12:26). Paul had Christ revealed, not only to him, but in him, before he went to preach him among the Gentiles, Gal 1:16. By the lively acts of faith, and the frequent exercise of prayer and meditation, that fellowship with Christ must be maintained and kept up, which is a requisite qualification for the work of the ministry. (2.) By teaching them; they were with him as scholars or pupils, and he taught them privately, besides the benefit they derived from his public preaching; he opened the scriptures to them, and opened their understandings to understand the scriptures: to them it was given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, and to them they were made plain. Note, They that design to be teachers must first be learners; they must receive, that they may give; they must be able to teach others, Ti2 2:2. Gospel truths must be first committed to them, before they be commissioned to be gospel ministers. To give men authority to teach others, that have not an ability, is but a mockery to God and the church; it is sending a message by the hand of a fool, Pro 26:6. Christ taught his disciples before he sent them forth (Mat 5:2), and afterwards, when he enlarged their commission, he gave them more ample instructions, Act 1:3. II. What the commission was that he gave them. 1. He called them to him, Mat 10:1. He had called them to come after him before; now he calls them to come to him, admits them to a greater familiarity, and will not have them to keep at such a distance as they had hitherto observed. They that humble themselves shall thus be exalted. The priests under the law were said to draw near and approach unto God, nearer than the people; the same may be said of gospel ministers; they are called to draw near to Christ, which, as it is an honour, so should strike an awe upon them, remembering that Christ will be sanctified in those that come nigh unto him. It is observable, that when the disciples were to be instructed, they came unto him of their own accord, Mat 5:1. But now they were to be ordained, he called them. Note, It well becomes the disciples of Christ to be more forward to learn than to teach. In the sense of our own ignorance, we must seek opportunities to be taught; and in the same sense we must wait for a call, a clear call, ere we take upon us to teach others; for no man ought to take this honour to himself. 2. He gave them power, exousian, authority in his name, to command men to obedience, and for the confirmation of that authority, to command devils too into a subjection. Note, All rightful authority is derived from Jesus Christ. All power is given to him without limitation, and the subordinate powers that be are ordained of him. Some of his honour he put on his ministers, as Moses put some of his on Joshua. Note, It is an undeniable proof of the fulness of power which Christ used as Mediator, that he could impart his power to those he employed, and enable them to work the same miracles that he wrought in his name. He gave them power over unclean spirits, and over all manner of sickness. Note, The design of the gospel was to conquer the devil and to cure the world. These preachers were sent out destitute of all external advantages to recommend them; they had no wealth, nor learning, nor titles of honour, and they made a very mean figure; it was therefore requisite that they should have some extraordinary power to advance them above the scribes. (1.) He gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out. Note, The power that is committed to the ministers of Christ, is directly levelled against the devil and his kingdom. The devil, as an unclean spirit, is working both in doctrinal errors (Rev 16:13), and in practical debauchery (Pe2 2:10); and in both these, ministers have a charge against him. Christ gave them power to cast him out of the bodies of people; but that was to signify the destruction of his spiritual kingdom, and all the works of the devil; for which purpose the Son of God was manifested. (2.) He gave them power to heal all manner of sickness. He authorized them to work miracles for the confirmation of their doctrine, to prove that it was of God; and they were to work useful miracles for the illustration of it, to prove that it is not only faithful, but well worthy of all acceptation; that the design of the gospel is to heal and save. Moses's miracles were many of them for destruction; those Mahomet pretended to, were for ostentation; but the miracles Christ wrought, and appointed his apostles to work, were all for edification, and evince him to be, not only the great Teacher and Ruler, but the great Redeemer, of the world. Observe what an emphasis is laid upon the extent of their power to all manner of sickness, and all manner of disease, without the exception even of those that are reckoned incurable, and the reproach of physicians. Note, In the grace of the gospel there is a salve for every sore, a remedy for every malady. There is no spiritual disease so malignant, so inveterate, but there is a sufficiency of power in Christ, for the cure of it. Let none therefore say there is no hope, or that the breach is wide as the sea, that cannot be healed. III. The number and names of those that were commissioned; they are made apostles, that is, messengers. An angel, and an apostle, both signify the same thing - one sent on an errand, an ambassador. All faithful ministers are sent of Christ, but they that were first, and immediately, sent by him, are eminently called apostles, the prime ministers of state in his kingdom. Yet this was but the infancy of their office; it was when Christ ascended on high that he gave some apostles, Eph 4:11. Christ himself is called an apostle (Heb 3:1), for he was sent by the Father, and so sent them, Joh 20:21. The prophets were called God's messengers. 1. Their number was twelve, referring to the number of the tribes of Israel, and the sons of Jacob that were the patriarchs of those tribes. The gospel church must be the Israel of God; the Jews must be first invited into it; the apostles must be spiritual fathers, to beget a seed to Christ. Israel after the flesh is to be rejected for their infidelity; these twelve, therefore, are appointed to be the fathers of another Israel. These twelve, by their doctrine, were to judge the twelve tribes of Israel, Luk 22:30. These were the twelve stars that made up the church's crown (Rev 12:1): the twelve foundations of the new Jerusalem (Rev 21:12, Rev 21:14), typified by the twelve precious stones in Aaron's breast-plate, the twelve loaves on the table of show-bread, the twelve wells of water at Elim. This was that famous jury (and to make it a grand jury, Paul was added to it) that was impanelled to enquire between the King of kings, and the body of mankind; and, in this chapter, they have their charge given them, by him to whom all judgment was committed. 2. Their names are here left upon record, and it is their honour; yet in this they had more reason to rejoice, that their names were written in heaven (Luk 10:20), while the high and mighty names of the great ones of the earth are buried in the dust. Observe, (1.) There are some of these twelve apostles, of whom we know no more, from the scripture, than their names; as Bartholomew, and Simon the Canaanite; and yet they were faithful servants to Christ and his church. Note, all the good ministers of Christ are not alike famous, nor their actions alike celebrated. (2.) They are names by couples; for at first they were sent forth two and two, because two are better than one; they would be serviceable to each other, and the more serviceable jointly to Christ and souls; what one forgot the other would remember, and out of the mouth of two witnesses every word would be established. Three couple of them were brethren; Peter and Andrew, James and John, and the other James and Lebbeus. Note, Friendship and fellowship ought to be kept up among relations, and to be made serviceable to religion. It is an excellent thing, when brethren by nature are brethren by grace, and those two bonds strengthen each other. (3.) Peter is named first, because he was first called; or because he was the most forward among them, and upon all occasions made himself the mouth of the rest, and because he was to be the apostle of the circumcision; but that gave him no power over the rest of the apostles, nor is there the least mark of any supremacy that was given to him, or ever claimed by him, in this sacred college. (4.) Matthew, the penman of this gospel, is here joined with Thomas (Mat 10:3), but in two things there is a variation from the accounts of Mark and Luke, Mar 3:18; Luk 6:15. There, Matthew is put first; in that order it appears he was ordained before Thomas; but here, in his own catalogue, Thomas is put first. Note, It well becomes the disciples of Christ in honour to prefer one another. There, he is only called Matthew, here Matthew the publican, the toll-gatherer or collector of the customs, who was called from that infamous employment to be an apostle. Note, It is good for those who are advanced to honour with Christ, to look unto the rock whence they were hewn; often to remember what they were before Christ called them, that thereby they may be kept humble, and divine grace may be the more glorified. Matthew the apostle was Matthew the publican. (5.) Simon is called the Canaanite, or rather the Canite, from Cana of Galilee, where probably he was born; or Simon the Zealot, which some make to be the signification of Kananitēs. (6.) Judas Iscariot is always named last, and with that black brand upon his name, who also betrayed him; which intimates that from the first, Christ knew what a wretch he was, that he had a devil, and would prove a traitor; yet Christ took him among the apostles, that it might not be a surprise and discouragement to his church, if, at any time, the vilest scandals should break out in the best societies. Such spots there have been in our feasts of charity; tares among the wheat, wolves among the sheep; but there is a day of discovery and separation coming, where hypocrites shall be unmasked and discarded. Neither the apostleship, nor the rest of the apostles, were ever the worse for Judas's being one of the twelve, while his wickedness was concealed and did not break out.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
10:1 Jesus called his twelve disciples as workers in the harvest (9:37-38). The choice of twelve is not accidental—it recalls the twelve tribes of Israel. Jesus was appointing new leaders for the new people of God under his reign as Messiah (16:18-19; 18:18; 19:28; 21:43). • gave them authority (9:6-8; 28:18): Jesus enabled the Twelve to perform ministries that the Jewish leaders could not accomplish (9:32-34; 10:5-8). The authority to cast out evil spirits (8:28) and to heal are ascribed to Jesus (4:23; 8:1–9:35) in similar terms.
Matthew 10:1
The Twelve Apostles
1And calling His twelve disciples to Him, Jesus gave them authority over unclean spirits, so that they could drive them out and heal every disease and sickness.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
How to Identify the Enemy - Part 1
By Derek Prince38K27:30MAT 10:1MAT 10:5MRK 16:15LUK 10:1LUK 13:31ACT 8:6In this sermon, Derek Prince discusses the basics of deliverance and how to identify the enemy. He emphasizes that the ministry of Jesus serves as the ultimate example and should not be improved upon. Jesus' ministry involved driving out evil spirits as a priority, indicating that those in the service of God today should also be equipped to deal with demons. Prince addresses the cultural differences in accepting the need for deliverance and highlights that demons adapt to their environment. He also references Luke 4:40-41, which further supports the importance of deliverance in Jesus' ministry.
A Revival of Power Is Coming
By David Wilkerson7.3K1:07:09Revival Of PowerISA 52:2ISA 61:1MAT 10:1LUK 4:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a consistent Christian life, not being swayed by the ups and downs of circumstances. He encourages the congregation to bring their struggles and sins into the light, confessing them to God and seeking victory through His power. The preacher then shares a powerful promise from Isaiah 46, assuring the listeners that God will strengthen them and give them authority over the enemy. He urges the church to walk in freedom and joy, trusting in God's ability to transform their lives. The sermon concludes with an invitation for those who desire freedom to come forward and take authority over their struggles.
Major Ian Thomas - Part 1
By Major Ian Thomas6.6K1:06:17MAT 6:33MAT 10:1MAT 16:20LUK 20:20LUK 24:47JHN 16:7JHN 16:132PE 1:21In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of God's word and its ability to uphold all things in the universe. He highlights the importance of understanding the Gospel of Luke and the transformative event that occurred in the early church when Jesus was resurrected. The preacher also discusses the concept of identifying oneself with Jesus' death in order to experience his life every day. He uses the analogy of a famous artist admiring his own mural to illustrate the idea that no one has a monopoly on God's work. The sermon concludes with the preacher mentioning his assistant, Mark, and how they met in a home for the deaf and dumb.
Power for Service - 1
By Jackie Pullinger4.2K35:26ServiceMAT 9:35MAT 10:1LUK 9:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the mission of the church, which is to preach the good news just like Jesus did. They emphasize the importance of reaching out to both those outside the church who are lost and poor, as well as those inside the church who may be struggling. The speaker references Matthew 9:35-36, where Jesus preached the good news and healed the sick out of compassion. They also mention the need for more workers in the harvest field and the importance of prayer in this mission. Overall, the sermon encourages believers to be involved in sharing the good news and bringing healing to those in need.
Let Compassion Swallow Your Fear
By Ray Comfort4.1K45:33FearEST 4:16MAT 9:35MAT 10:1LUK 22:39ACT 4:20HEB 13:6In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about injuring his arm while running to the house. Despite the pain, he continued to preach the gospel with his son-in-law outside the local courts for two and a half years. However, their preaching was eventually made illegal, so they moved to Huntington Beach to continue spreading the gospel. The speaker emphasizes the importance of compassion and active evangelism, comparing those who have not truly repented to tears among the wheat or foolish virgins. He also references the story of Jesus sending out his disciples to preach and heal, highlighting the need for laborers in the harvest.
The Church's Strength and Secret
By Leonard Ravenhill1.8K1:14:35RevivalEXO 14:12JDG 16:6JDG 16:15MAT 5:13MAT 10:1JHN 11:43In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Samson from the Bible and uses it as a metaphor for the spiritual condition of some believers. He describes how Samson, a powerful man of God, lost his strength and authority when he allowed himself to be bound, blinded, and made to grind in captivity. The speaker emphasizes the importance of maintaining a fervent passion for God and not becoming complacent or distracted by worldly pursuits. He encourages listeners to prioritize their relationship with God and seek the riches of His presence rather than material wealth or social standing.
Christ Is All - in Scripture
By Bill McLeod1.6K46:28Fulness Of ChristPSA 2:10PSA 40:7PSA 41:9MAT 1:21MAT 28:19MRK 14:62COL 3:11TIT 3:7PHM 1:1In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Mark 16 and Luke 1 from the Bible. He highlights how Jesus reproached his disciples for their lack of belief in his resurrection and then commanded them to preach the gospel to the world. The speaker also mentions that some versions of the Bible omit miracles and end with Jesus' death on the cross, portraying him as a good man and advocate of peace. However, the speaker emphasizes that the Bible is truly all about Jesus and explores the significance of his ministry and his role as the Son of God.
Greenwood Hills Conference 1989-03 Nehemiah 4:10
By William MacDonald1.6K51:07ConferenceGEN 6:18JDG 7:2MAT 10:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the negative impact of television on the spiritual temperature of the church. He believes that TV weakens prayer life and distracts Christians from spending time with the Word of God. The speaker also highlights the danger of biblical illiteracy in the church, as it makes it easier for false teachings to spread. He concludes by urging young men entering the ministry to avoid materialism, immorality, and seeking personal glory, and instead focus on serving the Lord faithfully.
The Conversion of Ninevah
By Charles E. Fuller1.3K56:29NinevahMAT 4:1MAT 8:16MAT 10:1MRK 1:21LUK 10:17COL 1:13In this sermon, Dr. Fuller focuses on the Book of Jonah, specifically Chapter 3. He explains that Jonah was a prophet who reluctantly delivered a message from God to the pagan city of Nineveh. Dr. Fuller emphasizes that when a person who is spiritually dead hears the Gospel and repents, they are set free from the power of darkness and become a new creation in Christ. He also discusses how Jesus, as the captain of our salvation, confronts and defeats Satan and his works of unrighteousness, including demons, disease, and death. Dr. Fuller encourages listeners to study and understand the teachings of the Bible regarding Satan and demons.
New Covenant - the Gifts of the Spirit -Part 2
By Zac Poonen1.2K09:54MAT 8:5MAT 8:28MAT 10:1MRK 1:40EPH 6:12
This sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing that every individual in the body of Christ has a unique function and calling from God. It highlights Jesus' ministry of healing, casting out demons, and appreciating faith and goodness wherever He saw it. The sermon also delves into the significance of the new covenant ministry, where believers are called to focus on spiritual battles rather than fighting with human beings, as Jesus confronted demons and empowered His disciples with authority over sickness and evil spirits.
Prayer-03
By William MacDonald1.2K43:53PrayerMAT 6:33MAT 9:37MAT 10:1MAT 20:32ROM 8:28HEB 10:22In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a missionary who had to travel to a distant city to collect money for a hospital. On their way back through a dangerous area, the missionary and his helper were concerned about being robbed. However, they decided to trust in God's protection and camped out with the money. Miraculously, they woke up the next morning to find everything intact. Weeks later, a bandit chief who had received treatment at the hospital recognized the missionary and asked if they had camped on a hill with soldiers guarding them. The missionary revealed that they had no soldiers, but God had protected them. The preacher uses this story to emphasize the importance of trusting in God's plan and how He works all things together for good for those who love Him, as stated in Romans 8:28.
Worthy Is the Lamb - Part 1
By Joshua Daniel1.1K25:28PSA 51:17ISA 53:5MAT 10:1LUK 12:32LUK 15:17ROM 8:17EPH 6:12PHP 2:9COL 1:13REV 5:9
This sermon delves into the power of darkness and the need for deliverance, highlighting the contrast between the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of God. It emphasizes the importance of breaking generational curses and the impact of family dynamics on spiritual bondage. The narrative includes a powerful testimony of confronting demonic forces and the authority believers have in Christ to overcome evil. The message underscores the significance of recognizing our unworthiness and embracing the worthiness of Christ, urging a deeper commitment to living in the fullness of God's kingdom.
Just Following Jesus (P2)
By K.P. Yohannan1.0K25:39Following JesusMAT 10:11JN 2:6In this sermon, K.P. draws attention to the fact that Jesus didn't need a large number of people to change the world. He only needed 11 imperfect disciples, including Judas and Peter. K.P. emphasizes that even though Peter denied Christ, he became the greatest leader of the church. The sermon then focuses on 1 John 2:6, which states that Christians are called to live as Jesus lived. K.P. encourages listeners to follow Jesus and not get caught up in politics, agendas, doctrines, or denominations.
Conference 1989-03 ~ Nehemiah 4:10
By William MacDonald76851:07ConferenceGEN 6:17JDG 7:2MAT 10:1In this sermon, the speaker criticizes the obsession with numbers and the pursuit of fame within the Protestant denomination. He shares an anecdote about a convention that adopted the slogan "a million more in 84" but questions the quality of the existing members. The speaker emphasizes the need for purification and compares it to Gideon's process of sinning his troops. He then discusses three things that should not be touched: money, women, and glory, warning against materialism and the scandals that have tarnished the reputation of Christianity. The sermon concludes with a reference to the story of Nehemiah and the importance of obedience and faithfulness in the face of opposition. The speaker expresses a desire to encounter true saints rather than superficial Christians.
Sermon on the Mount
By W.F. Anderson74045:03MAT 5:3MAT 5:17MAT 10:1JAS 1:22In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not only listening to the word of God but also obeying it. He compares those who listen but do not act to someone who looks in a mirror and forgets their own reflection. The preacher highlights the significance of studying and understanding the perfect law that gives freedom, and continuously applying it to one's life. He explains that by following God's laws, we can experience blessings in our actions. The sermon also references various teachings of Jesus, such as the law of ministry and the law of kingdom growth, to illustrate the importance of living according to God's commands.
All That Jesus Taught Bible Study - Part 39
By Zac Poonen56525:03MAT 10:1
This sermon delves into Matthew chapter 10, exploring Jesus' commission to his disciples, the principles of ministry, and the enduring truths applicable to believers today. It emphasizes the need for discernment in applying biblical instructions, the importance of trusting God for provision, and the balance between innocence and shrewdness in Christian living. The sermon also addresses persecution, the role of the Holy Spirit in speaking through believers, and the endurance required to remain faithful till the end.
Mark - the Master's Master Plan
By J. Glyn Owen44940:43DiscipleshipMAT 9:36MAT 10:1MAT 28:19MRK 3:13MRK 6:7LUK 6:12LUK 9:1In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the calling of the twelve disciples by Jesus to constitute them as apostles. The preacher reads from Mark 3:13-15, where Jesus goes up a mountain and calls those whom he chooses to be with him. Jesus ordains them as twelve and sends them forth to preach, heal sicknesses, and cast out devils. The preacher emphasizes that this calling and training of the disciples is part of God's masterplan to bring salvation and redemption to the world through Jesus' sacrifice. The sermon encourages the listeners to commit themselves to Jesus and to follow his example.
The Commissioning of the Twelve Apostles (Mt. 10)
By Mike Bickle231:09:35Leadership PrinciplesCommissioningMAT 10:1Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of Jesus commissioning the twelve apostles in Matthew 10, outlining essential leadership principles and the importance of a clear mission. He highlights the need for a realistic mindset to prepare the apostles for the challenges they would face, ensuring they understand the nature of their mission and the necessity of relying on God. Bickle stresses that the principles taught by Jesus are timeless and applicable to the church today, encouraging believers to actively participate in ministry and to expect challenges without losing faith. He also underscores the importance of prayer and the sending out of laborers, as well as the need for unity and support among believers in their mission.
Homily 32 on Matthew
By St. John Chrysostom0MAT 7:22MAT 9:27MAT 9:30MAT 10:1MAT 10:5JHN 13:351CO 12:31John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of faith, humility, and love in the Christian life, emphasizing the need to focus on spiritual virtues rather than seeking after miracles. He highlights the significance of genuine love, peace, and unity within the church community, urging believers to imitate the apostles in their selfless service and devotion to God. Chrysostom encourages a life of virtue, charity, and moral transformation, stating that true miracles lie in the eradication of sin and the cultivation of a pure heart. He underscores the power of living a righteous life as a testimony to the world and a means to draw others to Christ.
Mark 9:14
By Chuck Smith0Authority of BelieversDemon PossessionMAT 10:1MAT 12:33MAT 15:21MRK 9:14MRK 16:17LUK 8:22CO 12:7EPH 2:2JAS 4:71PE 5:8Chuck Smith discusses the topic of demon possession, explaining the nature of demons as wicked spirits that can inhabit and control human bodies, causing various physical and mental afflictions. He explores the uncertain origins of demons, scriptural cases of possession, and the difference between possession and oppression. Smith emphasizes that individuals can become possessed through practices like spiritism and that believers have authority over demons through Jesus Christ. Ultimately, he reassures that complete victory is found in Christ, encouraging believers to resist the devil and not give him a foothold.
The Making of the Master's Men
By Victor Maxwell0MAT 10:1JHN 15:16ACT 1:8EPH 2:20COL 1:6REV 2:10REV 21:14Victor Maxwell preaches on 'Men the Master Made', focusing on the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus and their transformation from common, imperfect men to chosen, changed men who became Christ's representatives with a worldwide commission. The sermon highlights the unique qualities and martyrdom of each apostle, emphasizing their faith, obedience, and willingness to sacrifice for the cause of Christ.
Day 17, Matthew 17
By David Servant0MAL 4:5MAT 10:1MAT 16:28MAT 17:10MAT 17:17MAT 17:21LUK 9:311PE 5:8David Servant preaches on the fulfillment of Jesus' promise in Matthew 16:28 through His transfiguration before Peter, James, and John, where they saw Him in His glorified state with Moses and Elijah. He explains how Elijah had already come in the form of John the Baptist, as a forerunner of Jesus, and how Elijah's ministry may be embodied in a representative before Jesus' second coming. David emphasizes the importance of faith in delivering the demon-possessed boy, highlighting how prayer and fasting can increase faith and be tools for spiritual growth.
Epistle 181
By George Fox0JOB 28:28ISA 40:4MAT 10:1JHN 6:351CO 1:24EPH 3:9JAS 3:17George Fox preaches about living in the unchangeable power of God to maintain righteousness, truth, love, unity, and dominion over spiritual obstacles and challenges. He emphasizes the importance of patiently waiting in God's power, staying low in love and unity, and serving the Lord diligently in order to overcome earthly distractions and limitations. Fox encourages believers to focus on the wisdom of God, departing from sin, and allowing the seed of God to reign within them, leading to a life of purity, holiness, and spiritual growth in Christ.
Jericho
By Richard E. Bieber0JOS 6:1MAT 9:36MAT 10:1LUK 4:18JHN 4:35Richard E. Bieber delivers a powerful sermon on the significance of everyday tasks in fulfilling God's purpose of shaking the city of Babylon. He emphasizes that caring for children, working, and doing chores are all part of the spiritual battle to bring God's kingdom on earth. Drawing inspiration from the story of Jericho, he explains the three stages of taking the city: patient observation, unified praise, and conquering evil by freeing the captives.
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here we are told, I. Who they were that Christ ordained to be his apostles or ambassadors; they were his disciples, Mat 10:1. He had called them some time before to be disciples, his immediate followers and constant attendants, and he then told them that they should be made fishers of men, which promise he now performed. Note, Christ commonly confers honours and graces by degrees; the light of both, like that of the morning, shines more and more. All this while Christ had kept these twelve, 1. In a state of probation. Though he knows what is in man, though he knew from the first what was in them (Joh 6:70), yet he took this method to give an example to his church. Note, The ministry being a great trust, it is fit that men should be tried for a time, before they are entrusted with it. Let them first be proved, Ti1 3:10. Therefore, hands must not be laid suddenly on any man, but let him first be observed as a candidate and probationer, a proposant (that is the term the French churches use), because some men's sins go before, others follow, Ti1 5:22. 2. In a state of preparation. All this while he had been fitting them for this great work. Note, Those whom Christ intends for, and calls to, any work, he first prepares and qualifies, in some measure, for it. He prepared them, (1.) By taking them to be with him. Note, The best preparative for the work of the ministry, is an acquaintance and communion with Jesus Christ. They that would serve Christ, must first be with him (Joh 12:26). Paul had Christ revealed, not only to him, but in him, before he went to preach him among the Gentiles, Gal 1:16. By the lively acts of faith, and the frequent exercise of prayer and meditation, that fellowship with Christ must be maintained and kept up, which is a requisite qualification for the work of the ministry. (2.) By teaching them; they were with him as scholars or pupils, and he taught them privately, besides the benefit they derived from his public preaching; he opened the scriptures to them, and opened their understandings to understand the scriptures: to them it was given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, and to them they were made plain. Note, They that design to be teachers must first be learners; they must receive, that they may give; they must be able to teach others, Ti2 2:2. Gospel truths must be first committed to them, before they be commissioned to be gospel ministers. To give men authority to teach others, that have not an ability, is but a mockery to God and the church; it is sending a message by the hand of a fool, Pro 26:6. Christ taught his disciples before he sent them forth (Mat 5:2), and afterwards, when he enlarged their commission, he gave them more ample instructions, Act 1:3. II. What the commission was that he gave them. 1. He called them to him, Mat 10:1. He had called them to come after him before; now he calls them to come to him, admits them to a greater familiarity, and will not have them to keep at such a distance as they had hitherto observed. They that humble themselves shall thus be exalted. The priests under the law were said to draw near and approach unto God, nearer than the people; the same may be said of gospel ministers; they are called to draw near to Christ, which, as it is an honour, so should strike an awe upon them, remembering that Christ will be sanctified in those that come nigh unto him. It is observable, that when the disciples were to be instructed, they came unto him of their own accord, Mat 5:1. But now they were to be ordained, he called them. Note, It well becomes the disciples of Christ to be more forward to learn than to teach. In the sense of our own ignorance, we must seek opportunities to be taught; and in the same sense we must wait for a call, a clear call, ere we take upon us to teach others; for no man ought to take this honour to himself. 2. He gave them power, exousian, authority in his name, to command men to obedience, and for the confirmation of that authority, to command devils too into a subjection. Note, All rightful authority is derived from Jesus Christ. All power is given to him without limitation, and the subordinate powers that be are ordained of him. Some of his honour he put on his ministers, as Moses put some of his on Joshua. Note, It is an undeniable proof of the fulness of power which Christ used as Mediator, that he could impart his power to those he employed, and enable them to work the same miracles that he wrought in his name. He gave them power over unclean spirits, and over all manner of sickness. Note, The design of the gospel was to conquer the devil and to cure the world. These preachers were sent out destitute of all external advantages to recommend them; they had no wealth, nor learning, nor titles of honour, and they made a very mean figure; it was therefore requisite that they should have some extraordinary power to advance them above the scribes. (1.) He gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out. Note, The power that is committed to the ministers of Christ, is directly levelled against the devil and his kingdom. The devil, as an unclean spirit, is working both in doctrinal errors (Rev 16:13), and in practical debauchery (Pe2 2:10); and in both these, ministers have a charge against him. Christ gave them power to cast him out of the bodies of people; but that was to signify the destruction of his spiritual kingdom, and all the works of the devil; for which purpose the Son of God was manifested. (2.) He gave them power to heal all manner of sickness. He authorized them to work miracles for the confirmation of their doctrine, to prove that it was of God; and they were to work useful miracles for the illustration of it, to prove that it is not only faithful, but well worthy of all acceptation; that the design of the gospel is to heal and save. Moses's miracles were many of them for destruction; those Mahomet pretended to, were for ostentation; but the miracles Christ wrought, and appointed his apostles to work, were all for edification, and evince him to be, not only the great Teacher and Ruler, but the great Redeemer, of the world. Observe what an emphasis is laid upon the extent of their power to all manner of sickness, and all manner of disease, without the exception even of those that are reckoned incurable, and the reproach of physicians. Note, In the grace of the gospel there is a salve for every sore, a remedy for every malady. There is no spiritual disease so malignant, so inveterate, but there is a sufficiency of power in Christ, for the cure of it. Let none therefore say there is no hope, or that the breach is wide as the sea, that cannot be healed. III. The number and names of those that were commissioned; they are made apostles, that is, messengers. An angel, and an apostle, both signify the same thing - one sent on an errand, an ambassador. All faithful ministers are sent of Christ, but they that were first, and immediately, sent by him, are eminently called apostles, the prime ministers of state in his kingdom. Yet this was but the infancy of their office; it was when Christ ascended on high that he gave some apostles, Eph 4:11. Christ himself is called an apostle (Heb 3:1), for he was sent by the Father, and so sent them, Joh 20:21. The prophets were called God's messengers. 1. Their number was twelve, referring to the number of the tribes of Israel, and the sons of Jacob that were the patriarchs of those tribes. The gospel church must be the Israel of God; the Jews must be first invited into it; the apostles must be spiritual fathers, to beget a seed to Christ. Israel after the flesh is to be rejected for their infidelity; these twelve, therefore, are appointed to be the fathers of another Israel. These twelve, by their doctrine, were to judge the twelve tribes of Israel, Luk 22:30. These were the twelve stars that made up the church's crown (Rev 12:1): the twelve foundations of the new Jerusalem (Rev 21:12, Rev 21:14), typified by the twelve precious stones in Aaron's breast-plate, the twelve loaves on the table of show-bread, the twelve wells of water at Elim. This was that famous jury (and to make it a grand jury, Paul was added to it) that was impanelled to enquire between the King of kings, and the body of mankind; and, in this chapter, they have their charge given them, by him to whom all judgment was committed. 2. Their names are here left upon record, and it is their honour; yet in this they had more reason to rejoice, that their names were written in heaven (Luk 10:20), while the high and mighty names of the great ones of the earth are buried in the dust. Observe, (1.) There are some of these twelve apostles, of whom we know no more, from the scripture, than their names; as Bartholomew, and Simon the Canaanite; and yet they were faithful servants to Christ and his church. Note, all the good ministers of Christ are not alike famous, nor their actions alike celebrated. (2.) They are names by couples; for at first they were sent forth two and two, because two are better than one; they would be serviceable to each other, and the more serviceable jointly to Christ and souls; what one forgot the other would remember, and out of the mouth of two witnesses every word would be established. Three couple of them were brethren; Peter and Andrew, James and John, and the other James and Lebbeus. Note, Friendship and fellowship ought to be kept up among relations, and to be made serviceable to religion. It is an excellent thing, when brethren by nature are brethren by grace, and those two bonds strengthen each other. (3.) Peter is named first, because he was first called; or because he was the most forward among them, and upon all occasions made himself the mouth of the rest, and because he was to be the apostle of the circumcision; but that gave him no power over the rest of the apostles, nor is there the least mark of any supremacy that was given to him, or ever claimed by him, in this sacred college. (4.) Matthew, the penman of this gospel, is here joined with Thomas (Mat 10:3), but in two things there is a variation from the accounts of Mark and Luke, Mar 3:18; Luk 6:15. There, Matthew is put first; in that order it appears he was ordained before Thomas; but here, in his own catalogue, Thomas is put first. Note, It well becomes the disciples of Christ in honour to prefer one another. There, he is only called Matthew, here Matthew the publican, the toll-gatherer or collector of the customs, who was called from that infamous employment to be an apostle. Note, It is good for those who are advanced to honour with Christ, to look unto the rock whence they were hewn; often to remember what they were before Christ called them, that thereby they may be kept humble, and divine grace may be the more glorified. Matthew the apostle was Matthew the publican. (5.) Simon is called the Canaanite, or rather the Canite, from Cana of Galilee, where probably he was born; or Simon the Zealot, which some make to be the signification of Kananitēs. (6.) Judas Iscariot is always named last, and with that black brand upon his name, who also betrayed him; which intimates that from the first, Christ knew what a wretch he was, that he had a devil, and would prove a traitor; yet Christ took him among the apostles, that it might not be a surprise and discouragement to his church, if, at any time, the vilest scandals should break out in the best societies. Such spots there have been in our feasts of charity; tares among the wheat, wolves among the sheep; but there is a day of discovery and separation coming, where hypocrites shall be unmasked and discarded. Neither the apostleship, nor the rest of the apostles, were ever the worse for Judas's being one of the twelve, while his wickedness was concealed and did not break out.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
10:1 Jesus called his twelve disciples as workers in the harvest (9:37-38). The choice of twelve is not accidental—it recalls the twelve tribes of Israel. Jesus was appointing new leaders for the new people of God under his reign as Messiah (16:18-19; 18:18; 19:28; 21:43). • gave them authority (9:6-8; 28:18): Jesus enabled the Twelve to perform ministries that the Jewish leaders could not accomplish (9:32-34; 10:5-8). The authority to cast out evil spirits (8:28) and to heal are ascribed to Jesus (4:23; 8:1–9:35) in similar terms.