Matthew 10 - Introduction

Jesus Taught The Apostles Matthew Ten

In Matthew chapter ten we see that Jesus called the twelve apostles, gave them power and a charge to carry out. Jesus specifically told them what they were to do. He said, "Go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give." (Matthew 10:6-8) He also instructed them on how they were to react during this time of work. Jesus taught them the great lesson of how prudent and wise they were to be in spreading the gospel message. "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." (Matthew 10:16)

The apostles of Jesus Christ were special men with a special mission. "Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him." (Matthew 10:2-4) The apostles were (1) God called men (2) with a God appointed mission, and (3) God given power.