MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 10:1 The Authoritative Mission of the Messiah’s Messengers. This is Jesus’ second major teaching (see Introduction: Key Themes). It focuses on the disciples’ mission to Israel (vv. Matthew 10:1), preparation for a worldwide mission among the Gentiles (vv. Matthew 10:16), and... [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 10:2 APOSTLES (see note on Rom. 1:1) describes those charged to be Jesus’ special representatives, while “disciples” (Matthew 10:1) was also used more broadly of anyone who believed in Jesus. PETER heads all the lists of the 12 apostles (see Mark 3:16; Luke 6:13; Acts 1:13).... [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 10:3 There is remarkable diversity among the 12 apostles. There are fishermen, a tax collector (MATTHEW 1:1), and a zealous revolutionary (SIMON THE ZEALOT). JUDAS ISCARIOT is always listed last. He was the treasurer for the group (John 12:6) and the one who betrayed Jesus. S... [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 10:5 GO NOWHERE AMONG THE GENTILES AND ENTER NO TOWN OF THE SAMARITANS. The mission was restricted to Jewish Galilee. Galilee was surrounded by Gentile territory except for Samaria to the south (see note on John 4:4). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img");... [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 10:6 LOST SHEEP OF THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL. The whole lost nation of Israel. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 10:7 AND PROCLAIM... “THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS AT HAND.” HEAL THE SICK. The apostles’ message (the kingdom of heaven) is the same as Jesus’ message (Matthew 3:2; Matthew 10:1). Their power is an extension of Jesus’ power (“authority”; v. Matthew 10:1). ⇐ ⇔... [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 10:9 ACQUIRE NO GOLD OR SILVER... OR SANDALS OR A STAFF. This will be a relatively quick preaching journey, so the disciples are not to buy extra supplies. Those to whom they minister must support their mission (FOR THE LABORER DESERVES HIS FOOD). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document... [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 10:11 WORTHY indicates someone who accepts the disciples’ message. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 10:14 SHAKE OFF THE DUST FROM YOUR FEET. A symbolic action performed by Jews upon leaving a Gentile region. For the missionaries it is a sign of judgment on those rejecting the gospel (compare Acts 13:51). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0... [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 10:15 IT WILL BE MORE BEARABLE ON THE DAY OF JUDGMENT. Greater understanding of God’s revelation means greater responsibility. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 10:16 WISE AS SERPENTS AND INNOCENT AS DOVES. The serpent was the symbol of insight and craftiness (Genesis 3:1). The dove symbolized innocence. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 10:17 SYNAGOGUES places of worship but also places where discipline (such as beating) was carried out. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 10:22 ENDURES... WILL BE SAVED. See notes on 2 Tim. 2:11–13; Jude 1:21. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 10:23 YOU WILL NOT HAVE GONE THROUGH ALL THE TOWNS OF ISRAEL BEFORE THE SON OF MAN COMES. The coming of the Son of Man probably refers to the second coming of Christ at the end of the age. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.leng... [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 10:25 BEELZEBUL (see Matthew 12:24, Matthew 12:27) means “master of the house” and refers to Satan. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 10:29 SPARROWS were customarily thought of as the smallest of creatures, and the PENNY was one of the least valuable Roman coins (see Matthew 5:26). APART FROM YOUR FATHER. God rules over even the most insignificant events. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("i... [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 10:34 SWORD is a metaphor for the separation that will occur between those who believe in Christ and those who do not. Jesus’ own family opposed him before they recognized his true identity (Matthew 13:53; Mark 3:21; John 7:3). Thus, WHOEVER LOVES FATHER OR MOTHER MORE THAN M... [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 10:38 TAKE HIS CROSS (see Matthew 16:24). A disciple must deny himself (die to self-will), take up his cross (embrace God’s will, no matter the cost), and follow Christ. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
MATTHEW—NOTE ON MATTHEW 10:41 PROPHET. One who speaks for God. RIGHTEOUS PERSON. One who has the righteousness that comes from obeying Jesus. ONE OF THESE LITTLE ONES. That is, anyone in need, especially those who may be overlooked (compare James 2:1). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagNa... [ Continue Reading ]