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In this lesson:
Jesus, the first evangelist. Jesus spreads the Word (9:35-36). Now, it's time for His disciples to spread the word. But before they do, they need instructions (Matthew 10:5-14). Also, God will judge us (10:15). Study Tip: Click on the links. |
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Who was -
Philip -
From Bethsaida in Galilee (John 1:44; 12:21), Philip was the fourth of the original twelve disciples (John 1:40-43). Philip immediately brought Bartholomew (also called Nathanael), the fifth disciple, to meet Jesus (John 1:45-46). In John 6:5-6 we see Jesus test Philip and gently chastise him for his lack of faith in John 14:7-9. He traveled with the Messiah, heard the great sermons, and saw the miracles. Impressed, "Certain Greeks," asked Philip to introduce them to Jesus (John 12:20-23). After the crucifixion, Philip is believed to have gone north to Phrygia in Central Asia Minor to spread the Gospel. It is thought that he died at Hieropolis in Syria. Not to be confused with Philip, the evangelist from Caesarea.
Bartholomew -
Also called Nathanael (John 1:45-46). The Jewish Bartholomew was born in Galilee (John 21:2) and became the fifth of the original twelve disciples. Jesus described him as being without "guile" (John 1:47). Very little is known of Bartholomew. He is only seen when being recruited by Jesus and when the resurrected Messiah appears to him and six other followers at the Sea of Tiberias (John 21:1-2).
Thomas -
Another of the original twelve disciples (Matthew 10:2-3), Thomas was also called Didymus (Greek for twin). He told the other disciples that he was willing to die with Jesus (John 11:16) but fled with the others when Christ was arrested (Matthew 26:56; Mark 14:50). When he was told that Jesus had been resurrected, Thomas didn't believe them (John 20:24-25). This is where the term "Doubting Thomas" comes from. Eight days later, Thomas saw Jesus for himself and was invited to place his finger inside His crucifixion wounds (John 20:26-29). Thomas saw Jesus again, with Bartholomew and five other disciples, on the Sea of Tiberias (John 21:1-2). After that, Thomas became a faithful servant, spreading Christianity. Today, the Christians of Malabar, India regard Thomas as the founder of their church and call themselves the "Thomas Christians."
James, the son of Alphaeus -
James was a common name in biblical times. Counting two of Jesus' disciples, five James are mentioned in the New Testament. This James was one of the original twelve disciples (Matthew 10:1-3; Mark 3:14-18; Luke 6:13-15). He was sometimes called "James the less" or "James the younger" (because he was shorter and younger than the other disciple named James). He was the son of Alphaeus (Luke 6:15) and Mary (Mark 15:40) and brother to the disciple Thaddaeus (Luke 6:16; Acts 1:13; Jude 1:1), who was also called Jude, Judas or Juda.
Thaddaeus -
Also called Jude, Juda, or Judas Lebbaeus surnamed Thaddaeus (Matthew 10:3), he was one of the original twelve disciples. He wrote "The General Epistle of Jude" (Jude 1:1) and was the brother to James the Less (Acts 1:13). At first, Thaddaeus did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah, but eventually, he became a follower. Some Bible scholars believe he founded the church at Edessa, in Upper Mesopotamia (modern-day southeastern Turkey). The Palestinian historian Eusebius of Caesarea records that the Roman Emperor Domitian ordered the arrest of Thaddaeus' grandsons in AD 96 as part of his persecution of Christians. Little else is known about him, but he is believed to have written "The General Epistle of Jude" between AD 65 and 68.
Simon the Canaanite-
Simon, another of the original twelve disciples (Matthew 10:4; Mark 3:18) was sometimes called Simon Zelotes (Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13) because he was a member of the militarized Zelotes, meaning zealot. Judaism had four factions: Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, and the Zealots. Unlike the other factions, the Zealots were fiercely nationalistic and strident defenders of the Mosaic Law. They refused to bend to Gentile (Roman) authority. The Zealots opposed paying Roman taxes (Luke 20:22) and sometimes resorted to armed rebellion against Rome. They often conducted terrorist-type raids and assassinated Romans and Jewish leaders who cooperated with the Romans. In part, one of their uprisings in AD 70 led to Jerusalem's destruction at the hands of the Roman army.
Judas Iscariot -
Iscariot is Hebrew for "man of Kerioth," a town in southern Judea. Judas was the son of Simon Iscariot (John 6:71; 12:4;
13:2; 13:26) and one of the original twelve disciples (Matthew 10:4; Mark 3:19; Luke 6:16). He is the only one of the twelve who was not a Galilean. Judas was a thief (John 12:6) who joined Jesus and was put in charge of the group's finances (John 13:29). Jesus knew that he would be betrayed and said so several times (Matthew 26:21-25; John 6:70-71; 13:21). Soon after His prophecy, Judas betrayed the Messiah (Mark 14:10; Luke 22:3-4; John 13:2) for "thirty pieces of silver" (Matthew 26:14-16). He then committed suicide (Matthew 27:5) out of remorse. Whenever the Bible lists the twelve disciples, Judas is always listed last (Matthew 10:2-4; Mark 3:14-19).
Philip -
From Bethsaida in Galilee (John 1:44; 12:21), Philip was the fourth of the original twelve disciples (John 1:40-43). Philip immediately brought Bartholomew (also called Nathanael), the fifth disciple, to meet Jesus (John 1:45-46). In John 6:5-6 we see Jesus test Philip and gently chastise him for his lack of faith in John 14:7-9. He traveled with the Messiah, heard the great sermons, and saw the miracles. Impressed, "Certain Greeks," asked Philip to introduce them to Jesus (John 12:20-23). After the crucifixion, Philip is believed to have gone north to Phrygia in Central Asia Minor to spread the Gospel. It is thought that he died at Hieropolis in Syria. Not to be confused with Philip, the evangelist from Caesarea.
Bartholomew -
Also called Nathanael (John 1:45-46). The Jewish Bartholomew was born in Galilee (John 21:2) and became the fifth of the original twelve disciples. Jesus described him as being without "guile" (John 1:47). Very little is known of Bartholomew. He is only seen when being recruited by Jesus and when the resurrected Messiah appears to him and six other followers at the Sea of Tiberias (John 21:1-2).
Thomas -
Another of the original twelve disciples (Matthew 10:2-3), Thomas was also called Didymus (Greek for twin). He told the other disciples that he was willing to die with Jesus (John 11:16) but fled with the others when Christ was arrested (Matthew 26:56; Mark 14:50). When he was told that Jesus had been resurrected, Thomas didn't believe them (John 20:24-25). This is where the term "Doubting Thomas" comes from. Eight days later, Thomas saw Jesus for himself and was invited to place his finger inside His crucifixion wounds (John 20:26-29). Thomas saw Jesus again, with Bartholomew and five other disciples, on the Sea of Tiberias (John 21:1-2). After that, Thomas became a faithful servant, spreading Christianity. Today, the Christians of Malabar, India regard Thomas as the founder of their church and call themselves the "Thomas Christians."
James, the son of Alphaeus -
James was a common name in biblical times. Counting two of Jesus' disciples, five James are mentioned in the New Testament. This James was one of the original twelve disciples (Matthew 10:1-3; Mark 3:14-18; Luke 6:13-15). He was sometimes called "James the less" or "James the younger" (because he was shorter and younger than the other disciple named James). He was the son of Alphaeus (Luke 6:15) and Mary (Mark 15:40) and brother to the disciple Thaddaeus (Luke 6:16; Acts 1:13; Jude 1:1), who was also called Jude, Judas or Juda.
Thaddaeus -
Also called Jude, Juda, or Judas Lebbaeus surnamed Thaddaeus (Matthew 10:3), he was one of the original twelve disciples. He wrote "The General Epistle of Jude" (Jude 1:1) and was the brother to James the Less (Acts 1:13). At first, Thaddaeus did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah, but eventually, he became a follower. Some Bible scholars believe he founded the church at Edessa, in Upper Mesopotamia (modern-day southeastern Turkey). The Palestinian historian Eusebius of Caesarea records that the Roman Emperor Domitian ordered the arrest of Thaddaeus' grandsons in AD 96 as part of his persecution of Christians. Little else is known about him, but he is believed to have written "The General Epistle of Jude" between AD 65 and 68.
Simon the Canaanite-
Simon, another of the original twelve disciples (Matthew 10:4; Mark 3:18) was sometimes called Simon Zelotes (Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13) because he was a member of the militarized Zelotes, meaning zealot. Judaism had four factions: Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, and the Zealots. Unlike the other factions, the Zealots were fiercely nationalistic and strident defenders of the Mosaic Law. They refused to bend to Gentile (Roman) authority. The Zealots opposed paying Roman taxes (Luke 20:22) and sometimes resorted to armed rebellion against Rome. They often conducted terrorist-type raids and assassinated Romans and Jewish leaders who cooperated with the Romans. In part, one of their uprisings in AD 70 led to Jerusalem's destruction at the hands of the Roman army.
Judas Iscariot -
Iscariot is Hebrew for "man of Kerioth," a town in southern Judea. Judas was the son of Simon Iscariot (John 6:71; 12:4;
13:2; 13:26) and one of the original twelve disciples (Matthew 10:4; Mark 3:19; Luke 6:16). He is the only one of the twelve who was not a Galilean. Judas was a thief (John 12:6) who joined Jesus and was put in charge of the group's finances (John 13:29). Jesus knew that he would be betrayed and said so several times (Matthew 26:21-25; John 6:70-71; 13:21). Soon after His prophecy, Judas betrayed the Messiah (Mark 14:10; Luke 22:3-4; John 13:2) for "thirty pieces of silver" (Matthew 26:14-16). He then committed suicide (Matthew 27:5) out of remorse. Whenever the Bible lists the twelve disciples, Judas is always listed last (Matthew 10:2-4; Mark 3:14-19).
The Gospel According to St. Matthew
The King James Bible
The King James Bible
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Matthew 9:35-38
Pray for more workers 35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. Matthew: 10: 1-15 Instructions for the twelve 1 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. 2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. 5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: 6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. 9 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, 10 Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. 11 And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence. 12 And when ye come into an house, salute it. 13 And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. 15 Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. |
Margin notes:
"Healing every sickness and every disease." (9:35) - This is an amazing display of love and irrefutable evidence that Jesus is the Son of God. See also verse 4:3. "He was moved with compassion." (9:36) - Jesus was often touched by the peoples suffering and poor choices. Once, Jesus was moved to tears for the people of Jerusalem when they rejected Him (Luke 19:41-44). "Because they fainted." (9:36) - Means "because they (the crowd) were so distraught." "The harvest truly is plenteous." (9:37) - Jesus is talking about the harvest of souls. He used a similar metaphor in Luke 10:2 and John 4:35. "Twelve disciples." (10:1) - In this verse, the twelve are described as "disciples" or students learning at the feet of Jesus. "Twelve apostles." (10:2) - Now the disciples are "apostles," which means advocates, ambassadors, or missionaries. The word apostle comes from the Greek word "apostello," meaning "to send." An apostle is a proponent or messenger. It is a person who believes in an idea or cause and persuades others to follow it. Jesus was the first Christian Apostle (Hebrews 3:1), sent by God to reveal His divine plan to mankind. Jesus selected twelve disciples/apostles to join Him in His ministry. They traveled with the Messiah, heard the great sermons, witnessed the miracles, and learned at Jesus' feet. Jesus prepared the apostles to build the church after His crucifixion and granted them the power to heal the sick and injured, drive out demons (Mark 3:14-15), and raise the dead (Acts 9:39-41, 20:8-12). After Jesus' resurrection and ascension, the apostles set out to spread the good news of salvation throughout the Roman Empire. "Matthew the publican." (10:3) - Matthew, the author of this Gospel, was a tax collector. "Go not into the way of the Gentiles." (10:5) - "Don't go into the area of non-Jews." Here, Jesus commissions His disciples to preach only to Jews. After the resurrection, Jesus commissioned them to spread the Word to everyone (Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16:15-18; Luke 24:46-48; Acts 1:8). That is called the Great Commission. "Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." (10:6) - "Go instead to the marred sheep of the house of Israel." The original Greek transcripts use the word "apollumi," which better translates to "marred" rather than "lost." The word "marred" helps us understand Jesus' parable in Mark 2:22. "The kingdom of heaven is at hand." (10:7) - Jesus repeated this message often (Matthew 3:2). "Freely ye have received, freely give." (10:8) - The Messiah told His disciples not to charge for their ministry. If you are a disciple of Jesus, you should also give freely of your time. "Nor scrip for your journey." (10:10) - "Nor money for your journey." "Nor yet staves." (10:10) - "Nor walking sticks." "The workman is worthy of his meat." (10:10) - "The worker deserves his food." The apostles were not to charge for their ministry but could accept food and shelter. "There abide till ye go thence." (10:11) - "Stay there until you leave (town)." "Salute it." (10:12) - "Greet them." "Shake off the dust of your feet." (10:14) - It was a common Jewish practice to shake the dust off one's feet to show distaste for the person, home, or city the dust came from. See Acts 13:50-51 for a good example. "Verily." (10:15) - "Truly." "It shall be more tolerable..." (10:15) - Some Bible scholars believe this passage implies there will be different punishments in Hell depending on the severity of each person's sins. "Sodom and Gomorrah." (10:15) - Two ancient cities from the Old Testament whose names are synonymous with wickedness. They were located in the "vale of Siddim" on the southeast shore of the Dead Sea (Genesis 14:2-3). God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah with "brimstone and fire" (Genesis 19:24) because of their rebellious and immoral lifestyle (Genesis 18:20-19:29) and their pride, idleness, and disregard for the poor (Ezekiel 16:49-50). Jesus Himself refers to their demise in this verse. Their destruction was so complete that even today, no trace of either city can be found. Jude 1:7 and Second Peter 2:6 also remind us what happens to those who defy God. |
Mark 6:7-11 and Luke 9:1-6 also tell the story of how Jesus sent out His disciples.
New Living Translation
Matthew 9:35-10:15
The Need for Workers
35 Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness.
36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
37 He said to his disciples, "The harvest is great, but the workers are few.
38 So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields."
Matthew 10:1-15
Jesus Sends Out the Twelve disciples
1 Jesus called his twelve disciples together and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness.
2 Here are the names of the twelve apostles:
first, Simon (also called Peter),
then Andrew (Peter's brother),
James (son of Zebedee),
John (James's brother),
3 Philip,
Bartholomew,
Thomas,
Matthew (the tax collector),
James (son of Alphaeus),
Thaddaeus,
4 Simon (the zealot),
Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him).
5 Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions: "Don't go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans,
6 but only to the people of Israel-God's lost sheep.
7 Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near.
8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!
9 "Don't take any money in your money belts-no gold, silver, or even copper coins.
10 Don't carry a traveler's bag with a change of clothes and sandals or even a walking stick. Don't hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve to be fed.
11 "Whenever you enter a city or village, search for a worthy person and stay in his home until you leave town.
12 When you enter the home, give it your blessing.
13 If it turns out to be a worthy home, let your blessing stand; if it is not, take back the blessing.
14 If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave.
15 I tell you the truth, the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah will be better off than such a town on the judgment day.
The "New Living Translation" (Tyndale House, Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois) is a paraphrase and not an accurate word-for-word translation of the Bible. However, it is a helpful tool when read with the "King James Version."
The Need for Workers
35 Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness.
36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
37 He said to his disciples, "The harvest is great, but the workers are few.
38 So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields."
Matthew 10:1-15
Jesus Sends Out the Twelve disciples
1 Jesus called his twelve disciples together and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness.
2 Here are the names of the twelve apostles:
first, Simon (also called Peter),
then Andrew (Peter's brother),
James (son of Zebedee),
John (James's brother),
3 Philip,
Bartholomew,
Thomas,
Matthew (the tax collector),
James (son of Alphaeus),
Thaddaeus,
4 Simon (the zealot),
Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him).
5 Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions: "Don't go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans,
6 but only to the people of Israel-God's lost sheep.
7 Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near.
8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!
9 "Don't take any money in your money belts-no gold, silver, or even copper coins.
10 Don't carry a traveler's bag with a change of clothes and sandals or even a walking stick. Don't hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve to be fed.
11 "Whenever you enter a city or village, search for a worthy person and stay in his home until you leave town.
12 When you enter the home, give it your blessing.
13 If it turns out to be a worthy home, let your blessing stand; if it is not, take back the blessing.
14 If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave.
15 I tell you the truth, the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah will be better off than such a town on the judgment day.
The "New Living Translation" (Tyndale House, Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois) is a paraphrase and not an accurate word-for-word translation of the Bible. However, it is a helpful tool when read with the "King James Version."
Key verses from this passage
"And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people." (9:35)
"And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease." (10:1)
"And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people." (9:35)
"And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease." (10:1)
Today's Questions:
1. Why did Jesus instruct His disciples not to tell "Gentiles" and "Samaritans" the good news of salvation? (10:5)
2. Why did Jesus tell His disciples not to take anything on their missionary trip? (10:9-10)
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1. Why did Jesus instruct His disciples not to tell "Gentiles" and "Samaritans" the good news of salvation? (10:5)
2. Why did Jesus tell His disciples not to take anything on their missionary trip? (10:9-10)
Let us know if your email address is changing.
Answers: (Do you agree?)
1. When Jesus told His disciples not to seek out Gentiles or Samaritans, He was following God's order of primacy and not denying salvation to Gentiles and Samaritans. God's plan of salvation was the fulfilment of the Covenant made with Abraham and David. It started with the Jewish people (Romans 1:16), and through them, the Gospel was spread to all mankind. The Bible clearly and repeatedly tells us that God's holy message is for everyone, Jew and Gentile (Genesis 12:3; Isaiah 25:6; 56:3-7; Malachi 1:11; Matthew 28:19; Acts 10:34-35; Romans 3:29-30; Galatians 3:28).
2. Jesus told His disciples not to take anything on their missionary trip to show their faith in and dependence on God. By traveling without provisions, the disciples learned that God would watch over them and provide for their needs. After the crucifixion, when Jesus was no longer with them, they needed to trust God to get them through the hardships and persecution they would face.
Even though our hardships are less severe than those of the original disciples, we still need to rely on God.
Application thought for the day:
God's word is like fuel for the lantern. The flame burns strong at first. But as the flame consumes the fuel, more is needed to sustain the light. Our lanterns (souls) need fuel (Scripture) every day.
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Thanks to the writings and commentary of John Wesley and Adam Clarke. Also, "The Layman's Bible Study Notebook" by Irving Jensen, published by Harvest House Publishing, Irvine, California; the "Life Change Series" published by NavPress books, Colorado Springs, Colorado; "Robertson's New Testament Word Studies;" "The MacArthur Bible Commentary" by John MacArthur, published by Thomas Nelson, Nashville, Tennessee; "Wisdom of the Bible" CD by Topics Entertainment, Inc., Renton, Washington for their inspiring pictures; "My utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers, published by Barbour Publishing, Inc., Uhrichsville, Ohio; The "Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge" by Reuben Archer Torrey; "Hope For Each Day" by Billy Graham, published by J. Countryman, a division of Thomas Nelson, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee; "Easton's Bible Dictionary" by Matthew George Easton; "Unger's Bible Dictionary" by Merrill F. Unger, published by Moody Press, Chicago, Illinois; "Atlas of the Bible" edited by Joseph L. Gardner, published by Readers Digest, Pleasantville, New York; "Halley's Bible Handbook" by Henry H. Halley, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan; "The Everyday Bible" published by World Wide Publications, Minneapolis, Minnesota; "The New Testament" Recovery Version published by Living Stream Ministry, Anaheim, California; "The Living New Testament" published by Tyndale house, Wheaten, Illinois; "The New Living Translation" published by Tyndale House, Wheaten, Illinois; "The New Testament" translated from the Latin Vulgate, published by Guild Press, New York, New York; the "Life Application Study Bible" published by Tyndale House Publishing, Carol Stream, Illinois; the "Quest Study Bible" published by The Zondervan Corporation, Grand Rapids, Michigan; "The New Scofield Reference Bible" published by Oxford University Press, New York, New York; BibleGateway.com for all their wonderful links; and of course, the "King James Bible." All were critical in putting these lessons together.
© 2025 evolke
© 2025 evolke