Introduction

† Matthew 10 records Jesus sending the twelve apostles specifically to Israel with authority to preach and perform signs confirming the kingdom message (Matthew 10:5-7).
† The instructions clearly show urgency because the message was directed to the generation living at that time (Matthew 10:23).
† Jesus repeatedly said the coming judgment and the arrival of the Son of Man would occur before that generation passed away (Matthew 16:27-28; Matthew 24:34).
† This chapter shows the mission that went throughout Israel before the covenant judgment that ended the old temple system in AD 70 (Luke 21:20-22).

The Twelve Sent Out

Matthew 10:1
Jesus called His twelve disciples to Him and gave them authority over unclean spirits so they could cast them out and heal every kind of disease and sickness.

† Christ gave the apostles authority as proof they were His official witnesses to Israel (Mark 16:20).
† These miracles confirmed the arrival of the kingdom in their generation (Matthew 12:28).
† Signs and wonders validated the message before the covenant judgment that was coming upon that nation (Hebrews 2:3-4).

Matthew 10:2
These are the names of the twelve apostles: first Simon who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother.

† The twelve apostles reflect the twelve tribes of Israel, showing the message was directed toward the covenant nation (Matthew 19:28).
† Their role would become foundational in establishing the new covenant community (Ephesians 2:19-20).
† The number twelve symbolizes continuity from old covenant Israel into the new covenant people of God.

Matthew 10:3
Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the tax collector, James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus.

† The apostles came from ordinary backgrounds which shows God often chooses unlikely people to carry His message (1 Corinthians 1:26-29).
† Matthew himself had been a tax collector, which shows the transforming power of Christ's call (Matthew 9:9).
† These men would later serve as witnesses to the resurrection and teachers of the early church.

Matthew 10:4
Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed Him.

† Judas appearing in the list shows that betrayal would come even from within the closest circle of disciples (John 6:70-71).
† His betrayal fulfilled prophetic patterns seen in the Psalms (Psalm 41:9).
† This also demonstrates that outward association with truth doesn't guarantee faithfulness.

The Mission To Israel

Matthew 10:5
Jesus sent these twelve out and instructed them saying, Do not go into the way of the Gentiles and do not enter any city of the Samaritans.

† At this stage the mission was limited to Israel because the covenant promises had first been given to them (Romans 1:16).
† The gospel would later spread to the Gentile nations after Israel's rejection (Acts 13:46).
† This command shows the immediate focus was the nation responsible for receiving the Messiah.

Matthew 10:6
Instead go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

† Jesus repeatedly described Israel as lost sheep because of their spiritual condition (Jeremiah 50:6).
† The apostles were sent to call the nation back to God before the coming judgment (Luke 19:41-44).
† This mission fulfilled the prophetic call to restore Israel before the transition to the new covenant order.

Matthew 10:7
As you go preach saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

† The kingdom was not far away in the future, it was arriving in their generation (Matthew 4:17).
† This message meant God's rule through the Messiah had begun (Luke 11:20).
† The urgency of the proclamation reflects the approaching covenant transition (Hebrews 8:13).

Matthew 10:8
Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give.

† Miracles confirmed that the apostles were sent by Christ (Acts 5:12).
† These acts demonstrated the authority of the kingdom over sickness, death, and spiritual oppression (Matthew 11:5).
† The command to give freely shows the gospel isn't a commercial enterprise.

Matthew 10:9
Do not acquire gold or silver or copper for your money belts.

† The apostles were being taught to depend on God's provision (Luke 9:3).
† Their mission was urgent and temporary, requiring mobility and trust.
† The instruction also tested the willingness of people to support those bringing the message.

Matthew 10:10
Do not take a bag for your journey or two coats or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worthy of his support.

† Those who received the gospel message were responsible to support the messengers (1 Corinthians 9:14).
† This arrangement allowed the apostles to focus entirely on preaching.
† Acceptance or rejection of the apostles revealed the spiritual condition of each town.

Matthew 10:11
Whatever city or village you enter ask who is worthy there and stay in that house until you leave.

† Remaining in one home prevented the apostles from appearing greedy or opportunistic.
† Hospitality toward them represented acceptance of Christ's message (Luke 10:16).
† It also allowed the gospel to establish a foothold in those communities.

Matthew 10:12
As you enter the house give it your greeting.

† The greeting represented peace and blessing to those who received the message (Luke 10:5).
† Peace in scripture often symbolizes covenant reconciliation with God.
† Welcoming the apostles meant welcoming Christ Himself.

Matthew 10:13
If the house is worthy give it your blessing of peace but if it isn't worthy let your peace return to you.

† The blessing remained only where the message was accepted.
† Those rejecting the apostles rejected the kingdom message itself (Luke 10:16).
† The apostles were responsible for proclaiming truth, not forcing acceptance.

Matthew 10:14
Whoever doesn't receive you or listen to your words shake the dust off your feet when you leave that house or city.

† Shaking the dust from their feet symbolized separation from those rejecting the gospel (Acts 13:51).
† It declared that responsibility for unbelief remained with that community.
† This action warned of coming judgment for rejecting the Messiah.

Matthew 10:15
Truly I say to you it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city.

† Rejecting the Messiah carried greater accountability than the sins of Sodom (Luke 10:12).
† The day of judgment refers to the covenant judgment that came upon Jerusalem (Luke 21:22).
† Israel had greater revelation and therefore greater responsibility.

Persecution Foretold

Matthew 10:16
Behold I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.

† The apostles were entering hostile territory where many would resist their message.
† Wisdom and innocence describe the balance needed when facing opposition (Romans 16:19).
† Jesus was preparing them for the persecution they would face.

Matthew 10:17
But beware of men for they will hand you over to the courts and scourge you in their synagogues.

† The apostles would face persecution from their own people within the synagogue system.
† This persecution is recorded throughout the book of Acts (Acts 5:40).
† The opposition fulfilled Jesus' warnings about Israel rejecting the message.

Matthew 10:18
You will even be brought before governors and kings for My sake as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.

† The apostles later stood before Roman officials and rulers exactly as Jesus predicted (Acts 24:1-10).
† These trials became opportunities to proclaim the gospel before powerful leaders.
† Even persecution served the spread of the message.

Matthew 10:19
But when they hand you over do not worry about how or what you are to say for it will be given you in that hour what you are to say.

† Jesus promised divine help when the apostles faced trials.
† The Holy Spirit would guide their testimony during persecution (Luke 12:11-12).
† This promise reassured them that they wouldn't stand alone.

Matthew 10:20
For it isn't you who speak but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.

† The apostles' message ultimately came from God Himself.
† The Spirit guided their words when they testified before authorities (Acts 4:8).
† This divine guidance ensured the gospel message was faithfully proclaimed.

Matthew 10:21
Brother will betray brother to death and a father his child and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death.

† The gospel often divided families during the early spread of Christianity.
† Loyalty to Christ sometimes brought severe persecution (Luke 12:53).
† These divisions were part of the turmoil leading up to Jerusalem's destruction.

Matthew 10:22
You will be hated by all because of My name but the one who endures to the end will be saved.

† The hatred directed at believers came from rejection of Christ Himself (John 15:18).
† Enduring to the end refers to remaining faithful through the coming tribulation (Matthew 24:13).
† Those who endured would escape the coming judgment.

Matthew 10:23
Whenever they persecute you in one city flee to the next for truly I say to you you will not finish going through the cities of Israel until the Son of Man comes.

† This statement clearly places the coming of the Son of Man within the apostolic generation.
† The apostles were still traveling through Israel when the events leading to AD 70 unfolded.
† This confirms Jesus was speaking about events within that generation (Matthew 24:34).

Matthew 10:24
A disciple isn't above his teacher nor a slave above his master.

† Followers of Christ should expect the same treatment that Jesus received.
† If the Master faced persecution the disciples would as well (John 15:20).
† This principle prepares believers for opposition when standing for truth.

Matthew 10:25
It is enough for the disciple that he becomes like his teacher and the slave like his master. If they have called the head of the house Beelzebul how much more will they malign the members of his household.

† Jesus Himself was accused of being aligned with demonic power (Matthew 12:24).
† If the religious leaders slandered Christ they would certainly slander His followers.
† This warning prepared the apostles for the hostility they would face.

Matthew 10:26
Therefore do not fear them for there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed or hidden that will not be known.

† Truth eventually becomes known despite attempts to suppress it.
† God ultimately exposes both truth and falsehood (Luke 12:2).
† This promise reassured the apostles that their message would prevail.

Matthew 10:27
What I tell you in the darkness speak in the light and what you hear whispered in your ear proclaim upon the housetops.

† The apostles were commanded to boldly proclaim the message publicly.
† The gospel wasn't meant to remain hidden but to be declared openly.
† Their mission required courage and public proclamation.

Matthew 10:28
Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

† Jesus reminds them that ultimate authority belongs to God alone.
† Earthly persecution can't destroy the eternal life given by God.
† This perspective gave believers courage in the face of persecution.

Matthew 10:29
Are not two sparrows sold for a cent and yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.

† Even the smallest creatures are under God's care and awareness.
† This demonstrates God's complete sovereignty over creation.
† If God watches sparrows He certainly watches His people.

Matthew 10:30
But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

† This expression shows God's detailed knowledge and care for His people.
† Nothing about their lives escaped God's attention.
† The apostles could trust God's protection during their mission.

Matthew 10:31
So do not fear you are more valuable than many sparrows.

† Jesus reassures them of their value in God's eyes.
† Their lives and mission mattered greatly in God's plan.
† This promise encouraged them to continue despite danger.

Matthew 10:32
Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven.

† Public allegiance to Christ brings acknowledgment before the Father.
† Faithfulness in testimony was essential for the apostles' mission.
† Confession of Christ demonstrates true allegiance to Him.

Matthew 10:33
But whoever denies Me before men I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven.

† Denying Christ reveals a lack of genuine faith.
† Loyalty to Christ must remain firm even under pressure.
† This warning highlights the seriousness of discipleship.

Matthew 10:34
Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth I did not come to bring peace but a sword.

† The message of Christ often creates division between those who accept it and those who reject it.
† This division was especially intense within first century Israel.
† The conflict intensified during the years leading to Jerusalem's destruction.

Matthew 10:35
For I came to set a man against his father and a daughter against her mother and a daughter in law against her mother in law.

† Family divisions occurred when some accepted Christ and others rejected Him.
† These conflicts were common in the early church.
† The gospel exposed the true allegiance of each person.

Matthew 10:36
And a man's enemies will be the members of his household.

† Loyalty to Christ sometimes brought opposition even from family members.
† This fulfilled the prophetic warnings about division during times of judgment (Micah 7:6).
† Following Christ required placing Him above all earthly relationships.

Matthew 10:37
He who loves father or mother more than Me isn't worthy of Me and he who loves son or daughter more than Me isn't worthy of Me.

† Christ demands ultimate allegiance above all other relationships.
† Discipleship requires prioritizing loyalty to Him above family ties.
† This command shows the seriousness of following Christ.

Matthew 10:38
And he who doesn't take his cross and follow after Me isn't worthy of Me.

† Taking up the cross symbolizes willingness to suffer for Christ.
† The apostles would later face persecution and even martyrdom.
† True discipleship involves sacrifice and faithfulness.

Matthew 10:39
He who has found his life will lose it and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it.

† Those who cling to earthly security may lose eternal life.
† Those who sacrifice for Christ gain true life.
† This paradox captures the heart of discipleship.

Matthew 10:40
He who receives you receives Me and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.

† Accepting the apostles meant accepting Christ Himself.
† The apostles were representatives of Christ's authority.
† This chain of representation extends from the Father to the Son to the apostles.

Matthew 10:41
He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet's reward and he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man will receive a righteous man's reward.

† Supporting those who serve God brings spiritual blessing.
† Hospitality toward God's messengers reflects faith in the message.
† Those who welcomed the apostles participated in the work of the kingdom.

Matthew 10:42
And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink in the name of a disciple truly I say to you he will not lose his reward.

† Even small acts of kindness toward Christ's followers matter to God.
† Faithfulness in simple actions reflects genuine faith.
† God notices and rewards even the smallest acts done for His people.

Historical References

† Josephus described the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70 and the immense suffering that came upon the nation.
† Eusebius recorded that Christians fled Jerusalem before the Roman siege after remembering the warnings of Jesus.
† Tacitus wrote about the Roman campaign that destroyed the temple and devastated Judea.

How It Applies To Us Today

† Matthew 10 shows the seriousness of proclaiming truth even in the face of opposition.
† It reminds us that God's promises unfold exactly as Christ said they would (Matthew 24:34).
† It encourages believers to remain faithful even when truth creates conflict.

Q & A Appendix

Q: Was the mission in Matthew 10 directed to the whole world at that time?
A: No. Jesus specifically limited the mission to the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matthew 10:5-6).

Q: When did the coming of the Son of Man mentioned in Matthew 10:23 occur?
A: It occurred in the judgment against Jerusalem in AD 70 which happened within that generation (Matthew 24:34).

Q: Why were miracles given to the apostles?
A: They confirmed the authority of the apostles and validated the message of the kingdom (Hebrews 2:3-4).

Q: Why did Jesus tell the apostles not to fear those who could kill the body?
A: Because earthly persecution could not take away the eternal life God gives. Jesus reminded them that true authority belongs to God alone (Matthew 10:28).

Q: What did Jesus mean when He said they would not finish going through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes?
A: Jesus was describing events that would happen within that generation as the gospel spread through Israel and the covenant judgment approached (Matthew 10:23; Matthew 24:34).

Q: Why did Jesus say He came to bring a sword instead of peace?
A: The truth of the gospel divides those who accept Christ from those who reject Him, and that division even affected families in the first century (Matthew 10:34-36).

Q: What does it mean to take up the cross and follow Christ?
A: It means being willing to suffer or sacrifice for loyalty to Christ and His truth (Matthew 10:38; Luke 9:23).

† This is the fulfilled perspective we proclaim at Fulfilled Prophecies †
© Fulfilled Prophecies - Dan Maines.

Source Index

† Matthew 4:17; Matthew 10:5-7, 23; Matthew 16:27-28; Matthew 19:28; Matthew 24:13, 34; Luke 21:20-22; Acts 5:12; Hebrews 2:3-4

† Josephus, Wars of the Jews Book 6; Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History 3.5; Tacitus, Histories 5.13