Matthew 10:5-15·~1 min

The Ministry of the Twelve

Jesus sends the Twelve first to Israel, not to Gentile or Samaritan towns. They proclaim the nearness of the kingdom, heal and cleanse, travel without supplies, seek worthy homes, offer peace, and leave judgment where they are refused.

T⁵hese twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go onto the road of the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. ⁶Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. ⁷As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’ ⁸Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. ⁹Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts. ¹⁰Take no bag for the road, or second tunic, or sandals, or staff; for the worker is worthy of his provisions. ¹¹Whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy there and stay at his house until you move on. ¹²As you enter the home, greet its occupants. ¹³If the home is worthy, let your peace rest on it, but if it is not, let your peace return to you. ¹⁴And if anyone will not welcome you or heed your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. ¹⁵Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.

Section summaryJesus sends the Twelve to Israel with a message that the kingdom of heaven is near. They are to heal, raise, cleanse, and drive out, but they are also to travel lightly, seek worthy homes, extend peace, and leave unreceptive places under judgment.

Role in the chapterThis section shapes the apostles’ work as proclamation, dependence, and discernment. Their ministry is local, urgent, and carried with peace, but it also includes a sober boundary where words are refused.