The twelve are sent
Matthew 10:1–15FocusA defined mission
Connection to the wholeJesus names and commissions the twelve, specifying their immediate audience, message, and conduct on this mission.
interpretation Matthew 10:18
KJVAnd ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.
Read it in context
The Commissioning and Instruction of the Twelve Disciples
Start reading at Matthew 10:1 (Matthew 10:1 to Matthew 10:42).
This entire chapter contains Jesus' detailed instructions to His disciples as He sends them out, covering their mission, conduct, and the severe opposition they will face.
- 10:1 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.
- 10:2 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;
- 10:3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;
- 10:4 Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.
- 10:5 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:
- 10:6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
- 10:7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
- 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
- 10:9 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,
- 10:10 Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.
- 10:11 And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.
- 10:12 And when ye come into an house, salute it.
- 10:13 And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.
- 10:14 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.
- 10:15 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.
- 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
- 10:17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;
- 10:18 And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.
- 10:19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.
- 10:20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.
- 10:21 And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.
- 10:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
- 10:23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.
- 10:24 The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.
- 10:25 It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?
- 10:26 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.
- 10:27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.
- 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
- 10:29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.
- 10:30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
- 10:31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.
- 10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
- 10:33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
- 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
- 10:35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
- 10:36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.
- 10:37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
- 10:38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
- 10:39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
- 10:40 He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
- 10:41 He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward.
- 10:42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Matthew the apostle and tax collector is the author named by early church tradition. This is the historic attribution, not a personal signature in the Gospel. Biblical references: Matthew 9:9; Matthew 10:3. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Matthew 10:1–10:42): Jesus commissions and instructs the twelve apostles whom Matthew names at the beginning of the chapter. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? A Christian readership deeply familiar with Israel's Scriptures, commonly understood as substantially Jewish in background but also concerned with the Gentile mission. A particular congregation or city is not certain. Biblical references: Matthew 1:1; Matthew 5:17; Matthew 28:19. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. book background
What
- What is the main event or theme? The main theme is Jesus' prophetic warning to His disciples that they would face persecution and be brought before civil authorities ('governors and kings') because of their allegiance to Him. This persecution, however, would serve as an opportunity for them to bear 'a testimony against them and the Gentiles.'
- What is God revealing? God is revealing His divine foreknowledge of the opposition and suffering His servants would endure. He shows that even in persecution, there is a divine purpose: to provide a testimony of Christ to both Jewish and Gentile authorities, thereby fulfilling His mission through His disciples.
- What is the literary style? The literary style is a prophetic warning and instruction, delivered by Jesus within a larger discourse commissioning His disciples for ministry.
When
- When was it written? The Gospel of Matthew was written approximately A.D. 50 to 70. book background
- When does the event take place? Jesus gave these instructions during His earthly ministry, around A.D. 30, as He commissioned the twelve disciples. The events described—being brought before governors and kings—would occur later, during the disciples' ongoing ministry after Jesus' ascension. stated in the text
Where
- Where did it happen? Jesus gave these instructions to His disciples, likely in Galilee, as He sent them out to preach and heal. stated in the text
- Where was the author located? The author, Matthew, was likely located in Judea or Antioch when he wrote the Gospel. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The Commissioning and Instruction of the Twelve Disciples (Matthew 10:1 to Matthew 10:42). Start reading at Matthew 10:1. This entire chapter contains Jesus' detailed instructions to His disciples as He sends them out, covering their mission, conduct, and the severe opposition they will face.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This verse is part of Jesus' extensive discourse to His twelve disciples, commissioning them for ministry and warning them of the severe opposition and persecution they would face. It follows warnings about being delivered to councils and scourged in synagogues (Matthew 10:17) and precedes assurances of divine aid in speaking when brought before authorities (Matthew 10:19-20). stated in the text
- How does it point to Christ? The persecution and testimony of the disciples are explicitly stated to be 'for my sake,' meaning for Jesus' sake. This highlights Jesus as the central figure of their mission and the ultimate reason for their suffering, mirroring His own future trials before authorities. Their testimony, even under duress, is ultimately a testimony about Him and His kingdom. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? Believers today should expect opposition and potential persecution when faithfully proclaiming Christ. This passage encourages steadfastness in the face of such trials, reminding us that even being brought before authorities can be a divinely appointed opportunity to bear witness to Christ, trusting that God will provide the necessary words and strength through His Spirit.
Cited: Matthew 10:1-4, Matthew 10:17, Matthew 10:18, Matthew 10:19-20, Psalm 2:1-6, Mark 13:9, Acts 5:25-27, Acts 12:1-4, Acts 23:33-34, Acts 24:1-26, 2 Timothy 1:8, 2 Timothy 4:16-17, Revelation 1:9, Revelation 6:9, Revelation 11:7
Who wrote it, and how we know
Matthew (Levi), the apostle
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionEarly church testimony names Matthew the apostle, notably Papias in the early second century and Irenaeus later.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text. The titles were attached early but are not part of the original writing.
Related passages
- be Ps 2:1-6 Acts 5:25-27 Acts 12:1-4 Acts 23:33-34 Acts 24:1-26 2 Tim 4:16-17
- for a Matt 8:4 Mark 13:9 2 Tim 1:8 Rev 1:9 Rev 6:9 Rev 11:7
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Matthew 10
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
FocusPersecution and endurance
Connection to the wholeThe instructions prepare the disciples for rejection and testimony before authorities rather than promising an unopposed mission.
interpretation Courage before people
Matthew 10:24–33FocusFear God and confess Christ
Connection to the wholeJesus grounds courageous witness in God's knowledge and care while stressing accountability for acknowledging or denying Him.
interpretation The claims of discipleship
Matthew 10:34–42FocusCost and reception
Connection to the wholeThe commission closes with the priority of allegiance to Jesus and the significance of receiving His messengers.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Matthew
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
The promised Messiah introduced
Matthew 1:1–4:16FocusOrigins and preparation
Connection to the wholeThe genealogy, birth, baptism, and temptation establish Jesus' identity and mission before His public preaching expands.
interpretation The kingdom proclaimed
Matthew 4:17–7:29FocusMinistry and the mountain discourse
Connection to the wholeJesus announces the kingdom, calls disciples, and teaches the righteousness and obedience that characterize His hearers' response.
interpretation FocusWorks of mercy and sent disciples
Connection to the wholeHealings and other mighty works display Jesus' authority; He then commissions disciples and prepares them for opposition.
interpretation Responses to the kingdom
Matthew 11:1–13:58FocusOpposition, revelation, and parables
Connection to the wholeContrasting responses to Jesus lead into parables that explain hearing, growth, judgment, and the kingdom's value.
interpretation Following the Messiah
Matthew 14:1–18:35FocusIdentity, suffering, and community
Connection to the wholeJesus teaches disciples about His coming suffering and about humility, care for others, correction, and forgiveness.
interpretation Jerusalem and accountability
Matthew 19:1–25:46FocusConflict, judgment, and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeThe journey to Jerusalem and temple disputes lead into warnings about judgment and the need for faithful readiness.
interpretation Death, resurrection, and commission
Matthew 26:1–28:20FocusThe crucified and risen Lord
Connection to the wholeJesus' passion and resurrection bring the narrative to the commission to teach all nations and obey His commands.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.