Matthew 10
10
Sending Out the Twelve Apostles
1 Jesus#tn Grk “And he.” called his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits#sn Unclean spirits refers to evil spirits. so they could cast them out and heal every kind of disease and sickness.#tn Grk “and every [kind of] sickness.” Here “every” was not repeated in the translation for stylistic reasons. 2 Now these are the names of the twelve apostles:#sn The term apostles is rare in the gospels, found only here, Mark 3:14, and six more times in Luke (6:13; 9:10; 11:49; 17:5; 22:14; 24:10). first, Simon#sn In the various lists of the twelve, Simon (that is, Peter) is always mentioned first (see also Mark 3:16-19; Luke 6:13-16; Acts 1:13) and the first four are always the same, though not in the same order after Peter. (called Peter), and Andrew his brother; James son of Zebedee and John his brother; 3 Philip and Bartholomew;#sn Bartholomew (meaning “son of Tolmai” in Aramaic) could be another name for Nathanael mentioned in John 1:45. Thomas#sn This is the “doubting Thomas” of John 20:24-29. and Matthew the tax collector;#sn See the note on tax collectors in 5:46. James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;#tc Witnesses differ on the identification of the last disciple mentioned in v. 3: He is called Λεββαῖος (Lebbaio", “Lebbaeus”) in D, Judas Zelotes in it, and not present in sys. The Byzantine text, along with a few others (C[*],2 L W Θ Ë1 33 Ï), conflates earlier readings by calling him “Lebbaeus, who was called Thaddaeus,” while codex 13 pc conflate by way of transposition (“Thaddaeus, who was called Lebbaeus”). But excellent witnesses of the earliest texttypes (א B Ë13 892 pc lat co) call him merely Θαδδαῖος (Qaddaio", “Thaddaeus”), a reading which, because of this support, is most likely correct. 4 Simon the Zealot#tn Grk “the Cananean,” but according to both BDAG 507 s.v. Καναναῖος and L&N 11.88, this term has no relation at all to the geographical terms for Cana or Canaan, but is derived from the Aramaic term for “enthusiast, zealot” (see Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13), possibly because of an earlier affiliation with the party of the Zealots. He may not have been technically a member of the particular Jewish nationalistic party known as “Zealots” (since according to some scholars this party had not been organized at that time), but simply someone who was zealous for Jewish independence from Rome, in which case the term would refer to his temperament. and Judas Iscariot,#sn There is some debate about what the name Iscariot means. It probably alludes to a region in Judea and thus might make Judas the only non-Galilean in the group. Several explanations for the name Iscariot have been proposed, but it is probably transliterated Hebrew with the meaning “man of Kerioth” (there are at least two villages that had that name). For further discussion see D. L. Bock, Luke (BECNT), 1:546; also D. A. Carson, John, 304. who betrayed him.#tn Grk “who even betrayed him.”
5 Jesus sent out these twelve, instructing them as follows:#tn Grk “instructing them, saying.” “Do not go to Gentile regions#tn Grk “on the road of the Gentiles.” That is, a path that leads to Gentile regions. and do not enter any Samaritan town.#tn Grk “town [or city] of the Samaritans.” 6 Go#tn Grk “But go.” The Greek μᾶλλον (mallon, “rather, instead”) conveys the adversative nuance here so that δέ (de) has not been translated. instead to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near!’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead,#tc The majority of Byzantine minuscules, along with a few other witnesses (C3 K L Γ Θ 700* al), lack νεκροὺς ἐγείρετε (nekrou" ejgeirete, “raise the dead”), most likely because of oversight due to a string of similar endings (-ετε in the second person imperatives, occurring five times in v. 8). The longer version of this verse is found in several diverse and ancient witnesses such as א B C* (D) N 0281vid Ë1,13 33 565 al lat; P W Δ 348 have a word-order variation, but nevertheless include νεκροὺς ἐγείρετε. Although some Byzantine-text proponents charge the Alexandrian witnesses with theologically-motivated alterations toward heterodoxy, it is interesting to find a variant such as this in which the charge could be reversed (do the Byzantine scribes have something against the miracle of resurrection?). In reality, such charges of wholesale theologically-motivated changes toward heterodoxy are immediately suspect due to lack of evidence of intentional changes (here the change is evidently due to accidental omission). cleanse lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give. 9 Do not take gold, silver, or copper in your belts, 10 no bag#tn Or “no traveler’s bag”; or possibly “no beggar’s bag” (L&N 6.145; BDAG 811 s.v. πήρα). for the journey, or an extra tunic,#tn Grk “two tunics.” See the note on the word “tunic” in Matt 5:40. or sandals or staff,#sn Mark 6:8 allows one staff. It might be that Matthew’s summary (cf. Luke 9:3) means not taking an extra staff or that the expression is merely rhetorical for “traveling light” which has been rendered in two slightly different ways. for the worker deserves his provisions. 11 Whenever#tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated. you enter a town or village,#tn Grk “Into whatever town or village you enter.” This acts as a distributive, meaning every town or village they enter; this is expressed more naturally in English as “whenever you enter a town or village.” find out who is worthy there#tn Grk “in it” (referring to the city or village). and stay with them#tn Grk “there.” This was translated as “with them” to avoid redundancy in English and to clarify where the disciples were to stay.sn Jesus telling his disciples to stay with them in one house contrasts with the practice of religious philosophers in the ancient world who went from house to house begging. until you leave. 12 As you enter the house, give it greetings.#tn This is a metonymy; the “house” is put for those who live in it. 13 And if the house is worthy, let your peace come on it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you.#sn The response to these messengers determines how God’s blessing is bestowed – if the messengers are not welcomed, their blessing will return to them. Jesus shows just how important their mission is by this remark. 14 And if anyone will not welcome you or listen to your message, shake the dust off#sn To shake the dust off represented shaking off the uncleanness from one’s feet; see Luke 10:11; Acts 13:51; 18:6. It was a sign of rejection. your feet as you leave that house or that town. 15 I tell you the truth,#tn Grk “Truly (ἀμήν, amhn), I say to you.” it will be more bearable for the region of Sodom and Gomorrah#sn The allusion to Sodom and Gomorrah, the most wicked of OT cities from Gen 19:1-29, shows that to reject the current message is even more serious than the worst sins of the old era and will result in more severe punishment. on the day of judgment than for that town!
Persecution of Disciples
16 “I#tn Grk “Behold I.” The Greek word ἰδού (idou) has not been translated because it has no exact English equivalent here, but adds interest and emphasis (BDAG 468 s.v. 1). am sending you out like sheep surrounded by wolves,#sn This imagery of wolves is found in intertestamental Judaism; see Pss. Sol. 8:23, 30. so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. 17 Beware#tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated. of people, because they will hand you over to councils#sn Councils in this context refers to local judicial bodies attached to the Jewish synagogue. This group would be responsible for meting out justice and discipline within the Jewish community. and flog#tn BDAG 620 s.v. μαστιγόω 1.a states, “of flogging as a punishment decreed by the synagogue (Dt 25:2f; s. the Mishna Tractate Sanhedrin-Makkoth, edited w. notes by SKrauss ’33) w. acc. of pers. Mt 10:17; 23:34.” you in their synagogues.#sn See the note on synagogues in 4:23. 18 And you will be brought before governors and kings#sn These statements look at persecution both from a Jewish context as the mention of courts and synagogues suggests, and from a Gentile one as the reference to governors and kings suggests. Some fulfillment of Jewish persecution can be seen in Acts. because of me, as a witness to them and the Gentiles. 19 Whenever#tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated. they hand you over for trial, do not worry about how to speak or what to say,#tn Grk “how or what you might speak.” for what you should say will be given to you at that time.#tn Grk “in that hour.” 20 For it is not you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
21 “Brother#tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated. will hand over brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rise against#tn Or “will rebel against.” parents and have them put to death. 22 And you will be hated by everyone because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 23 Whenever#tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated. they persecute you in one place,#tn The Greek word here is πόλις (polis), which can mean either “town” or “city.” flee to another. I tell you the truth,#tn Grk “For truly (ἀμήν, amhn) I say to you.” Here γάρ (gar, “for”) has not been translated. you will not finish going through all the towns#tn The Greek word here is πόλις (polis), which can mean either “town” or “city.” “Town” was chosen here to emphasize the extensive nature of the disciples’ ministry. The same word is translated earlier in the verse as “place.” of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
24 “A disciple is not greater than his teacher, nor a slave#tn See the note on the word “slave” in 8:9. greater than his master. 25 It is enough for the disciple to become like his teacher, and the slave like his master. If they have called the head of the house ‘Beelzebul,’ how much more will they defame the members of his household!
Fear God, Not Man
26 “Do#tn Grk “Therefore do not.” Here οὖν (oun) has not been translated. not be afraid of them, for nothing is hidden#tn Or “concealed.” that will not be revealed,#sn I.e., be revealed by God. The passive voice here and in the next verb see the revelation as coming from God. The text is both a warning about bad things being revealed and an encouragement that good things will be made known. and nothing is secret that will not be made known. 27 What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light, and what is whispered in your ear,#tn Grk “what you hear in the ear,” an idiom. proclaim from the housetops.#tn The expression “proclaim from the housetops” is an idiom for proclaiming something publicly (L&N 7.51). Roofs of many first century Jewish houses in Judea and Galilee were flat and had access either from outside or from within the house. Something shouted from atop a house would be heard by everyone in the street below. 28 Do#tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated. not be afraid of those who kill the body#sn Judaism had a similar exhortation in 4 Macc 13:14-15. but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the one who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.#sn See the note on the word hell in 5:22. 29 Aren’t two sparrows sold for a penny?#sn The penny refers to an assarion, a small Roman copper coin. One of them was worth one-sixteenth of a denarius or less than a half hour’s average wage. Sparrows were the cheapest items sold in the market. God knows about even the most financially insignificant things; see Isa 49:15. Yet not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will.#tn Or “to the ground without the knowledge and consent of your Father.” 30 Even all the hairs on your head are numbered. 31 So do not be afraid;#sn Do not be afraid. One should respect and show reverence to God, but need not fear his tender care. you are more valuable than many sparrows.
32 “Whoever, then, acknowledges#tn Or “confesses.” me before people, I will acknowledge#tn Grk “I will acknowledge him also.”sn This acknowledgment will take place at the judgment. On Jesus and judgment, see Luke 22:69; Acts 10:42-43; 17:31. before my Father in heaven. 33 But whoever denies me before people, I will deny him also before my Father in heaven.
Not Peace, but a Sword
34 “Do not think that I have come to bring#tn Grk “cast.” For βάλλω (ballw) in the sense of causing a state or condition, see L&N 13.14. peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace but a sword. 35 For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law, 36 and a man’s enemies will be the members of his household.#tn Matt 10:35-36 are an allusion to Mic 7:6.
37 “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And whoever does not take up his cross#sn It was customary practice in a Roman crucifixion for the prisoner to be made to carry his own cross. Jesus is speaking figuratively here in the context of rejection. If the priority is not one’s allegiance to Jesus, then one will not follow him in the face of possible rejection. and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life#tn Grk “his soul,” but ψυχή (yuch) is frequently used of one’s physical life. It clearly has that meaning in this context. will lose it,#sn If there is no willingness to suffer the world’s rejection at this point, then one will not respond to Jesus (which is trying to find life) and then will be subject to this judgment (which is losing it). and whoever loses his life because of me#tn Or “for my sake.” The traditional rendering “for my sake” can be understood in the sense of “for my benefit,” but the Greek term ἕνεκα indicates the cause or reason for something (BDAG 334 s.v. 1). will find it.
Rewards
40 “Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.#sn The one who sent me refers to God. 41 Whoever receives a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward. Whoever#tn Grk “And whoever.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated. receives a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. 42 And whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple, I tell you the truth,#tn Grk “Truly (ἀμήν, amhn), I say to you.” he will never lose his reward.”
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Matthew 10
10
The Twelve Apostles
(Mk 3.13–19; Lk 6.12–16)
1Jesus called his twelve disciples together and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and every sickness. 2These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James and his brother John, the sons of Zebedee; 3Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew, the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4Simon the Patriot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus.
The Mission of the Twelve
(Mk 6.7–13; Lk 9.1–6)
5These twelve men were sent out by Jesus with the following instructions: “Do not go to any Gentile territory or any Samaritan towns. 6Instead, you are to go to the lost sheep of the people of Israel. 7#Lk 10.4–12Go and preach, ‘The Kingdom of heaven is near!’ 8Heal the sick, bring the dead back to life, heal those who suffer from dreaded skin diseases, and drive out demons. You have received without paying, so give without being paid. 9Do not carry any gold, silver, or copper money in your pockets; 10#1 Cor 9.14; 1 Tim 5.18do not carry a beggar's bag for the journey or an extra shirt or shoes or a stick. Workers should be given what they need.
11 “When you come to a town or village, go in and look for someone who is willing to welcome you, and stay with him until you leave that place. 12When you go into a house, say, ‘Peace be with you.’ 13If the people in that house welcome you, let your greeting of peace remain; but if they do not welcome you, then take back your greeting. 14#Acts 13.51And if some home or town will not welcome you or listen to you, then leave that place and shake the dust off your feet. 15#Mt 11.24; Gen 19.24–28I assure you that on the Judgement Day God will show more mercy to the people of Sodom and Gomorrah than to the people of that town!
Coming Persecutions
(Mk 13.9–13; Lk 21.12–17)
16 #
Lk 10.3
“Listen! I am sending you out just like sheep to a pack of wolves. You must be as cautious as snakes and as gentle as doves. 17#Mk 13.9–11; Lk 12.11–12; 21.12–15Watch out, for there will be those who will arrest you and take you to court, and they will whip you in the synagogues. 18For my sake you will be brought to trial before rulers and kings, to tell the Good News to them and to the Gentiles. 19When they bring you to trial, do not worry about what you are going to say or how you will say it; when the time comes, you will be given what you will say. 20For the words you will speak will not be yours; they will come from the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
21 #
Mk 13.12; Lk 21.16 “Men will hand over their own brothers to be put to death, and fathers will do the same to their children; children will turn against their parents and have them put to death. 22#Mt 24.9, 13; Mk 13.13; Lk 21.17Everyone will hate you because of me. But whoever holds out to the end will be saved. 23When they persecute you in one town, run away to another one. I assure you that you will not finish your work in all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
24 #
Lk 6.40; Jn 13.16; 15.20 “No pupil is greater than his teacher; no slave is greater than his master. 25#Mt 9.34; 12.24; Mk 3.22; Lk 11.15So a pupil should be satisfied to become like his teacher, and a slave like his master. If the head of the family is called Beelzebul, the members of the family will be called even worse names!
Whom to Fear
(Lk 12.2–7)
26 #
Mk 4.22; Lk 8.17 “So do not be afraid of people. Whatever is now covered up will be uncovered, and every secret will be made known. 27What I am telling you in the dark you must repeat in broad daylight, and what you have heard in private you must announce from the housetops. 28Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather be afraid of God, who can destroy both body and soul in hell. 29For only a penny you can buy two sparrows, yet not one sparrow falls to the ground without your Father's consent. 30As for you, even the hairs of your head have all been counted. 31So do not be afraid; you are worth much more than many sparrows!
Confessing and Rejecting Christ
(Lk 12.8–9)
32 “For those who declare publicly that they belong to me, I will do the same before my Father in heaven. 33#2 Tim 2.12But if anyone rejects me publicly, I will reject him before my Father in heaven.
Not Peace, but a Sword
(Lk 12.51–53; 14.26–27)
34 “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the world. No, I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35#Mic 7.6I came to set sons against their fathers, daughters against their mothers, daughters-in-law against their mothers-in-law; 36your worst enemies will be the members of your own family.
37 “Those who love their father or mother more than me are not fit to be my disciples; those who love their son or daughter more than me are not fit to be my disciples. 38#Mt 16.24; Mk 8.34; Lk 9.23Those who do not take up their cross and follow in my steps are not fit to be my disciples. 39#Mt 16.25; Mk 8.35; Lk 9.24; 17.33; Jn 12.25Those who try to gain their own life will lose it; but those who lose their life for my sake will gain it.
Rewards
(Mk 9.41)
40 #
Mk 9.37; Lk 9.48; 10.16; Jn 13.20 “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. 41Whoever welcomes God's messenger because he is God's messenger, will share in his reward. And whoever welcomes a good man because he is good, will share in his reward. 42You can be sure that whoever gives even a drink of cold water to one of the least of these my followers because he is my follower, will certainly receive a reward.”
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Good News Bible. Scripture taken from the Good News Bible (r) (Today's English Version Second Edition, UK/British Edition). Copyright © 1992 British & Foreign Bible Society. Used by permission.