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Matthew 10

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‹ Chapter 9 Matthew — All Chapters Chapter 11 ›

1 And calling His twelve disciples to Him, Jesus gave them authority over unclean spirits, so that they could drive them out and heal every disease and sickness. 2 These are the names of the twelve apostles: first Simon, called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus. 5 These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go onto the road of the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. 6 Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. 7 As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. 9 Do not carry any gold or silver or copper in your belts. 10 Take no bag for the road, or second tunic, or sandals, or staff; for the worker is worthy of his provisions. 11 Whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy there and stay at his house until you move on. 12 As you enter the home, greet its occupants. 13 If the home is worthy, let your peace rest on it; but if it is not, let your peace return to you. 14 And if anyone will not welcome you or heed your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. 15 Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town. 16 Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. 17 But beware of men; for they will hand you over to their councils and flog you in their synagogues. 18 On My account, you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to respond or what to say. In that hour you will be given what to say. 20 For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21 Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rise against their parents and have them put to death. 22 You will be hated by everyone because of My name, but the one who perseveres to the end will be saved. 23 When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next. Truly I tell you, you will not reach all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. 24 A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25 It is enough for a disciple to be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household! 26 So do not be afraid of them. For there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, and nothing hidden that will not be made known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the housetops. 28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. 32 Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father in heaven. 33 But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father in heaven. 34 Do not assume that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to turn ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 36 A man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’ 37 Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me; 38 and anyone who does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. 40 He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives the One who sent Me. 41 Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward. 42 And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is My disciple, truly I tell you, he will never lose his reward."

‹ Chapter 9 Matthew — All Chapters Chapter 11 ›

Study Notes — Matthew 10

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Chapter Summary

In Matthew 10, Jesus gives the twelve apostles authority to drive out unclean spirits and to heal every kind of disease and sickness. He instructs them to go to the lost sheep of Israel, to preach that the kingdom of heaven is near, and to heal the sick, raise the dead, and cleanse those who have leprosy. Jesus also warns them about the persecution they will face and gives them instructions on how to respond to it. The chapter ends with Jesus teaching about the importance of acknowledging him before men and the rewards that will come to those who do. Key verses in this chapter include Matthew 10:1, Matthew 10:7-8, Matthew 10:16-23, and Matthew 10:32-33.

Context for the Chapter

Matthew 10 is part of the larger narrative of Jesus' ministry in the book of Matthew. It comes after Jesus has been preaching and teaching in Galilee and before he sends out the apostles to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. This chapter is also connected to the broader biblical narrative, including the prophecies of the Old Testament and the teachings of the New Testament. The chapter fits into the overall theme of Jesus' identity and mission, as seen in the book of Matthew and the rest of the New Testament.

Heart Application

As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of faith, obedience, and perseverance in our own lives. We are called to follow Jesus and to trust in his power and provision, even in the face of difficulty and danger. We are also reminded of the cost of discipleship and the rewards that come from following Jesus.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Matthew 10 is about Jesus sending out the twelve apostles to preach the gospel and to heal the sick. Jesus gives them authority and power to carry out their ministry, but also warns them about the persecution they will face. As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of faith, obedience, and perseverance in our own lives, as seen in Matthew 10:16 and Matthew 10:32.

Voices from the Church

“The true minister of Christ is a man who has been sent by Christ, and who speaks in his name, and who is endowed with his Spirit.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The apostles were not sent to preach themselves, but to preach Christ, and him crucified.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Apostles (Matthew 10:1-4) — Jesus gives the apostles authority to drive out unclean spirits and to heal every kind of disease and sickness.
  2. Instructions for the Journey (Matthew 10:5-15) — Jesus instructs the apostles to go to the lost sheep of Israel, to preach that the kingdom of heaven is near, and to heal the sick, raise the dead, and cleanse those who have leprosy.
  3. Persecution and Hardship (Matthew 10:16-23) — Jesus warns the apostles about the persecution they will face and gives them instructions on how to respond to it.
  4. The Cost of Discipleship (Matthew 10:24-25) — Following Jesus and being his disciple will come at a cost, including persecution and hardship.
  5. Acknowledging Jesus Before Men (Matthew 10:26-33) — Jesus teaches about the importance of acknowledging him before men and the rewards that will come to those who do.

Core Doctrines

The Authority of Christ
This chapter teaches that Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth, and that he gives this authority to his apostles to carry out their ministry.
The Importance of Faith
The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's power and provision, even in the face of difficulty and danger.
The Cost of Discipleship
Following Jesus and being his disciple will come at a cost, including persecution and hardship, but the rewards of discipleship far outweigh the costs.
The Power of the Gospel
The chapter shows the power of the gospel to transform lives and to bring people to faith in Jesus Christ.

Lessons from Matthew 10

  1. The Importance of Faith and Trust — The chapter teaches us about the importance of having faith and trust in God's power and provision, even in the face of difficulty and danger.
  2. The Cost of Discipleship — Following Jesus and being his disciple will come at a cost, including persecution and hardship, but the rewards of discipleship far outweigh the costs.
  3. The Power of the Gospel — The chapter shows the power of the gospel to transform lives and to bring people to faith in Jesus Christ.
  4. The Importance of Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of following Jesus' instructions and commands, even in the face of difficulty and danger.
  5. The Rewards of Acknowledging Jesus — The chapter teaches us about the rewards that come from acknowledging Jesus before men, including salvation and discipleship.

Themes from Matthew 10

  1. The Authority of Christ — The chapter emphasizes Jesus' authority and power, and how he gives this authority to his apostles to carry out their ministry.
  2. The Importance of Faith and Trust — The chapter teaches us about the importance of having faith and trust in God's power and provision, even in the face of difficulty and danger.
  3. The Cost of Discipleship — Following Jesus and being his disciple will come at a cost, including persecution and hardship, but the rewards of discipleship far outweigh the costs.
  4. The Power of the Gospel — The chapter shows the power of the gospel to transform lives and to bring people to faith in Jesus Christ.
  5. The Importance of Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of following Jesus' instructions and commands, even in the face of difficulty and danger.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What are some ways that Jesus gives authority and power to his apostles in Matthew 10?
  2. How does Jesus instruct the apostles to respond to persecution and hardship in Matthew 10:16-23?
  3. What are some ways that we can apply the teachings of Matthew 10 to our own lives and ministries?
  4. How does the chapter emphasize the importance of faith and trust in God's power and provision?
  5. What are some rewards that come from acknowledging Jesus before men, as taught in Matthew 10:32-33?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Apostles (Matthew 10:1-4)

10:1 Jesus gives the apostles authority to drive out unclean spirits and to heal every kind of disease and sickness.
10:2 The names of the twelve apostles are listed, including Simon Peter and his brother Andrew, James son of Zebedee, and John his brother.
10:3 The list of apostles continues, including Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew the tax collector, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot.
10:4 Judas Iscariot is identified as the one who would betray Jesus.

2. Instructions for the Journey (Matthew 10:5-15)

10:5 Jesus instructs the apostles to go to the lost sheep of Israel, and not to the Gentiles or the Samaritans.
10:6 The apostles are to go to the lost sheep of Israel and to preach that the kingdom of heaven is near.
10:7 The apostles are to preach that the kingdom of heaven is near, and to heal the sick, raise the dead, and cleanse those who have leprosy.
10:8 The apostles are to give without expecting to receive anything in return, and to trust in God's power and provision.

3. Persecution and Hardship (Matthew 10:16-23)

10:16 Jesus warns the apostles that they will be sent out as sheep in the midst of wolves, and that they should be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
10:17 The apostles will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues, and they will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.
10:18 The apostles will be hated by all nations because of Jesus' name, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.

4. The Cost of Discipleship (Matthew 10:24-25)

10:24 A student is not above their teacher, nor a servant above their master.
10:25 It is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household.

5. Acknowledging Jesus Before Men (Matthew 10:26-33)

10:26 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
10:27 What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.
10:28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main theme of Matthew 10?

The main theme of Matthew 10 is Jesus sending out the twelve apostles to preach the gospel and to heal the sick, as seen in Matthew 10:1-4 and Matthew 10:7-8.

What are some ways that Jesus gives authority and power to his apostles in Matthew 10?

Jesus gives the apostles authority to drive out unclean spirits and to heal every kind of disease and sickness, as seen in Matthew 10:1 and Matthew 10:8.

How does Jesus instruct the apostles to respond to persecution and hardship in Matthew 10:16-23?

Jesus instructs the apostles to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves, and to trust in God's power and provision, even in the face of difficulty and danger, as seen in Matthew 10:16 and Matthew 10:20.

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 Matthew 10:1 → Mark 3:13-19 Both Matthew 10:1 and Mark 3:13-19 list the twelve apostles and describe their commissioning by Jesus.
2 Matthew 10:5 → Genesis 49:10 The instruction to go to the lost sheep of Israel in Matthew 10:5 is connected to the prophecy in Genesis 49:10 about the scepter not departing from Judah.
3 Matthew 10:16 → Psalm 55:6 The warning about being sent out as sheep in the midst of wolves in Matthew 10:16 is connected to the prayer for protection in Psalm 55:6.
4 Matthew 10:22 → Daniel 12:10 The teaching about enduring to the end in Matthew 10:22 is connected to the prophecy in Daniel 12:10 about the righteous being refined and purified.
5 Matthew 10:24 → Luke 6:40 The teaching about a student being like their teacher in Matthew 10:24 is connected to the saying in Luke 6:40 about a student being fully trained being like their teacher.
6 Matthew 10:26 → Deuteronomy 31:6 The instruction not to be afraid of those who kill the body in Matthew 10:26 is connected to the command to be strong and courageous in Deuteronomy 31:6.
7 Matthew 10:28 → Hebrews 10:31 The warning about fearing the One who can destroy both soul and body in Matthew 10:28 is connected to the warning in Hebrews 10:31 about fearing the One who can destroy both soul and body.
8 Matthew 10:32 → Romans 10:9 The teaching about acknowledging Jesus before men in Matthew 10:32 is connected to the confession of Jesus as Lord in Romans 10:9.
9 Matthew 10:33 → 2 Timothy 2:12 The warning about denying Jesus before men in Matthew 10:33 is connected to the teaching about being ashamed of Jesus in 2 Timothy 2:12.
10 Matthew 10:1-4 → John 1:1-14 The commissioning of the apostles in Matthew 10:1-4 is connected to the prologue of John's gospel, which describes Jesus as the Word and the light of the world.

Sermons on Matthew 10

SermonDescription
David Wilkerson (Australia) a Cry Without a Voice by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher addresses the internal struggles and cries of a young person who is feeling overwhelmed and confused. The preacher emphasizes the importance of having
Derek Prince How to Identify the Enemy - Part 1 by Derek Prince In this sermon, Derek Prince discusses the basics of deliverance and how to identify the enemy. He emphasizes that the ministry of Jesus serves as the ultimate example and should n
Derek Prince The Call of God - Part 1 by Derek Prince In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of responding to God's call and making commitments to Him. He shares his own experience of speaking at Pacific Asia Christian
Paul Washer Regeneration & Self-Denial by Paul Washer In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of churches abandoning biblical terminology and relying on church growth methodologies. He emphasizes the need for truth that goes b
John Stott Great Commission by John Stott In this sermon, the speaker discusses the Great Commission as recorded by Matthew, Luke, and John. The five aspects of the Great Commission, as summarized by Luke, are: proclamatio
Corrie Ten Boom Testimony - Part 1 by Corrie Ten Boom In this video, a woman shares her personal experience of being imprisoned by the Nazis for hiding Jewish people in Holland. She spent 11 months in prison, including time in solitar
Gladys Aylward Testimony and Challenge by Gladys Aylward In this sermon, the speaker shares their personal experience of being in China and looking after mules while others listened to a woman named Jeannie tell stories about Jesus. The
Ray Comfort How to Get on Fire for God by Ray Comfort In this sermon, the preacher discusses three keys to getting on fire for God. The first key is faith, which is described as believing in the promises of God and finding joy and pea
David Wilkerson A Revival of Power Is Coming by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a consistent Christian life, not being swayed by the ups and downs of circumstances. He encourages the congregation
Corrie Ten Boom Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom In this sermon, the speaker begins by comparing astronauts representing the earth on the moon to believers in Jesus Christ representing heaven on earth. The world is described as t

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Matthew 10

In Matthew 10, Jesus sends out the twelve apostles to preach the gospel and to heal the sick. He gives them authority and power to carry out their ministry, but also warns them about the persecution they will face. The chapter teaches us about the importance of faith, obedience, and perseverance in the face of difficulty and danger. As Jesus says in Matthew 10:32-33, acknowledging him before men is crucial for salvation and discipleship. The chapter also emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's power and provision, even in the face of persecution and hardship. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The apostles were not sent to preach themselves, but to preach Christ, and him crucified.' The chapter is a reminder that following Jesus and being his disciple will come at a cost, but the rewards of discipleship far outweigh the costs. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

The Authority of Jesus

Jesus gives the apostles authority to drive out unclean spirits and to heal every kind of disease and sickness. This authority is not their own, but is given to them by Jesus.

The Importance of Faith

The apostles are instructed to have faith and to trust in God's power and provision, even in the face of persecution and adversity.

The Cost of Discipleship

Following Jesus and being his disciple will come at a cost, including persecution and hardship. However, the rewards of discipleship far outweigh the costs.

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