Bullet Point Bible - Matthew 10

Commissioning the Twelve Apostles

¹ Jesus called his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits so they could cast them out and heal every kind of disease and sickness.² Now these are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (called Peter), and Andrew his brother; James son of Zebedee and John his brother;³ Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;⁴ Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

Jesus empowers his disciples, granting them specific authority derived from his own (Matthew 10:1). This authority is focused on combating evil (unclean spirits) and alleviating suffering (healing).
The transition from "disciples" (learners) to "apostles" (sent ones) signifies a shift in their role and responsibility (Matthew 10:1-2).
The list of twelve apostles likely corresponds symbolically to the twelve tribes of Israel, indicating the restoration of God's people through Christ's ministry.
The list includes pairs of brothers (Peter/Andrew, James/John), highlighting the relational aspect of the early disciple group.
Diverse backgrounds are represented: fishermen (Peter, Andrew, James, John), a tax collector (Matthew), and a Zealot (Simon), suggesting the broad reach of Jesus' call.
Matthew identifies himself as "the tax collector," a humble reminder of his past and the transformative power of Jesus' call (Matthew 10:3).
Judas Iscariot is included, with the ominous note "who betrayed him," foreshadowing the future events and highlighting the reality of failure even within Jesus' inner circle (Matthew 10:4).
The authority given is specific: over unclean spirits and diseases, directly mirroring Jesus' own ministry activities seen previously (e.g., Matthew 8-9).

Instructions for the Mission to Israel

⁵ Jesus sent out these twelve, instructing them as follows: "Do not go on a road that leads to Gentile regions and do not enter any Samaritan town.⁶ Go 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, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give.⁹ Do not take gold, silver, or copper in your belts,¹⁰ no bag for the journey, or an extra tunic, or sandals or staff, for the worker deserves his provisions.¹¹ Whenever you enter a town or village, find out who is worthy there and stay with them until you leave.¹² As you enter the house, greet those within 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.¹⁴ And if anyone will not welcome you or listen to your message, shake the dust off your feet as you leave that house or that town.¹⁵ I tell you the truth, it will be more bearable for the region of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town!

Jesus initially restricts the mission field to "the lost sheep of the house of Israel," prioritizing God's covenant people before the later expansion to Gentiles (Matthew 10:5-6; cf. Matthew 28:19, Acts 1:8).
The core message is the same as John the Baptist's and Jesus' own initial proclamation: "{{The kingdom of heaven is near!}}" (Matthew 10:7; cf. Matthew 3:2, Matthew 4:17).
The apostles are commanded to perform the same kinds of miracles Jesus did, demonstrating that the kingdom's power accompanies its proclamation (Matthew 10:8).
The principle "{{Freely you received, freely give}}" emphasizes that God's grace and power are not commodities to be sold but gifts to be shared generously (Matthew 10:8).
Instructions for travel light (no extra money, bag, clothes, sandals, staff) mandate complete dependence on God for provision through the hospitality of others (Matthew 10:9-10).
The statement "{{the worker deserves his provisions}}" establishes a principle of support for those engaged in ministry (Matthew 10:10; cf. 1 Corinthians 9:14, 1 Timothy 5:18).
Seeking a "worthy" person in town refers to finding someone receptive to the kingdom message who would offer hospitality (Matthew 10:11).
Offering peace ("Shalom") was a standard Jewish greeting, but here it carries the weight of the kingdom's blessing (Matthew 10:12-13).
Shaking dust off the feet was a symbolic act of dissociation and judgment against those who rejected God's messengers and their message (Matthew 10:14; cf. Acts 13:51).
The warning comparing rejecting towns to Sodom and Gomorrah underscores the serious consequences of rejecting the kingdom message delivered by Christ's authorized representatives (Matthew 10:15).

Warnings of Persecution

¹⁶ "I am sending you out like sheep surrounded by wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.¹⁷ Beware of people, because they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues.¹⁸ And you will be brought before governors and kings because of me, as a witness to them and to the Gentiles.¹⁹ Whenever they hand you over for trial, do not worry about how to speak or what to say, for what you should say will be given to you at that time.²⁰ For it is not you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.²¹ "Brother will hand over brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rise 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 they persecute you in one town, flee to another! I tell you the truth, you will not finish going through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.²⁴ "A disciple is not greater than his teacher, nor a slave 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 worse will they call the members of his household!

Jesus shifts from mission instructions to stark warnings about the opposition the apostles will face, using the metaphor of vulnerable sheep among predatory wolves (Matthew 10:16).
The paradoxical command to be "{{shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves}}" calls for wisdom and discernment in navigating danger, combined with innocence and gentleness in character (Matthew 10:16).
Persecution will come from both religious (synagogues, councils) and secular authorities (governors, kings) (Matthew 10:17-18).
These trials will serve as an opportunity for testimony ("witness") about Christ to both Jews and Gentiles (Matthew 10:18).
Jesus promises divine assistance through the Holy Spirit, providing the words needed when disciples face interrogation, alleviating the need for anxious preparation (Matthew 10:19-20).
The phrase "{{Spirit of your Father}}" highlights the intimate relationship believers have with God, who actively helps them in times of crisis (Matthew 10:20).
The cost of discipleship will be extreme, even fracturing the most fundamental human relationships – families (Matthew 10:21).
Universal hatred "{{because of my name}}" indicates that opposition is directed at Christ himself, experienced vicariously by his followers (Matthew 10:22).
Endurance ("perseverance") is presented as the key characteristic of those who will ultimately receive salvation (Matthew 10:22).
The instruction to flee persecution is a practical strategy for survival and continued ministry, not cowardice (Matthew 10:23). The meaning of "{{before the Son of Man comes}}" in this context is debated, possibly referring to Jesus' resurrection/ascension, the destruction of Jerusalem, or his final return, emphasizing the urgency and ongoing nature of the mission within Israel.
Disciples should expect mistreatment, as they follow a teacher and master who himself faced rejection and slander (being called Beelzebul, a term for Satan) (Matthew 10:24-25).

Fear God, Not Humans

²⁶ "Do not be afraid of them, for nothing is hidden that will not be revealed, 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, 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 is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.²⁹ Aren't two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will.³⁰ Even all the hairs on your head are numbered.³¹ So do not be afraid; you are more valuable than many sparrows.³² "Whoever, then, acknowledges me before people, I will acknowledge before my Father in heaven.³³ But whoever denies me before people, I will deny him also before my Father in heaven.

The antidote to the fear of human persecution is the assurance of God's ultimate vindication and judgment: truth will prevail (Matthew 10:26).
Jesus commands bold, public proclamation of the message received privately ("{{in the dark}}", "{{whispered}}") (Matthew 10:27). Proclaiming from housetops signifies making the message widely known.
A fundamental distinction is made between fearing humans, who can only inflict physical harm ("{{kill the body}}"), and fearing God, who holds authority over eternal destiny ("{{destroy both soul and body in hell}}") (Matthew 10:28). "Hell" here translates Gehenna, the place of final judgment.
God's meticulous care and sovereign knowledge extend even to the smallest details of creation (sparrows) and the disciples' lives (hairs numbered) (Matthew 10:29-30). This illustrates God's intimate involvement and care.
This divine care establishes the immense value God places on his disciples, far exceeding that of sparrows, providing a powerful reason not to fear (Matthew 10:31).
Public acknowledgment (confession) of Jesus before humans is directly linked to Jesus acknowledging that person before the Father in heaven (Matthew 10:32). This highlights the importance of faithful witness.
Conversely, denying Jesus before humans will result in Jesus denying that person before the Father, emphasizing the eternal significance of one's response to Christ (Matthew 10:33).

The Cost of Discipleship: Division and Sacrifice

³⁴ "Do not think 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 set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law,³⁶ anda man's enemies will be the members of his household .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 and follow me is not worthy of me.³⁹ Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life because of me will find it.

Jesus clarifies that his coming, while ultimately aimed at true peace, initially causes division due to the radical nature of his claims and the varied responses they elicit (Matthew 10:34). The "sword" symbolizes conflict and separation.
This division will penetrate the most intimate family relationships, echoing the prophecy in Micah 7:6 (Matthew 10:35-36). Allegiance to Christ may supersede traditional family loyalties.
Jesus demands supreme loyalty. Love for Christ must take precedence over even the strongest family bonds (father, mother, son, daughter) for one to be considered "worthy" of him (Matthew 10:37).
Taking up one's cross signifies a willingness to face suffering, shame, and even death in identification with Jesus and his mission (Matthew 10:38). It involves self-denial and radical commitment.
This verse presents a paradox central to discipleship: attempting to save one's earthly life (prioritizing self-preservation, comfort, worldly acceptance) leads to losing true, eternal life. Conversely, being willing to "lose" one's life (sacrificing personal ambitions, safety, relationships for Christ's sake) leads to finding genuine, eternal life (Matthew 10:39).
This section starkly outlines the non-negotiable demands of following Jesus, requiring a reordering of all priorities and allegiances.

Rewards for Receiving Christ's Messengers

⁴⁰ "Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.⁴¹ Whoever receives a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet's reward. Whoever 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, he will never lose his reward."

Jesus establishes a principle of delegated authority and identification: receiving his messengers (the apostles) is equivalent to receiving Christ himself, and receiving Christ is equivalent to receiving God the Father (Matthew 10:40).
This principle extends to how one treats any representative of God: welcoming a prophet *as* a prophet earns a share in the prophet's reward; welcoming a righteous person *as* a righteous person earns a share in their reward (Matthew 10:41). The reception must acknowledge their identity and mission.
Even the smallest act of kindness ("{{a cup of cold water}}") offered to one of Jesus' disciples ("{{these little ones}}") specifically because they are his disciple ("{{in the name of a disciple}}") will not go unnoticed or unrewarded by God (Matthew 10:42).
"These little ones" likely refers to the disciples, emphasizing their humble status and dependence, yet highlighting their immense value in God's eyes.
This concluding section offers encouragement by assuring that hospitality and support shown to Christ's followers carry eternal significance and reward.
It provides a positive counterpoint to the warnings of rejection, showing the blessings that come from welcoming the kingdom message and its bearers.

The Bullet Point Bible

Matthew 10