Mat 10:5-15, Luk 9:1-6 | Family | STEP | Gentiles ; those who were not Jews. Samaritans ; they occupied a country on the north of Judea, lying between Judea and Galilee, which formerly belonged to the tribe of Ephraim and the half tribe of Manasseh. After these tribes were carried captive by the king of Assyria, it was peopled to a great extent by heathen, and the religion of the Samaritans was a mixture of Judaism and paganism. He appoints to his disciples the place of their labors, and though it may not be the one which, if left to ourselves, we should choose, we must learn, whatsoever place or state he chooses for us, therewith to be content.

‏ Matthew 10:5-15

Gentiles; those who were not Jews.

Samaritans; they occupied a country on the north of Judea, lying between Judea and Galilee, which formerly belonged to the tribe of Ephraim and the half tribe of Manasseh. After these tribes were carried captive by the king of Assyria, it was peopled to a great extent by heathen, and the religion of the Samaritans was a mixture of Judaism and paganism. 2Ki 17.24 He appoints to his disciples the place of their labors, and though it may not be the one which, if left to ourselves, we should choose, we must learn, whatsoever place or state he chooses for us, therewith to be content. Lost sheep; expressive of their wandering and dangerous condition.

The house of Israel; the Jews, descendants of Israel, and hence called Israelites. As the Jews were the covenant people of God, it was proper that the gospel should be first preached to them. The Christian dispensation, moreover, which knows no distinction between Jews and Gentiles, was not fully established till after our Lord's ascent and the pouring out of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. Kingdom of heaven; see note to chap Mt 3:2. Freely give; as you have received miraculous powers without paying for them, exert those powers without receiving compensation. We should not delay present duty in order to be better prepared to perform it. When Christ commands; we should obey, trusting in him for what we need in order to obey him and to be accepted in it. Scrip; a bag for provisions.

Two coats; they were, in their first journeys among the Jews, not to provide either money or clothing, but to trust in Christ to supply them.

Staves; if a man had a staff, he might take it; if he had shoes or sandals, he might wear them. Mr 6:8,9. But they were to go without delay, and not be detained to make further provision.

Worthy of his meat; he deserves to be supported. So with you. This is a rule that holds good for all time. Worthy; a man of reputation for piety and general worth, and who will be likely to receive your message.

There abide till ye go thence; abide in one and the same house till ye leave that city. This would be equally conducive to their own comfort and the convenience of those who resorted to them. Salute it; they were to use all the customary forms of politeness. Courtesy in ministers of the gospel and the manifestation of good-will to all, are required by Christ, and are essential to the highest comfort and usefulness of all who proclaim his truth. Be worthy; if they receive your message, the blessings you desire shall come upon them.

Not worthy; if they reject your message, blessings shall follow you, but not them. Shake off; a strong expression of abhorrence of their sins, according to a custom among the Jews. Ac 13:51; 18:6. More tolerable; their doom shall be less dreadful. They sinned against less light, and were less guilty than those who lived in the days of Christ.

‏ Luke 9:1-6

The power and authority of ministers to preach the gospel and administer its ordinances come from Jesus Christ. On him they are dependent, and to him they should look for success in their work. 1-6. Twelve apostles sent out. Mt 10:1-42.