ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Matthew 10

Matt. 10:1–42 The Authoritative Mission of the Messiah’s Messengers. This is Jesus’ second major teaching (see Introduction: Key Themes). It focuses on the disciples’ mission to Israel (vv. 1–15), preparation for a worldwide mission among the Gentiles (vv. 16–23), and characteristics that Jesus’ disciples will need to have as they carry out that mission (vv. 24–42).

Matt. 10:1 Jesus calls the disciples to himself as an initial answer to the prayer for the Lord to send workers (9:38). The number of disciples, twelve, probably relates to the 12 tribes of Israel.

Matt. 10:2 Apostles (see note on Rom. 1:1) describes those charged to be Jesus’ special representatives, while “disciples” (Matt. 10:1) was also used more broadly of anyone who believed in Jesus. Peter heads all the lists of the 12 apostles (see Mark 3:16–19; Luke 6:13–16; Acts 1:13).

Matt. 10:3–4 There is remarkable diversity among the 12 apostles. There are fishermen, a tax collector (Matthew), and a zealous revolutionary (Simon the Zealot). Judas Iscariot is always listed last. He was the treasurer for the group (John 12:6) and the one who betrayed Jesus. See notes on Luke 6:14; 6:15; 6:16 for additional information on the 12 disciples.

Matt. 10:5 Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans. The mission was restricted to Jewish Galilee. Galilee was surrounded by Gentile territory except for Samaria to the south (see note on John 4:4).

Matt. 10:6 lost sheep of the house of Israel. The whole lost nation of Israel.

Matt. 10:7–8a And proclaim . . . “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Heal the sick. The apostles’ message (the kingdom of heaven) is the same as Jesus’ message (3:2; 10:1). Their power is an extension of Jesus’ power (“authority”; v. 1).

Matt. 10:9–10 Acquire no gold or silver . . . or sandals or a staff. This will be a relatively quick preaching journey, so the disciples are not to buy extra supplies. Those to whom they minister must support their mission (for the laborer deserves his food).

Matt. 10:11 Worthy indicates someone who accepts the disciples’ message.

Matt. 10:14 shake off the dust from your feet. A symbolic action performed by Jews upon leaving a Gentile region. For the missionaries it is a sign of judgment on those rejecting the gospel (compare Acts 13:51).

Matt. 10:15 it will be more bearable on the day of judgment. Greater understanding of God’s revelation means greater responsibility.

Matt. 10:16 wise as serpents and innocent as doves. The serpent was the symbol of insight and craftiness (Gen. 3:1). The dove symbolized innocence.

Matt. 10:17 Synagogues places of worship but also places where discipline (such as beating) was carried out.

Matt. 10:22 endures . . . will be saved. See notes on 2 Tim. 2:11–13; Jude 21.

Matt. 10:23 you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. The coming of the Son of Man probably refers to the second coming of Christ at the end of the age.

Matt. 10:25 Beelzebul (see 12:24, 27) means “master of the house” and refers to Satan.

Matt. 10:29 Sparrows were customarily thought of as the smallest of creatures, and the penny was one of the least valuable Roman coins (see 5:26). apart from your Father. God rules over even the most insignificant events.

Matt. 10:34–37 Sword is a metaphor for the separation that will occur between those who believe in Christ and those who do not. Jesus’ own family opposed him before they recognized his true identity (13:53–58; Mark 3:21; John 7:3–5). Thus, whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me. Jesus asked for absolute and unqualified loyalty, something even the most esteemed rabbi did not demand.

Matt. 10:38 take his cross (see 16:24). A disciple must deny himself (die to self-will), take up his cross (embrace God’s will, no matter the cost), and follow Christ.

Matt. 10:41–42 prophet. One who speaks for God. righteous person. One who has the righteousness that comes from obeying Jesus. one of these little ones. That is, anyone in need, especially those who may be overlooked (compare James 2:1–7).