Jesus was giving his disciples the gift of healing

JESUS WAS GIVING HIS DISCIPLES THE GIFT OF HEALING
EDITED BY GLENN PEASE
Matthew 10:1 1Jesus called his twelve disciples to him
and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and
to heal every disease and sickness.
BIBLEHUB RESOURCES
The CompassionOfJesus
Matthew 9:35-38 and Matthew 10:1
J.A. Macdonald
This comes remarkablybefore us in this paragraph. We have it in both its
aspects, viz. the human and the Divine. Note, then -
I. THE HUMANITY OF THE COMPASSION OF JESUS.
1. His compassionwas moved by the multitudes he saw.
(1) God, who is compassionitself, cannotbe subjectto emotion. Divine
emotion in Scripture teaching is the human emotion which has a Divine
source, as when we are sensible of the working in us of a Divine compassion.

Such was the human compassionwhich, in the highest perfection, moved the
heart of Jesus.
(2) It moved him as he consideredthe multitudes of men he met with in his
itineration of the cities and villages (ver. 35). To him they were more than the
multiplication of mere units. 3/lore than mere "hands." He viewedthem as
multitudes of rational, capable, responsible, immortal beings.
2. His compassionwas moved by the condition in which he found them.
(1) They were "distressed" physicallyand spiritually.
(a) By disease andsickness.
(b) By demoniacalpossession. The demoralizationof the nation as described
by Josephus was fearful.
(2) They were "scattered, as sheepnot having a shepherd" (cf. 1 Kings 22:17).
(a) Not that they were without synagogues. It was in visiting synagogues Jesus
saw the multitudes. In the abounding of Churches there may yet be a famine
of the Word of God.
(b) Not that they were without scribes. These were in every city, yet they
despisedand neglectedthe flock (cf. Jeremiah23:1, etc.;John 7:49).

(c) Human traditions were substituted for the Divine Word. To this day
Jewishteachers combine to make void the Word of God through their
traditions. So do apostate Christianteachers.
(3) The multitudes were like the harvest ready for the reapers, but no reapers
were there to gather in the precious grain. It was "plenteous," but ready to
shed and spoil and rot upon the ground.
3. His compassionmoved him to prayer.
(1) Jesus spent the whole night in prayer for the lost sheepof the house of
Israel.
(2) He moved his disciples also to pray. They were too modestto record
whether they also had spent. the whole night in prayer.
(3) The burden of the prayer was that the Lord of the harvestwould send
forth labourers into his harvest. Note: It is the purest compassionto benefit
the souls of men. Other things will follow (cf. 1 Kings 3:13; Psalm37:35;
Matthew 6:33; 1 Timothy 4:8). Does a truly human, Christ-like compassionso
intensely move us as to lead us to pray and labour for souls?
II. THE DIVINITY OF THE COMPASSIONOF JESUS.
1. This brought him down from heaven.

(1) His incarnation was in pursuance of the anti-mundane covenant (see
Hebrews 10:5-7).
(2) Compassionmoved him (see Isaiah 59:16; John 3:16, 17; John 15:13).
2. It is manifest here in the authority of his preaching.
(1) He preachedthe "gospelofthe kingdom." His own kingdom. That
kingdom in which he himself is King.
(2) The authority of his preaching was from himself. For he spake "not as the
scribes." Notevenas the inspired prophets. As the Fountain of all holy
inspiration.
(3) In the Divine sense the compassionate Jesus is still going through cities and
villages preaching his gospel.
3. Or, the miracles by which he attestedit.
(1) They were Divine.
(a) Evincing powerover visible nature.

(b) Dominion over the invisible world.
(2) They were wrought immediately by him. In his own Name.
4. In his delegationto his disciples of authority to preach.
(1) He instructed them first to "pray the Lord of the harvestthat he send
forth labourers into his harvest." In which note:
(a) That the harvest is the Lord's.
(b) That he only can qualify and commissiontrue labourers - labourers
worthy of the work.
(2) Then he actedhimself as Lord of the harvest, calling and commissioning
the twelve (cf. Matthew 10:1; Ephesians 4:11).
(3) Christ sent forth those whom he moved to pray. Prayerfulness is a
preparation for the ministry. How earnestlyshould the flock pray for true
pastors 1
5. In his delegationto his disciples of miracle-working power.
(1) He made them masters of disease and sickness. Also of evil spirits. Note:

(a) "Unclean spirits" are distinguished here from "all manner of disease and
all manner of sickness."
(b) The design of the gospelis to vanquish the devil and cure the maladies of
the world.
(2) The mastery with which the disciples were invested was not to be exercised
in their own, but in their Master's Name.
(3) There is, therefore, no comparisonbetweenthe sense in which Jesus
commissionedhis disciples, and that in which Moses appointedJoshua or
Elijah called Elisha to be their successors.
(4) Though the call to the ministry is Divine, to despise human learning is
fanaticism. - J.A.M.

Biblical Illustrator
And when He had called unto Him His twelve disciples.
Matthew 10:1
The preparatory mission of the apostles
J. Bennett, D. D.
I. THEIR MISSION.
II. THEIR CHARGE.
1. He prescribes their route.
2. He prescribes their doctrine.
3. He prescribes their work.
4. He prescribes the spirit they should display.
III. THEIR RETURN.
(J. Bennett, D. D.)
Gave them power

RevelationR. Glover.
At first the apostles had a smallergospel(they had not got the cross to preach)
and a largerpower of miracles;afterwards less miracles but more gospel;but
always a sufficient equipment. You have not to make bricks without straw;
Christ gives you power for every duty.
(RevelationR. Glover.)
Healing the sick
MEDICAL MISSIONS. Dr. Duncan Main of the Mid-China MedicalMission,
gives a remarkable instance, quoted in the Church MissionarySociety's
Report, of what he terms a remarkable case ofcure both of body and soul.
The Chinese woman he tended is the wife of a tailor, living at Ju-yang. "She
was," says the doctor, "brought to our hospital in the beginning of 1883,
suffering from an ulceratedleg of the very worst description. As soonas I saw
the advancedstate of the disease,I told the husband that there was nothing
for the limb but amputation." To this the man most decidedly refused his
consent, "and," continues Dr. Main, "pleadedwith me to allow her to remain
in the hospital and attempt a cure on other terms. She remained six weeks,
and at the end of that period no signs of healing were apparent, and as the
husband could not consentto the operation, he reluctantly took his poor wife
home, carrying her on his back from the hospital, both of them in tears. A few
months later I visited Ju-yang, where the patient was carriedto the Mission-
room in a large basket. She was by this time worse in every way, so that when
they entreatedme to re-admit her and perform the amputation, I declined the
risk, until overpoweredby their pitiful condition. A week latershe was again
in the female ward, and after some time devoted to raising her system by diet
and tonics, I decided at the husband's renewedrequest to attempt the
operation. Whilst attending her daily in this interval, Mrs. Main had spoken
frequently to her about salvationthrough Christ, and she gave goodevidence
of being a new creature in Christ Jesus, whichseemedto justify our acceding,
with the bishop's approval and assistance, to her request for baptism, before
she underwent the hazardous trial. This was done, and specialprayer was

offered in the ward next day before the operation commenced. Her
cheerfulness atthe time was remarkable, and contributed to secure the
extremely favourable result. The stump healedrapidly, and a fairly
satisfactorywoodenleg being made by a native joiner, under my directions,
she was actuallytaken to church, more than a quarter of a mile, to return
thanks and confess her faith in Christ, so we had the joy of seeing her walking
and praising God. Her husband, who wished to be baptized on that occasion,
but was deferred for further instruction, has since been admitted to the
church at Ju-yang, whither they returned shortly after the completion of the
cure. Her age, as well as the extremity to which suffering had reduced her
system, made the successfulamputation a subjectof specialthankfulness to
myself and all connectedwith the hospital." And we have many well-
authenticated instances onrecord of marvellous answers to prayer in the cure
of sickness,evenwhen, from some circumstance or other, medicalaid was not
at hand. Of course, fanaticismhas exaggeratedthis, and has tried to prove
that medicine is of no use, and that it is sinful to consult physicians. As is well
known a secthas arisen, professing these doctrines, and calling itself " The
PeculiarPeople," but this must not blind us to realfacts. Here is an instance
from a German tract. "A remarkable answerto prayer is furnished to us by
the true Christian and upright statesman, J. J. yon Moser, during the time of
his long and unjust imprisonment in the fortress of Hohentivial in
Wurtemberg, from 1759 to 1764. 'In Hohentivial,' he writes, 'I was for a long
time seriouslyill from lumbago and other severe pains in the limbs. I could
scarcelymove, and had to support myself with a stick in one hand and a
crutch in the other. On one occasion, three gentlemenpaying me a visit in my
prison, I apologizedto them for not being able to rise and receive them. One
of my visitors, Dr. Eppli, perceiving the crutch and staff lying on the table,
exclaimed, "Heavenpreserve us. What horrible tools!" I replied, "I thank
God that He has made the woodwhich furnishes these useful supports."
Scarcelyhad my visitors gone, ere I found myself able to stand. I walkedup
and down a step or two, and found myself perfectly able to dispense with
crutches.'He never used them again."
Christ the preacher's powder
Burr.

Let our one theme be Christ, not our own whims and fancies and crotchets,
but Him. Rather ourselves out of sight, unknown, unthought of, hidden in the
excess oflight which streams from Him. You are familiar with the story of the
artist who undertook the task of painting the portrait of our Lord. When
complete, you remember, he thought it needed some embellishments, which
were therefore supplied. When the picture was exhibited, to his horror and
disappointment the attention of the beholders was diverted from the grand
central figure to the flowers and trees which grew around. Without the
slightesthesitation or remorse, he graspedhis brush and obliterated
everything that withdrew the mind from that which should fascinate every
eye. The moral is obvious.
(Burr.)
COMMENTARIES
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
X.
(1) What is describedhere is not the choice, but the mission of the Twelve.
That selectionhad been made before (Luke 6:13), and the number at once
suggestedthe thought that they representedthe twelve tribes of Israel
(Matthew 19:28), and were as such to be His messengersto the whole people
of the dispersion. The name Apostle (which He had given them before—Luke
6:13) signified literally “one who is sent;” but it had acquired in classical
Greek a more specific meaning, as the “ambassador,”or“envoy,” of a state.
According to our Lord’s teaching they were sent by Him, even as ‘He had
been sent by the Father(John 20:21).

All manner of sickness.—SeeNote onMatthew 9:35. The repetition of the
same words emphasises the delegationof authority.
BensonCommentary
Matthew 10:1. And when he had calledhis twelve disciples — From the
evangelist’s naming them the twelve, it appears that he consideredthem as
electedbefore this, though he has given no accountof it in his gospel. The
number seems to have relation to the twelve patriarchs and the twelve tribes
of Israel. He gave them poweragainstunclean spirits — Evil spirits are called
unclean, because theyare wicked, and delight in wickedness;which is the only
pollution of a spiritual being. And to heal all manner of sickness, &c. — By
this powerof working miracles the apostles, thoughmen of low degree and
illiterate, were enabled to draw the attention of their countrymen, and to gain
credit to the before unheard-of doctrine which they were to preach; and by
our Lord’s giving them this powerhe gave a striking proof of his Deity, for
who but Godcan communicate any such power to man?
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary
10:1-4 The word apostle signifies messenger;they were Christ's messengers,
sent forth to proclaim his kingdom. Christ gave them power to heal all
manner of sickness. In the grace ofthe gospelthere is a slave for every sore, a
remedy for every malady. There is no spiritual disease, but there is power in
Christ for the cure of it. There names are recorded, and it is their honour; yet
they had more reasonto rejoice that their names were written in heaven,
while the high and mighty names of the greatones of the earth are buried in
the dust.
Barnes'Notes on the Bible
And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples ... - This accountof
sending the apostles forth is recordedalso in Mark 6:7-11, and Luke 9:1-6.
Mark says that he sent them out two and two. This was a kind arrangement,

that eachone might have a companion, and that thus they might visit more
places and accomplishmore labor than if they were all together. These twelve
were the original number of apostles. The word"apostle" means one that is
"sent," and was given to them because they were "sentforth" to preach the
gospel. Theywere ambassadors ofChrist. To this number Matthias was
afterward added, to supply the place of Judas Acts 1:26, and Paul was
speciallycalledto be an apostle to the Gentiles, Romans 1:1; 1 Corinthians
15:8-9; Galatians 1:1. In all, therefore, there were 14 apostles.
In selecting "twelve" atfirst, it is probable that the Saviour was somewhat
guided by the number of the tribes of Israel. Twelve was, with them, a well-
known number, and it was natural that he should selectone for every tribe.
Their office was clearly made known. They were to heal the sick, castout
devils, raise the dead, preach the gospel. Theywere to be with him to receive
his instructions, to learn the nature of his religion, be witnesses to his
resurrection, and then to bear his gospel around the globe. The number
twelve was the best number for these purposes that could be selected. It was
sufficiently "large" to answerthe purpose of testimony, and it was "so small"
as not to tend to disorder, or that they could easily be divided into parties or
factions. They were not learned men, and could not be supposedto spread
their religion by art or talents. They were not men of wealth, and could not
bribe men to follow them. They were not men of rank and office, and could
not compelpeople to believe. They were just such men as are always found the
best witnessesin courts of justice - plain men, of good sense, offair character,
of greathonesty, and with favorable opportunities of ascertaining the facts to
which they bore witness. Such men everybody believes, and especiallywhen
they are willing to lay down their lives to prove their sincerity.
It was important that the Saviour should choose them early in his ministry, in
order that they might be fully acquainted with him; might treasure up his
instructions, and observe his manner of life and his person, so that, by having
been long acquainted with him, they might be able to testify to his identity and
be competent witnesses ofhis resurrection. No witnesses were everso well

qualified to give testimony as they, and none ever gave so much evidence of
their sincerity as they did. See Acts 1:21-22.
Jamieson-Fausset-BrownBible Commentary
CHAPTER 10
Mt 10:1-5. Missionof the Twelve Apostles. ( = Mr 6:7-13;Lu 9:1-6).
The lastthree verses ofthe ninth chapter form the proper introduction to the
Missionof the Twelve, as is evident from the remarkable fact that the Mission
of the Seventy was prefacedby the very same words. (See on [1251]Lu10:2).
1. And when he had calledunto him his twelve disciples, he gave them
power—The wordsignifies both "power," and "authority" or "right." Even if
it were not evident that here both ideas are included, we find both words
expresslyused in the parallel passage ofLuke (Lu 9:1)—"He gave them
powerand authority"—in other words, He both qualified and authorized
them.
against—or"over."Matthew10:1-4 Christ sendeth out his twelve apostles
with powerto do
miracles.
Matthew 10:5-15 He instructs them,
Matthew 10:16-39 and forewarning them of persecutions, suggests

motives of comfort and constancy.
Matthew 10:40-42 He promiseth a blessing to those who should receive them.
Mark saith, Mark 3:14,15, And he ordained twelve, that they should be with
him, and that he might send them forth to preach, and to have powerto heal
sicknesses, andto castout devils. Luke repeats almostthe same words, Luke
9:1,2; only he saith he gave them powerand authority over devils, —and to
preach the kingdom of God. This was the first mission which the apostles had,
much different from that given them after his resurrection; they were now
sent only to the lostsheep of the house of Israel, then they were sent to all
nations. They were not called disciples as that term signified only the common
hearers of Christ, but in a more emphatic sense. He choosethout twelve, that
as the twelve patriarchs begatthe Jewishchurch, so these twelve men might
be the fathers to all the gospelchurch. The number of twelve seems a sacred
number. The new Jerusalem, Revelation21:12, is described as having twelve
gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and to have written (on the gates)the
names of the twelve tribes; and, Revelation21:14, the wall of the city is said to
have had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles;
the dimensions of it twelve thousand furlongs, Revelation21:16.
The powerhe gave to the apostles was:
1. To preach the kingdom, that is, the gospel, which as it showeththe way to
the kingdom of glory, so it was the means to gather the Christian church,
which is the kingdom of grace, andto subdue men’s hearts to the obedience of
Christ.

2. To castout devils, and heal all manner of sicknesses.Bywhich they gained
repute amoungstpeople, confirming people that they were sent of God, doing
(though not as Christ did them) things which none but God could do, by a
derivation of powerfrom him: Christ did the same things, but by a power
inherent in himself.
These twelve were ordinarily to be with Christ, and to go forth (as occasion
served) clothed with his powerto preachand to work miracles.
Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible
And when he had called to him his twelve disciples,....These persons hadbeen
for some time calledby the grace ofGod, and were already the disciples of
Christ, and such as were more familiar and intimate with him, than others,
that went by that name. They had satdown at his feet, and had receivedof his
words; they had heard his doctrines, and had seenhis miracles, and had been
by him training up for public work;but as yet had not been calledand sent
forth to enter on such service:but now all things being ready, they being
properly instructed, and the time for the conversionof a large number of
souls being up, he calledthem togetherprivately; and gave them a commission
to preach the Gospel, ordained them ministers of the word, and installed them
into the office of apostleship. The number "twelve", is either in allusion to the
twelve spies that were sent by Mosesinto the land of Canaan, or to the twelve
stones in Aaron's breastplate; or to the twelve fountains the Israelites found
in the wilderness;or to the twelve oxen on which the molten sea stoodin
Solomon's temple; or to the twelve gates in Ezekiel's temple; or rather, to the
twelve patriarchs, and the tribes which sprung from them; that as they were
the fathers of the Jewishnation, which was typical of God's chosenpeople; so
these were to be the instruments of spreading the Gospel, not only Judea, but
in all the world, and of planting Christian churches there. And that they

might appear to come forth with authority, and that their doctrine might be
confirmed,
he gave them power againstunclean spirits, to castthem out; or "overall
devils", as Luke 9:1. It was usual with the Jews to call a demon or devil , "an
unclean spirit"; especiallysuchas frequented burying places:so in one place
(l), an unclean spirit is interpreted by the gloss, , "the spirit of the demons", or
devils; and in another(m) place, , "the demon of the graves";where
necromancers soughtto be, that these spirits might be their familiars, and
assistthem in their enchantments: accordinglythe devils are here called,
"uncleanspirits"; being in themselves, in their ownnature, unclean, and
being the cause and means of defiling others, and delighting in impure
persons, places, andthings. There were many of these spirits, who, because of
the greatimpiety of the Jews, the prevalence of magic arts among them, and
by divine permission, had at this time takenpossessionofgreatnumbers of
persons;whereby Christ had an opportunity of giving proof of his deity, of his
being the Messiah, the seedof the woman, that should bruise the serpent's
head, by his ejecting them; and of confirming the mission of his disciples, and
establishing the doctrine preachedby them, by giving them power and
authority over them, to castthem out also:and whereas various diseases
frequently followedand attended such possessions;he likewise gave them
power
to heal all manner of sicknesses,and all manner of diseases, as he himself had
done. The expressions are very full and strong, and include all sorts of
maladies incident to human bodies, either of men or women; all distempers
natural or preternatural, curable or incurable, by human methods: so that at
the same time they were sentto preachthe Gospel, for the cure of the souls of
men, they were empoweredto heal the diseasesoftheir bodies; and which, one
should think, could not fail of recommending them to men, and of ingratiating
them into their affections.
(l) T. Bab. Chagiga, fol. 3. 2. (m) T. Bab. Sanhedrim, fol. 65. 2.

Geneva Study Bible
And {1} when he had calledunto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power
againstunclean spirits, to castthem out, and to heal all manner of sickness
and all manner of disease.
(1) The apostles are sent to preach the gospelin Israel.
EXEGETICAL(ORIGINAL LANGUAGES)
Meyer's NT Commentary
Matthew 10:1. Not the choosing, but merely the mission of the Twelve, is here
related; Mark 6:7; Luke 9:1. The choosing (Mark 3:14; Luke 6:13; comp. also
John 6:70), which had takenplace some time before,—althougha still earlier
one, viz. that of the five (Matthew 4:18 ff., Matthew 9:9), is recorded,—is
assumed, as far as the complete circle of the Twelve, to be generallyknown,
which is certainly an omissionon the part of the narrator.
ἐξουσίαν] Authority over unclean spirits. The following ὥστε is epexegetical:
so that they would castthem out. But καὶ θεραπεύειν, etc., is not dependent on
ὥστε also, but on ἐξουσίαν(1 Corinthians 9:5). Powerwas given to them both
to cure demoniacs and to heal those who suffered from natural disease as well;
comp. Matthew 10:8. The manner of imparting this power, whether through a
laying on of hands, or breathing on them (John 20:22)through a symbolic act
(de Wette), or by communicating to them certain sacredwords or signs, or by
certain movements of the hands (Ewald), or even by magnetic influences
(Weisse), orby the mere effectualword of the Lord (which is more likely,
since nothing is specified), is not stated.
On the genitive, comp. Mark 6:7; John 18:2; Sir 10:4.

Expositor's Greek Testament
Matthew 10:1-15. The Twelve:their names, mission, and relative instructions
(Mark 3:14-19;Mark 6:7-13, Luke 9:1-6).
Cambridge Bible for Schools andColleges
1. his twelve disciples]The first passagesin St Mark and St Luke recordthe
choice or calling of the Twelve, this chapter and Mark 6 and Luke 9 narrate
the missionor a mission of the disciples. Possiblythey were sent forth more
than once.
sickness… disease]See note ch. Matthew 4:23, and Matthew 9:35.
Bengel's Gnomen
Matthew 10:1. Καὶ, and) This is clearly connectedwith the end of ch. 9, as the
repeatedmention of sheep indicates. He sends, before He is greatly entreated
to do so.—προσκαλεσάμενος, having calledto Him) solemnly.[441]All did not
hear and see all things together.—τοὺς δώδεκα μαθητὰς,the twelve
disciples)[442]In the following verse they are calledthe twelve apostles.
Matthew the apostle calls them apostles once,sc. in the present passage, where
they are first sent forth; St Mark does so once (Matthew 6:30), and that when
they just returned from that mission; John, the apostle, never does so;for in
ch. Matthew 13:16 he uses the word in its general, not its particular meaning;
St Luke does so in his Gospelparticularly, but only on occasions,and those
the same as Matthew and Mark, or subsequently, for other weighty reasons:
see Luke 6:13; Luke 9:10; Luke 11:49; Luke 17:5; Luke 22:14; Luke 24:10.
For they were, during the whole of the period which the Gospels embrace,
disciples, i.e. scholars, and are therefore so called. But, after the advent of the
Paraclete,in the Acts and Epistles they are never called disciples, but apostles.

In the Acts, those only are called disciples, who had either learnt with the
apostles, orwere then learning from the apostles, andwere apostolic men, and
the seedof all Christian posterity; see Acts 6:1; Acts 21:16. After which last
passagethe word disciple does not occuragain in the New Testament:but
they are called brethren, Christians, believers (fideles), saints, etc.—ἔδωκεν,
κ.τ.λ., He gave, etc.)The apostles made gradual progress. Greatis the
authority of conferring authority.[443]—αὐτοῖς,to them) The disciples, when
in the Lord’s presence, were employed in miracles only to a certain extent, as
in ch. Matthew 14:19 and Matthew 17:27;but they did not themselves
perform miracles (see ch. Matthew 17:18), unless when sent forth by Christ
(see Luke 10:17), or after the departure of Christ; see John 14:12.—
πνευμάτων, of spirits) i.e. againstspirits.—ἀκαθάρτων, unclean)A frequent
epithet: sometimes they are calledπνευμάτα πονηρὰ, evil spirits.—θεραπεύειν,
to heal) sc. in His name: see ch. Matthew 9:35.
[441]This is that remarkable embassyor mission, to which the Lord appeals
in Luke 22:35. He sent forth the Seventy also without purse, scrip, and shoes,
Luke 10:4. But in Luke 22:35 He is speaking not of the Seventy, but of the
Apostles. We have the return of the Apostles recorded in Mark 6:30, Luke
9:10. In the intervening period, the Lord is represented more than once as
having had the disciples present with Him. Luke 12:1; Luke 12:49;Luke
13:10;Mark 6:1. I feel wellpersuaded, that no considerable portion of that
time elapsed, without the Saviour having had present with Him at leastsome
of His Apostles, as witnesses ofthose most important things, which He during
that time both spake and performed. Nor even was the whole body of the
Apostles long awayfrom Him; comp. Matthew 10:23. Meanwhile they
returned one after the other: in which wayit may have happened that some
individuals out of the Twelve are named οί δώδεκα;or even it may have been
that, coming and going from time to time, they took their turns with the Lord,
when making His journeys, until at length it was the privilege of them all to be
with Him togetheragain. It seems indeed to be tacitly intimated in Luke 9:10,
that their actualreturn took place somewhatearlier, their narration or report
of their proceedings following subsequently more than once.—Harm., p. 292.

[442]The electionof whom as Apostles, the sacredwriter takes for granted as
having takenplace before the sermon on the mountain.—V. g.
[443]i.e. His greatauthority is evinced in the factof His being able to give
them authority to do all these miracles.—ED.
Pulpit Commentary
Verse 1. - Parallelpassages:Mark 6:7; Luke 9:1. The prayer (Matthew 9:38)
is answeredin the persons of those who were taught to pray. Christ
establishes his new agency. And when he had calledunto him. From the circle
of the bystanders. His twelve disciples. Who had already been chosento be
speciallywith him (cf. Matthew 9:35, note; and Matthew 5:1). Twelve. To be
heads of the tribes of the new Israel(Revelation21:14; cf. James 1:1; Matthew
19:28). Observe that the office of the tribes of the covenantnation
correspondedto the symbolism of the number 12 (3, Deity, x 4, world =
Church). He gave them power; authority (Revised Version); ἐξουσίαν: the
greaterincluding the less. So Mark, but Luke expands to δύναμινκαὶ
ἐξουσίαν. Against; over(Revised Version); simple genitive (so Mark). Unclean
spirits (Matthew 4:24. note). Unclean. As belonging to the unholy, non-
theocratic kingdom, the realm of darkness. "Hence alsouncleananimals
(Matthew 8:31, sqq.; Revelation18:2)and places (Matthew 12:43, sqq.) have a
kind of natural relationship with such spirits" (Kubel). To castthem out.
Their authority was to ex-sendto this (ὥστε ἐκβάλλειναὐτά, cf. Mark 3:15).
And to heal. Probably connected, not with ὥστε, but with ἐξουσίαν (cf. Luke).
Observe that nothing is said of their receiving authority to convert. This God
himself keeps. Butthey can remove all hindrances other than those purely
subjective and spiritual, whether the objective hindrances be intruding evil
spirits affecting body and mind or only bodily diseases.All manner, etc.
(Matthew 9:35, note). Matthew 10:1
Vincent's Word Studies

The disciples (τούς μαθητὰς)
The or his, referring to them as already chosen, though he nowhere relates
their choosing. See Mark 3:14;Luke 6:13.
STUDYLIGHTRESOURCES
Adam Clarke Commentary
Twelve disciples - Our Lord seems to have had the twelve patriarchs, heads of
the congregationofIsrael, in view, in his choosing twelve disciples. Thathe
had the plan of the ancient JewishChurch in his eye is sufficiently evident
from Matthew 19:28; and from Luke 10:1; Luke 22:30; John 17:1, etc., and
Revelation21:12-14.
He gave them poweragainstunclean spirits - The word κατα, against, which
our translators have supplied in Italic, is found in many MSS. of goodnote,
and in the principal versions. Here we find the first call to the Christian
ministry, and the end proposedby the commissiongiven. To callpersons to
the ministry belongs only to Him who can give them power to castout unclean
spirits. He whose ministry is not accompaniedwith healing to diseasedsouls,
was never calledof God. But let it be observed, that, though the spiritual gifts
requisite for the ministry must be supplied by God himself, yet this does not
preclude the importance of human learning. No man can have his mind too
well cultivated, to whom a dispensationof the Gospelis committed. The
influence of the Spirit of God was no more designedto render human learning
useless, thanthat learning should be consideredas superseding the necessity
of Divine inspiration.

Copyright Statement
These files are public domain.
Bibliography
Clarke, Adam. "Commentary on Matthew 10:1". "The Adam Clarke
Commentary". https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/acc/matthew-
10.html. 1832.
Return to Jump List return to 'Jump List'
Albert Barnes'Notes onthe Whole Bible
And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples … - This accountof
sending the apostles forth is recordedalso in Mark 6:7-11, and Luke 9:1-6.
Mark says that he sent them out two and two. This was a kind arrangement,
that eachone might have a companion, and that thus they might visit more
places and accomplishmore labor than if they were all together. These twelve
were the original number of apostles. The word“apostle” means one that is
“sent,” and was given to them because they were “sentforth” to preach the
gospel. Theywere ambassadors ofChrist. To this number Matthias was
afterward added, to supply the place of Judas Acts 1:26, and Paul was
speciallycalledto be an apostle to the Gentiles, Romans 1:1; 1 Corinthians
15:8-9; Galatians 1:1. In all, therefore, there were 14 apostles.
In selecting “twelve” atfirst, it is probable that the Saviour was somewhat
guided by the number of the tribes of Israel. Twelve was, with them, a well-
known number, and it was natural that he should selectone for every tribe.
Their office was clearly made known. They were to heal the sick, castout
devils, raise the dead, preach the gospel. Theywere to be with him to receive
his instructions, to learn the nature of his religion, be witnesses to his

resurrection, and then to bear his gospelaround the globe. The number
twelve was the best number for these purposes that could be selected. It was
sufficiently “large” to answerthe purpose of testimony, and it was “so small”
as not to tend to disorder, or that they could easily be divided into parties or
factions. They were not learned men, and could not be supposedto spread
their religion by art or talents. They were not men of wealth, and could not
bribe men to follow them. They were not men of rank and office, and could
not compelpeople to believe. They were just such men as are always found the
best witnessesin courts of justice - plain men, of good sense, offair character,
of greathonesty, and with favorable opportunities of ascertaining the facts to
which they bore witness. Such men everybody believes, and especiallywhen
they are willing to lay down their lives to prove their sincerity.
It was important that the Saviour should choose them early in his ministry, in
order that they might be fully acquainted with him; might treasure up his
instructions, and observe his manner of life and his person, so that, by having
been long acquainted with him, they might be able to testify to his identity and
be competent witnesses ofhis resurrection. No witnesses were everso well
qualified to give testimony as they, and none ever gave so much evidence of
their sincerity as they did. See Acts 1:21-22.
Copyright Statement
Bibliography
Barnes, Albert. "Commentaryon Matthew 10:1". "Barnes'Notes onthe
Whole Bible". https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/matthew-
10.html. 1870.

The Biblical Illustrator
Matthew 10:1
And when He had called unto Him His twelve disciples.
The preparatory mission of the apostles
I. Their mission.
II. Their charge.
1. He prescribes their route.
2. He prescribes their doctrine.
3. He prescribes their work.
4. He prescribes the spirit they should display.

III. Their return. (J. Bennett, D. D.)
Gave them power
At first the apostles had a smallergospel(they had not got the cross to preach)
and a largerpower of miracles;afterwards less miracles but more gospel;but
always a sufficient equipment. You have not to make bricks without straw;
Christ gives you power for every duty. (RevelationR. Glover.)
Healing the sick
medical missions. Dr. Duncan Main of the Mid-China MedicalMission, gives
a remarkable instance, quoted in the Church MissionarySociety’s Report, of
what he terms a remarkable case ofcure both of body and soul. The Chinese
woman he tended is the wife of a tailor, living at Ju-yang. “She was,” says the
doctor, “brought to our hospital in the beginning of 1883, suffering from an
ulceratedleg of the very worstdescription. As soonas I saw the advanced
state of the disease,I told the husband that there was nothing for the limb but
amputation.” To this the man most decidedly refused his consent, “and,”
continues Dr. Main, “pleaded with me to allow her to remain in the hospital
and attempt a cure on other terms. She remained six weeks, and at the end of
that period no signs of healing were apparent, and as the husband could not
consentto the operation, he reluctantly took his poor wife home, carrying her
on his back from the hospital, both of them in tears. A few months later I
visited Ju-yang, where the patient was carriedto the Mission-roomin a large
basket. She was by this time worse in every way, so that when they entreated
me to re-admit her and perform the amputation, I declined the risk, until
overpoweredby their pitiful condition. A week later she was againin the
female ward, and after some time devoted to raising her systemby diet and
tonics, I decided at the husband’s renewedrequest to attempt the operation.

Whilst attending her daily in this interval, Mrs. Main had spokenfrequently
to her about salvationthrough Christ, and she gave goodevidence of being a
new creature in Christ Jesus, whichseemedto justify our acceding, with the
bishop’s approval and assistance, to her request for baptism, before she
underwent the hazardous trial. This was done, and specialprayer was offered
in the ward next day before the operationcommenced. Her cheerfulness atthe
time was remarkable, and contributed to secure the extremely favourable
result. The stump healed rapidly, and a fairly satisfactorywoodenleg being
made by a native joiner, under my directions, she was actually takento
church, more than a quarter of a mile, to return thanks and confess her faith
in Christ, so we had the joy of seeing her walking and praising God. Her
husband, who wishedto be baptized on that occasion, but was deferred for
further instruction, has since been admitted to the church at Ju-yang, whither
they returned shortly after the completion of the cure. Her age, as well as the
extremity to which suffering had reduced her system, made the successful
amputation a subject of specialthankfulness to myself and all connectedwith
the hospital.” And we have many well-authenticatedinstances on recordof
marvellous answers to prayer in the cure of sickness, evenwhen, from some
circumstance or other, medical aid was not at hand. Of course, fanaticismhas
exaggeratedthis, and has tried to prove that medicine is of no use, and that it
is sinful to consultphysicians. As is well known a secthas arisen, professing
these doctrines, and calling itself “ The PeculiarPeople,” but this must not
blind us to real facts. Here is an instance from a German tract. “A
remarkable answerto prayer is furnished to us by the true Christian and
upright statesman, J. J. yon Moser, during the time of his long and unjust
imprisonment in the fortress of Hohentivial in Wurtemberg, from 1759 to
1764. ‘In Hohentivial,’ he writes, ‘I was for a long time seriouslyill from
lumbago and other severe pains in the limbs. I could scarcelymove, and had
to support myself with a stick in one hand and a crutch in the other. On one
occasion, three gentlemen paying me a visit in my prison, I apologizedto them
for not being able to rise and receive them. One of my visitors, Dr. Eppli,
perceiving the crutch and stafflying on the table, exclaimed, “Heaven
preserve us. What horrible tools!” I replied, “I thank God that He has made
the woodwhich furnishes these useful supports.” Scarcelyhad my visitors
gone, ere I found myself able to stand. I walkedup and down a step or two,

and found myself perfectly able to dispense with crutches.’He never used
them again.”
Christ the preacher’s powder
Let our one theme be Christ, not our own whims and fancies and crotchets,
but Him. Rather ourselves out of sight, unknown, unthought of, hidden in the
excess oflight which streams from Him. You are familiar with the story of the
artist who undertook the task of painting the portrait of our Lord. When
complete, you remember, he thought it needed some embellishments, which
were therefore supplied. When the picture was exhibited, to his horror and
disappointment the attention of the beholders was diverted from the grand
central figure to the flowers and trees which grew around. Without the
slightesthesitation or remorse, he graspedhis brush and obliterated
everything that withdrew the mind from that which should fascinate every
eye. The moral is obvious. (Burr.)
Copyright Statement
Text Courtesyof BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission.
Bibliography
Exell, JosephS. "Commentary on "Matthew 10:1". The Biblical Illustrator.
https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/tbi/matthew-10.html. 1905-
1909. New York.

Coffman's Commentaries on the Bible
MATT. 10
THE CALLING AND COMMISSIONING OF THE TWELVE
And he called unto him his twelve disciples, and gave them authority over
unclean spirits, to castthem out, and to heal all manner of disease, andall
manner of sickness. (Matthew 10:1)
The difference betweena disciple and an apostle is a matter of authority. The
disciples became apostles upon their receptionof authority from the Lord.
Copyright Statement
James Burton Coffman Commentaries reproduced by permission of Abilene
Christian University Press, Abilene, Texas, USA. All other rights reserved.
Bibliography
Coffman, James Burton. "Commentary on Matthew 10:1". "Coffman
Commentaries on the Old and New Testament".
https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bcc/matthew-10.html. Abilene
Christian University Press, Abilene, Texas, USA. 1983-1999.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible

And when he had called to him his twelve disciples,....These persons hadbeen
for some time calledby the grace ofGod, and were already the disciples of
Christ, and such as were more familiar and intimate with him, than others,
that went by that name. They had satdown at his feet, and had receivedof his
words; they had heard his doctrines, and had seenhis miracles, and had been
by him training up for public work;but as yet had not been calledand sent
forth to enter on such service:but now all things being ready, they being
properly instructed, and the time for the conversionof a large number of
souls being up, he calledthem togetherprivately; and gave them a commission
to preach the Gospel, ordained them ministers of the word, and installed them
into the office of apostleship. The number "twelve", is either in allusion to the
twelve spies that were sent by Mosesinto the land of Canaan, or to the twelve
stones in Aaron's breastplate; or to the twelve fountains the Israelites found
in the wilderness;or to the twelve oxen on which the molten sea stoodin
Solomon's temple; or to the twelve gates in Ezekiel's temple; or rather, to the
twelve patriarchs, and the tribes which sprung from them; that as they were
the fathers of the Jewishnation, which was typical of God's chosenpeople; so
these were to be the instruments of spreading the Gospel, not only Judea, but
in all the world, and of planting Christian churches there. And that they
might appear to come forth with authority, and that their doctrine might be
confirmed,
he gave them power againstunclean spirits, to castthem out; or "overall
devils", as Luke 9:1. It was usual with the Jews to call a demon or devil ‫חור‬
‫ט‬ nios :secalp gniyrub detneuqerfsa hcus yllaicepse ;"tirips naelcnu na" ,‫ומאה‬
one placeF12, anunclean spirit is interpreted by the gloss, ‫חור‬ ‫,םידש‬ "the spirit
of the demons", or devils; and in anotherF13 place, ‫דש‬ ‫תיב‬ ‫,תורבקה‬ "the demon
of the graves";where necromancers soughtto be, that these spirits might be
their familiars, and assistthem in their enchantments: accordinglythe devils
are here called, "uncleanspirits"; being in themselves, in their own nature,
unclean, and being the cause and means of defiling others, and delighting in
impure persons, places, andthings. There were many of these spirits, who,
because ofthe greatimpiety of the Jews, the prevalence of magic arts among
them, and by divine permission, had at this time takenpossession of great

numbers of persons; whereby Christ had an opportunity of giving proof of his
deity, of his being the Messiah, the seedof the woman, that should bruise the
serpent's head, by his ejecting them; and of confirming the missionof his
disciples, and establishing the doctrine preached by them, by giving them
powerand authority over them, to castthem out also:and whereas various
diseasesfrequently followedand attended such possessions;he likewise gave
them power
to heal all manner of sicknesses, and all manner of diseases, as he himself had
done. The expressions are very full and strong, and include all sorts of
maladies incident to human bodies, either of men or women; all distempers
natural or preternatural, curable or incurable, by human methods: so that at
the same time they were sentto preachthe Gospel, for the cure of the souls of
men, they were empoweredto heal the diseasesoftheir bodies; and which, one
should think, could not fail of recommending them to men, and of ingratiating
them into their affections.
Copyright Statement
The New John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible Modernisedand adapted
for the computer by Larry Pierce of Online Bible. All Rightes Reserved,
Larry Pierce, Winterbourne, Ontario.
A printed copy of this work can be ordered from: The Baptist Standard
Bearer, 1 Iron Oaks Dr, Paris, AR, 72855
Bibliography
Gill, John. "Commentary on Matthew 10:1". "The New John Gill Exposition
of the Entire Bible".
https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/geb/matthew-10.html. 1999.

Geneva Study Bible
And 1 when he had called unto [him] his twelve disciples, he gave them power
[against]unclean spirits, to castthem out, and to heal all manner of sickness
(1) The apostles are sent to preach the gospelin Israel.
Copyright Statement
Bibliography
Beza, Theodore. "Commentaryon Matthew 10:1". "The 1599 Geneva Study
Bible". https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/gsb/matthew-10.html.
1599-1645.
Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Matthew 10:1-5. Missionof the twelve apostles. (= Mark 6:7-13; Luke 9:1-6).
The lastthree verses ofthe ninth chapter form the proper introduction to the
Missionof the Twelve, as is evident from the remarkable fact that the Mission
of the Seventy was prefacedby the very same words. (See on Luke 10:2).
And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power —
The word signifies both “power,” and “authority” or “right.” Even if it were

not evident that here both ideas are included, we find both words expressly
used in the parallel passageofLuke (Luke 9:1) - “He gave them powerand
authority” - in other words, He both qualified and authorized them.
against— or “over.”
Copyright Statement
These files are a derivative of an electronic edition prepared from text
scannedby Woodside Bible Fellowship.
This expanded edition of the Jameison-Faussett-BrownCommentary is in the
public domain and may be freely used and distributed.
Bibliography
Jamieson, Robert, D.D.;Fausset,A. R.; Brown, David. "Commentary on
Matthew 10:1". "Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible".
https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/jfb/matthew-10.html. 1871-8.
John Lightfoot's Commentary on the Gospels
1. And when he had calledunto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power
[And when he had called to him the twelve disciples.]Concerning the number
of twelve, corresponding to the tribes of Israel, see Luke 22:30, Revelation
21:12,14. Thesewere calledthe twelve apostles...underwhich title Moses and
Aaron are marked by the Chaldee paraphrast, Jeremiah2:1: a word that does

not barely speak a messenger, but such a messengeras represents the person
of him that sends him. ForThe 'apostle'of any one is as he himself from
whom he is deputed. See the fortieth verse of this chapter. If you read over the
tract of Maimonides here, entitled messengersand companions, perhaps you
will not repent your labour.
For these ends were these twelve chosen, as the evangelists relate:
I. That they might be with him, eyewitnessesofhis works, and students of his
doctrine. Forthey did not presently betake themselves to preach, from the
time they were first admitted disciples, no, nor from the time they were first
chosen;but they sat a long while at the feet of their Master, and imbibed from
his mouth that doctrine which they were to preach.
II. That they might be his prophets, both to preach and to do miracles. Thence
it comes to pass, that the gift of miracles, which of a long time had ceased, is
now restoredto them.
The 'sevenshepherds, and eight principal men,' Micah 5:5, are the disciples of
the Messias,according to Kimchi.
[Powerof unclean spirits.] That is, 'over, or upon unclean spirits': which
therefore are calledunclean spirits that by a clearerantithesis they might be
opposedto the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of purity.
More particularly the unclean spirit, Zechariah13:2; and unclean spirits,
Revelation16:13,14,are diabolicalspirits in false prophets, deceiving Pythons.

By a more particular name yet, according to the Talmudists concerning this
business:"There shall not be with thee a necromancer, Deuteronomy18:11.
He is a necromancerwho mortifies himself with hunger, and goes and lodges
a-nights among the burying-places for that end, that the unclean spirit may
dwell upon him. When R. Akibah read that verse he wept. Does the unclean
spirit, saith he, come upon him that fasts for that very end, that the unclean
spirit may come upon him? Much more would the Holy Spirit come upon him
that fasts for that end, that the Holy Spirit might come upon him. But what
shall I do, when our sins have brought that on us which is said, 'Your sins
separate betweenyou and your God?'" Where the Gloss thus; "Thatthe
unclean spirit dwell upon him: that is, that the demon of the burial-place may
love him, and may help him in his enchantments."
When I considerwith myself that numberless number of demoniacs which the
evangelists mention, the like to which no history affords, and the Old
Testamentproduceth hardly one or two examples, I cannotbut suspectthese
two things especiallyfor the cause ofit:--
First, That the Jewishpeople, now arriving to the very top of impiety, now
also arrived to the very top of those curses which are recited, Leviticus 26 and
Deuteronomy 28.
Secondly, That the nation, beyond measure addicted to magicalarts, did even
affectdevils and invited them to dwell with them.
Copyright Statement

Bibliography
Lightfoot, John. "Commentary on Matthew 10:1". "John Lightfoot
Commentary on the Gospels".
https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/jlc/matthew-10.html. 1675.
People's New Testament
He called unto him his twelve disciples. Compare Mark 3:13-19 and Luke 9:1-
6. The twelve had already been called, and had attended the Lord for some
time. They were now commissionedand sent forth as apostles. This must be
connecteddirectly with the last three verses ofthe preceding chapter, which
should belong to chapter 10.
And he gave them power. To do the same kind of works of mercy which Jesus
had done, and thus to carry out his mission. Works of mercy and love are
inseparable from the true preaching of the gospel.
Copyright Statement
These files are public domain and are a derivative of an electronic edition that
is available on the Christian ClassicsEtherealLibrary Website.
Original work done by Ernie Stefanik. First published online in 1996 atThe
RestorationMovementPages.
Bibliography
Johnson, BartonW. "Commentary on Matthew 10:1". "People's New
Testament". https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/pnt/matthew-
10.html. 1891.

Robertson's WordPictures in the New Testament
His twelve disciples (τους δωδεκα ματητας αυτου — tous dōdeka mathētas
autou). First mention of the group of “learners” by Matthew and assumedas
already in existence (note the article) as they were (Mark 3:14). They were
chosenbefore the Sermon on the Mount was delivered, but Matthew did not
mention it in connectionwith that sermon.
Gave them authority (εδωκεν αυτοις εχουσιαν — edōkenautois exousian).
“Power”(Moffatt, Goodspeed). One may be surprised that here only the
healing work is mentioned, though Luke (Luke 9:2) has it “to preach the
kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.” And Matthew says (Matthew 10:7),
“And as ye go, preach.” Hence it is not fair to saythat Matthew knows only
the charge to heal the sick, important as that is. The physical distress was
great, but the spiritual even greater. Poweris more likely the idea of εχουσια
— exousia here. This healing ministry attractedattention and did a vastdeal
of good. Todaywe have hospitals and skilled physicians and nurses, but we
should not deny the powerof Godto bless all these agencies andto cure
disease as he wills. Jesus is still the masterof soul and body. But intelligent
faith does not justify us in abstaining from the help of the physician who must
not be confounded with the quack and the charlatan.
Copyright Statement
The Robertson's WordPictures of the New Testament. Copyright �
Broadman Press 1932,33,Renewal1960. All rights reserved. Used by
permission of Broadman Press (Southern BaptistSunday SchoolBoard)
Bibliography

Robertson, A.T. "Commentary on Matthew 10:1". "Robertson's Word
Pictures of the New Testament".
https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/rwp/matthew-10.html.
Broadman Press 1932,33.Renewal1960.
Vincent's Word Studies
The disciples ( τούς μαθητὰς )
The or his, referring to them as already chosen, though he nowhere relates
their choosing. See Mark 3:14;Luke 6:13.
Copyright Statement
The text of this work is public domain.
Bibliography
Vincent, Marvin R. DD. "Commentaryon Matthew 10:1". "Vincent's Word
Studies in the New Testament".
https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/vnt/matthew-10.html. Charles
Schribner's Sons. New York, USA. 1887.
Wesley's ExplanatoryNotes
His twelve disciples - Hence it appears that he had alreadychosenout of his
disciples, those whom he afterwardtermed apostles. The number seems to

have relation to the twelve patriarchs, and the twelve tribes of Israel. Mark
3:14 ; Mark 6:7 ; Luke 6:13 ; Luke 9:1 .
Copyright Statement
is available on the Christian ClassicsEtherealLibrary Website.
Bibliography
Wesley, John. "Commentary on Matthew 10:1". "JohnWesley's Explanatory
Notes on the Whole Bible".
https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/wen/matthew-10.html. 1765.
The Fourfold Gospel
And he called unto him his twelve disciples1, and gave them authority over
unclean spirits2, to castthem out, and to heal all manner of disease and all
manner of sickness.
And he called unto him his twelve disciples. At this point Matthew gives the
names of the apostles, fora complete list of which, see .
Unclean spirits. See .
Copyright Statement
is available on the Christian ClassicsEtherealLibrary Website. These files
were made available by Mr. Ernie Stefanik. First published online in 1996 at
The RestorationMovementPages.
Bibliography

J. W. McGarveyand Philip Y. Pendleton. "Commentaryon Matthew 10:1".
"The Fourfold Gospel".
https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/tfg/matthew-10.html.
Standard Publishing Company, Cincinnati, Ohio. 1914.
Abbott's Illustrated New Testament
The manner in which the casesofdemoniacs are here spokenof as entirely
distinct from casesofdisease ofevery kind, is important as evidence of the
view in which this sacredwriter regarded them.
Copyright Statement
Bibliography
Abbott, John S. C. & Abbott, Jacob. "Commentaryon Matthew 10:1".
"Abbott's Illustrated New Testament".
https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/ain/matthew-10.html. 1878.
Calvin's Commentary on the Bible
The calling of the Apostles is here described to us, not as on a former occasion,
when the Lord Jesus Christ, intending to prepare them for their office,
selectedthem for admissioninto his private circle. They are now calledto
immediate performance, are ordered to prepare themselves for the work,
receive injunctions, and, that there may be no want of authority, are endued
with the powerof the Holy Spirit. Formerly, they were held in expectationof

future labor: now, Christ announces that the hour is come when they must
put their hands to the work. It is proper to observe, however, that he does not
as yet speak ofperpetual apostleship, but only of temporary preaching, which
was fitted to awakenand excite the minds of men, that they might be more
attentive to hear Christ. So then they are now sent to proclaim throughout
Judea that the time of the promised restorationand salvation is at hand at a
future period, Christ will appoint them to spread the Gospelthrough the
whole world. Here, he employs them as assistants only, to secure attention to
him where his voice could not reachafterwards, he will commit into their
hands the office of teaching which he had discharged. It is of greatimportance
to observe this, that we may not suppose it to be a certain and fixed rule laid
down for all ministers of the word, when our Lord gives instructions to the
preachers of his doctrine as to what he wishes them to do for a short time.
From inattention to this point many have been led astray, so as to demand
from all ministers of the word, without distinction, conformity to this rule.
(567)
Matthew 10:1.And having calledthe twelve disciples The number, twelve, was
intended to point out the future restorationof the Church. As the nation was
descendedfrom twelve patriarchs, so its scatteredremains are now reminded
by Christ of their origin, that they may entertain a fixed hope of being
restored. Although the kingdom of God was not in so flourishing a state in
Judea, as to preserve the nation entire, but, on the contrary, that people,
which already had miserably fallen, deserved doubly to die on accountof
ingratitude in despising the grace which had been offered to them, yet this did
not prevent a new nation from afterwards springing up. At a future period,
God extended far beyond Zion the scepterof the powerof his Son, and caused
rivers to flow from that fountain, to water abundantly the four quarters of the
world. Then God assembledhis Israel from every direction, and united into
one body not only the scatteredand torn members, but men who had formerly
been entirely alienatedfrom the people of God.

It was not without reason, therefore, that the Lord, by appointing, as it were,
twelve patriarchs, declaredthe restorationof the Church. Besides,this
number reminded the Jews ofthe designof his coming; but, as they did not
yield to the grace ofGod, he begatfor himself a new Israel. If you look at the
beginnings, it might appear ridiculous that Christ should bestow such
honorable titles on persons who were mean and of no estimation: but their
astonishing success, andthe wide extensionof the Church, make it evident
that, in honorable rank and in numerous offspring, the apostles notonly are
not inferior to the patriarchs, but greatly excelthem.
Gave them power The apostles hadalmost no rank among men, while the
commissionwhich Christ gave them was divine. Besides, theyhad neither
ability nor eloquence, while the excellence andnovelty of their office required
more than human endowments, (568)It was therefore necessarythat they
should derive authority from anothersource. By enabling them to perform
miracles, Christ invests them with the badges ofheavenly power, in order to
secure the confidence and venerationof the people. And hence we may infer
what is the proper use of miracles. As Christ gives to them at the same time,
and in immediate connection, the appointment to be preachers ofthe gospel
and ministers of miracles, it is plain that miracles are nothing else than seals
of his doctrine, and therefore we are not at liberty to dissolve this close
connection. The Papists, therefore, are guilty of forgery, and of wickedly
corrupting the works of God, by separating his word from miracles.
Copyright Statement
Bibliography

Calvin, John. "Commentary on Matthew 10:1". "Calvin's Commentary on
the Bible". https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/cal/matthew-
10.html. 1840-57.
Hawker's PoorMan's Commentary
CONTENTS
In this Chapter we have the call of the Apostles, and Christ's mission given to
them, to work miracles, and preachthe Gospel.
(Matthew 10:1) "And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he
gave them power againstuncleanspirits, to castthem out, and to heal all
manner of sicknessand all manner of disease."
We have here the Lord Jesus calling his Apostles. Their number twelve.
Perhaps in allusion to the twelve tribes of Israel. The Church is. represented
by twelve stars. Revelation12:1. And the twelve foundations of the New
Jerusalemare not without the same signification. Revelation11:12-14. Yea,
Jesus speaksofthem, as sitting upon thrones to judge the twelve tribes of
Israel. Luke 22:30. The call of every disciple of Christ is the same. The Holy
Ghost, by Peter, shews that the electionof the church is discoverable by it. 2
Peter1:10. Forif ho hath savedus, he will call us. 2 Timothy 1:9. And whom
he called, them he also justified. Romans 8:30. Oh! how truly evident this is, in
the life of every believer. And in his ministers who are sentby him (and those
unsent by him have no authority at all), how sure the spiritual effects which
follow. Jesus'word, by them, works overunclean spirits; and all soul diseases,
and sicknesses,in Jesus'name and powerare healed.

Copyright Statement
Bibliography
Hawker, Robert, D.D. "Commentary on Matthew 10:1". "Hawker's Poor
Man's Commentary".
https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/pmc/matthew-10.html. 1828.
John Trapp Complete Commentary
1 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power
Ver. 1. And when he had called the twelve] He had set them to pray, Matthew
9:38, and now he sets them to work. Ora et labora, pary and work, is an old
proverb, and Admota manu invocanda est Minerva said the heathens. To pray
to pray, is to mock Godand lose one’s labour. Solomon saith, we must as well
dig as beg for knowledge, Proverbs 2:2; Proverbs 2:4, else to beg is bootless.
The talk of the lips only brings want, Proverbs 14:23. Christ seemedhere to
say to his praying disciples, as once he did to Moses, "Whycriestthou unto
me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward," Exodus 14:15;
or as afterwards he did to Joshua, {Joshua 7:10}"Getthee up, wherefore liest
thou thus upon thy face?"

Copyright Statement
Bibliography
Trapp, John. "Commentary on Matthew 10:1". John Trapp Complete
Commentary. https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/jtc/matthew-
10.html. 1865-1868.
The Popular Commentary by Paul E. Kretzmann
The Commissionto the Twelve.
Laborers for the harvest:
v. 1. And when He had calledunto Him His twelve disciples, He gave them
poweragainstunclean spirits, to castthem out, and to heal all manner of
sicknessand all manner of disease.
The first part of Christ's Galileanministry was over. He had spreadthe
Gospel-message by His personalpreaching in all parts of the northern
country. But the conditions, as He had just told His disciples, demanded at the
same time more generaland more intensive work. And so He commissioned
His twelve disciples, the twelve that were later distinguished by that name,
whose relationto the Lord had been unusually intimate from the first. He had
many other disciples or adherents. His Word had not returned void. Mostof
those that had experienced His healing power had acceptedHis Gospeland

were His true believers. Many of these stayed in their own homes, testifying
for the Lord upon occasion. Others, and among them these twelve as the most
prominent, accompaniedthe Lord on all or most of His journeys. The twelve
He here called for a specialmission. The sum of His charge to them: Power
over unclean spirits and power of healing both the severersicknessesandthe
infirmities or weaknessesofthe people. The authority to heal was especially
necessaryfor the work in Galilee, since the fame of Jesus restedlargelyupon
His miracles, and the populace would naturally demand some proof of their
commission, if they claimed to have been sent by Christ.
Copyright Statement
Bibliography
Kretzmann, Paul E. Ph. D., D. D. "Commentary on Matthew 10:1".
"Kretzmann's Popular Commentary".
https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/kpc/matthew-10.html. 1921-
23.
Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible
Matthew 10:1. And when he had calledunto him— The distinction of the
sacredwritings into chapters and verses, which is a modern invention to
facilitate references, has with that advantage many inconveniencies, becauseit
often breaks that thread of discourse, which is the proper clue to lead us into
the meaning of what follows. It will be seenhow reasonable this reflectionis, if
we look back to the 36th verse, &c. of the preceding chapter, where we read
that Jesus, beholding the multitudes (in their spiritual capacities, whichwere

ever the principal objectof his regard), had compassionon them, because they
were tired and lay down, as sheepthat had no shepherd; Then saith he, &c.
After this, as he himself was ever foremost, on all proper occasions,to do what
he commanded others, he passedthe following night in prayer; see Luke 6:12-
13.:and the next morning chose twelve from among his disciples, whom he
constituted apostles;persons sent, that is to say, especialmessengers, andsent
them forth with a peculiar commission, as shepherds, to raise and guide those
dejectedforlorn sheep, who had moved his compassion;and as labourers, to
be employed in the harvestwhich was now mature, and fit for the threshing-
floor. The language is figurative, and there is an absolute necessitythat it
should be so; because the mental dispositions here spokenof have no proper
names in human language, which consists only of terms, that in their first
significationall belong to the objects of sense. The language is therefore
figurative; andeven different figures are here made use of to express the same
object; which also cannotsometimes be avoided: for every similitude is
defective, and canshew but a part. Therefore, where one similitude falls short,
another may aptly supply its deficiency, and represent, by new images, the
whole of what was intended. Thus, in the passagenow under consideration,
the same mental disposition is expressedby two metaphors, both highly
instructive, yet in different respects, foreachgives a different lesson. The first
shews whatkind of persons are rightly disposedto be admitted into that last
and peculiar dispensation, which is called the kingdom of heaven; and the
secondintimates to those who are to be admitted, what kind of treatment they
are to expectthere. See Heylin, the note on Matthew 10:6., and on ch.
Matthew 3:7. It appears from the present verse, that Jesus had alreadychosen
from among his disciples those whom he afterwards honoured with the name
of Apostles. Compare Mark 3:14. Luke 6:13. It is probable that he chose
twelve, in reference to the twelve tribes of Israel (see ch. Matthew 19:28. Luke
22:30. Revelation21:12;Revelation21:14 and compare Exodus 24:4.
Deuteronomy 1:23. Joshua 4:2-3.); and therefore care was taken, on the death
of Judas, to chooseanotherto make up the number; which seems to have been
a mark of respectpaid to the Jews, previous to the grand offer of the Gospel
to them: whereas, whenthey had generallyrejectedit, Paul was added to the
Apostles, without any regard to the particular number of twelve.

Copyright Statement
Bibliography
Coke, Thomas. "Commentaryon Matthew 10:1". Thomas Coke Commentary
on the Holy Bible.
https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/tcc/matthew-10.html. 1801-
1803.
Expository Notes with PracticalObservations onthe New Testament
As the Jewishchurch arose from twelve patriarchs, so did the Christian
church become planted by twelve apostles;the person commissionating them,
was Christ. None are to undertake the work and calling of the ministry, but
those whom Christ appoints; and the persons commissionedwere disciples
before they were apostles. To teachus, that Christ will have such as preach
the gospelto be disciples before they are ministers; trained up in the doctrine
of the gospel, before they undertake a public charge.
Note farther, The power here delegatedby Christ to his apostles, overunclean
spirits, and for healing diseases,in his name. And after Christ's resurrection,
they were enabled to confer this miraculous power upon others, by laying
their hands upon them; an eminent demonstration of the truth of the christian
faith.

Learn hence, That to the intent the apostles might preachthe gospelwith
more authority and greaterefficacy, Christ gave them a power of working
miracles;namely, to castout devils, and heal all manner of diseases,in his
name. When he had called togetherhis disciples, he gave them poweragainst
unclean spirits.
Copyright Statement
Bibliography
Burkitt, William. "Commentary on Matthew 10:1". ExpositoryNotes with
PracticalObservations onthe New Testament.
https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/wbc/matthew-10.html. 1700-
1703.
Heinrich Meyer's Critical and ExegeticalCommentaryon the New Testament
Matthew 10:1. Not the choosing, but merely the mission of the Twelve, is here
related; Mark 6:7; Luke 9:1. The choosing (Mark 3:14; Luke 6:13; comp. also
John 6:70), which had takenplace some time before,—althougha still earlier
one, viz. that of the five (Matthew 4:18 ff., Matthew 9:9), is recorded,—is
assumed, as far as the complete circle of the Twelve, to be generallyknown,
which is certainly an omissionon the part of the narrator.
ἐξουσίαν] Authority over unclean spirits. The following ὥστε is epexegetical:
so that they would castthem out. But καὶ θεραπεύειν, etc., is not dependent on
ὥστε also, but on ἐξουσίαν(1 Corinthians 9:5). Powerwas given to them both

to cure demoniacs and to heal those who suffered from natural disease as well;
comp. Matthew 10:8. The manner of imparting this power, whether through a
laying on of hands, or breathing on them (John 20:22)through a symbolic act
(de Wette), or by communicating to them certain sacredwords or signs, or by
certain movements of the hands (Ewald), or even by magnetic influences
(Weisse), orby the mere effectualword of the Lord (which is more likely,
since nothing is specified), is not stated.
On the genitive, comp. Mark 6:7; John 18:2; Sirach 10:4.
Copyright Statement
Bibliography
Meyer, Heinrich. "Commentary on Matthew 10:1". Heinrich Meyer's Critical
and ExegeticalCommentaryon the New Testament.
https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/hmc/matthew-10.html. 1832.
Johann Albrecht Bengel's Gnomonof the New Testament
Matthew 10:1. καὶ, and) This is clearlyconnectedwith the end of ch. 9, as the
repeatedmention of sheep indicates. He sends, before He is greatly entreated
to do so.— προσκαλεσάμενος,having calledto Him) solemnly.(441)All did not
hear and see all things together.— τοὺς δώδεκα μαθητὰς, the twelve
disciples)(442)In the following verse they are calledthe twelve apostles.
Matthew the apostle calls them apostles once,sc. in the present passage, where
they are first sent forth; St Mark does so once (Matthew 6:30), and that when

they just returned from that mission; John, the apostle, never does so;for in
ch. Matthew 13:16 he uses the word in its general, not its particular meaning;
St Luke does so in his Gospelparticularly, but only on occasions,and those
the same as Matthew and Mark, or subsequently, for other weighty reasons:
see Luke 6:13; Luke 9:10; Luke 11:49; Luke 17:5; Luke 22:14; Luke 24:10.
For they were, during the whole of the period which the Gospels embrace,
disciples, i.e. scholars, and are therefore so called. But, after the advent of the
Paraclete,in the Acts and Epistles they are never called disciples, but apostles.
In the Acts, those only are called disciples, who had either learnt with the
apostles, orwere then learning from the apostles, andwere apostolic men, and
the seedof all Christian posterity; see Acts 6:1; Acts 21:16. After which last
passagethe word disciple does not occuragain in the New Testament:but
they are called brethren, Christians, believers (fideles), saints, etc.— ἔδωκεν,
κ. τ. λ., He gave, etc.)The apostles made gradual progress. Great is the
authority of conferring authority.(443)— αὐτοῖς, to them) The disciples, when
in the Lord’s presence, were employed in miracles only to a certain extent, as
in ch. Matthew 14:19 and Matthew 17:27;but they did not themselves
perform miracles (see ch. Matthew 17:18), unless when sent forth by Christ
(see Luke 10:17), or after the departure of Christ; see John 14:12.—
πνευμάτων, of spirits) i.e. againstspirits.— ἀκαθάρτων, unclean)A frequent
epithet: sometimes they are calledπνευμάτα πονηρὰ, evil spirits.—
θεραπεύειν, to heal) sc. in His name: see ch. Matthew 9:35.
Copyright Statement
Bibliography
Bengel, JohannAlbrecht. "Commentary on Matthew 10:1". Johann Albrecht
Bengel's Gnomonof the New Testament.
https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/jab/matthew-10.html. 1897.

Matthew Poole's EnglishAnnotations on the Holy Bible
MATTHEW CHAPTER 10
Matthew 10:1-4 Christ sendeth out his twelve apostles with powerto do
miracles.
Matthew 10:5-15 He instructs them,
Matthew 10:16-39 and forewarning them of persecutions, suggests
motives of comfort and constancy.
Matthew 10:40-42 He promiseth a blessing to those who should receive them.
Mark saith, Mark 3:14,15, And he ordained twelve, that they should be with
him, and that he might send them forth to preach, and to have powerto heal
sicknesses, andto castout devils. Luke repeats almostthe same words, Luke
9:1,2; only he saith he gave them powerand authority over devils, —and to
preach the kingdom of God. This was the first mission which the apostles had,
much different from that given them after his resurrection; they were now
sent only to the lostsheep of the house of Israel, then they were sent to all
nations. They were not called disciples as that term signified only the common

hearers of Christ, but in a more emphatic sense. He choosethout twelve, that
as the twelve patriarchs begatthe Jewishchurch, so these twelve men might
be the fathers to all the gospelchurch. The number of twelve seems a sacred
number. The new Jerusalem, Revelation21:12, is described as having twelve
gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and to have written (on the gates)the
names of the twelve tribes; and, Revelation21:14, the wall of the city is said to
have had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles;
the dimensions of it twelve thousand furlongs, Revelation21:16.
The powerhe gave to the apostles was:
1. To preach the kingdom, that is, the gospel, which as it showeththe way to
the kingdom of glory, so it was the means to gather the Christian church,
which is the kingdom of grace, andto subdue men’s hearts to the obedience of
Christ.
2. To castout devils, and heal all manner of sicknesses.Bywhich they gained
repute amoungstpeople, confirming people that they were sent of God, doing
(though not as Christ did them) things which none but God could do, by a
derivation of powerfrom him: Christ did the same things, but by a power
inherent in himself.
These twelve were ordinarily to be with Christ, and to go forth (as occasion
served) clothed with his powerto preachand to work miracles.
Copyright Statement

Bibliography
Poole, Matthew, "Commentaryon Matthew 10:1". Matthew Poole's English
Annotations on the Holy Bible.
https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/mpc/matthew-10.html. 1685.
Justin Edwards' Family Bible New Testament
Power;the casting out of unclean spirits is here distinguished as something
distinct from the healing of any kind of disease. Christhas such infinite
fulness, that he cancommunicate to his ministers and disciples all the gifts
and qualifications which they need.
Copyright Statement
Bibliography
Edwards, Justin. "Commentary on Matthew 10:1". "Family Bible New
Testament". https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/fam/matthew-
10.html. American TractSociety. 1851.
Cambridge Greek Testamentfor Schools andColleges

1. τοὺς δώδεκα μαθητάς.The first passagesin St Mark and St Luke record
the choice orcalling of the Twelve, this chapter and Mark 6 and Luke 9
narrate the mission or α missionof the disciples. Possiblythey were sent forth
more than once. The number twelve was doubtless in reference to the twelve
tribes of Israel, which, as the type of the Christian Church, survive unbroken
and undispersed.
νόσον … μαλακίαν. Seenote ch. Matthew 4:23, and Matthew 9:35.
Copyright Statement
Bibliography
"Commentary on Matthew 10:1". "Cambridge Greek TestamentforSchools
and Colleges".https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/cgt/matthew-
10.html. 1896.
Whedon's Commentary on the Bible
§ 57. — THE TWELVE INSTRUCTED,AND SENT ON A TRIAL
MISSION.
Twelve — Why was the number twelve selected?Doubtless in allusion to the
twelve tribes of Israel. In Matthew 19:28, Jesus says to his twelve disciples:
“Ye shall sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” By this
sacrednumber our Lord intimated to the Jewishnation that he, the heir of

David, and God’s Messiahor Anointed One, was king of Israel, and these his
tribal judges or viceroys.
Copyright Statement
Bibliography
Whedon, Daniel. "Commentary on Matthew 10:1". "Whedon's Commentary
on the Bible". https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/whe/matthew-
10.html. 1874-1909.
PeterPett's Commentary on the Bible
‘And he called to him his twelve disciples, and gave them authority over
unclean spirits, to castthem out, and to heal all manner of disease andall
manner of sickness.’
It is apparent that the twelve had already been appointed by this stage. This
was a sign of the future that Jesus saw as ahead. Unlike the other prophets He
would not just come and go, to be replacedby another. Some of the prophets
did establishgroups of disciples (e.g. 1 Kings 20:35; 2 Kings 2:3; 2 Kings 2:5;
2 Kings 2:7; 2 Kings 2:15; 2 Kings 4:38; 2 Kings 6:1; Isaiah 8:16), but there is
no thought of their sending them out on a permanent mission which was to
continue to expand. They would establish the teaching of their masters. But
they would not propagate his name. In contrastJesus was the fountainhead
from which all would flow. It was His Name that they were to take out
(Matthew 5:11; Matthew 7:22).

Nor did any prophet pass on authority and powerlike this. Moses spirit came
on the seventy while he still lived (Numbers 11:17;Numbers 11:25), and on
Joshua at Moses’death(Deuteronomy 34:9), Elijah’s spirit came on Elisha at
Elijah’s death (2 Kings 2:10-11;2 Kings 2:15), but in no case was it of their
own doing, and God’s control over the situation was made quite clearin all
cases. Here, howeverJesus took it upon Himself. He was His own divine
authority. And He sent them out in His Name, and dispensedHis own divine
power.
He gave them authority to castout ‘unclean spirits’ and to heal sickness and
disease. This was a specific imparting of power, not just of wisdom. His power
was to be channelled through them as He workedthrough them at a distance.
They would thus be fully representing Jesus in authority and power. And
theirs would now be the privilege of bringing about the healings on behalf of
those for whom He was to suffer (Matthew 8:17). And as Matthew 4:23;
Matthew 9:35; Matthew 10:7 make clearthis was all connectedwith the
proclamation of the Good News ofthe Kingly Rule of Heaven. By this His rule
was now being manifested on earth, and would be in time to all nations
(Matthew 24:14; see Psalms 22:28)and that had to include the expulsion of all
that was unclean, especiallyunclean spirits, and also the restorationof
wellbeing and wholeness among men. This would demonstrate that the Kingly
Rule of Heaven was here! They had to go out and proclaim, “Your God
reigns” (Isaiah52:7; compare Psalms 22:28;Psalms 103:19 - especiallyin
LXX) and call men in submission to Him. Contrary to what most
commentators say, Isaiah52:11-12 probably has this situation in mind (see
our commentary on Isaiah). They would go out from Jerusalem(Isaiah 2:1-4)
bearing ‘the vessels ofthe Lord’, that is the holy things of God.
‘Unclean spirits’. Usually elsewhere in Matthew this is ‘demons’, but compare
Matthew 12:43. This description is found ten times in Mark, five times in
Luke and twice in Acts. It contrasts these demons with the Holy Spirit, and

possibly with God’s ‘ministering spirits’, the goodangels. As ‘unclean’ they
have no accessto God. It may also be an indication of their sinfulness, which is
what in fact would prevent their accessto God.
Copyright Statement
Bibliography
Pett, Peter. "Commentary on Matthew 10:1". "PeterPett's Commentary on
the Bible ". https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/pet/matthew-
10.html. 2013.
Expository Notes ofDr. Thomas Constable
This is Matthew"s first reference to Jesus" 12disciples, thoughhere He
implied their previous identity as a group. He "summoned" (Gr. proskaleo)
these men as a king commands His subjects. He who had all authority now
delegatedsome of it to this selectgroupof disciples. Perhaps Jesus
chose12close disciples because Israelconsistedof12tribes.
"As soonas he [Jesus]remarked that number, every Jew of any spiritual
penetration must have scented"a Messianic programme."" [Note:Hunter,
The Message. . ., p62.]

If Israelhad acceptedJesus, these12disciplesprobably would have become
Israel"s leaders in the messianic kingdom. As it turned out, they became
leaders of the church.
Until now, there is no evidence that Jesus" disciples couldcastout demons
and heal the sick. This was new power He delegatedto them for the mission
on which He would shortly send them. This ability is a cleardemonstration of
Jesus" unique greatness.
"This was without a precedentin Jewishhistory. Noteven Moses orElijah
had given miraculous powers to their disciples. Elijah had been allowedto
transmit his powers to Elisha, but only when he himself was removed from the
earth." [Note: Plummer, p147.]
Copyright Statement
Bibliography
Constable, Thomas. DD. "Commentaryon Matthew 10:1". "ExpositoryNotes
of Dr. Thomas Constable".
https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/dcc/matthew-10.html. 2012.
Schaff's Popular Commentary on the New Testament
Matthew 10:1. And he calledunto him his twelve disciples. There is here an
indication that they had been previously chosen. They are now sent out as

‘laborers.’Henceforwardthey are ‘Apostles’ (Matthew 10:2), with a definite
mission; first to heal, as Christ did, by the authority He gave them, so as to
attestthe truth of the messagethey bore respecting Christ and His teachings.
The number twelve (3×4) has been considereda symbol of the Trinity (3)
indwelling in the world (4). See Lange’s Com. Matthew, p. 183.
Copyright Statement
Bibliography
Schaff, Philip. "Commentary on Matthew 10:1". "Schaff's Popular
Commentary on the New Testament".
https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/scn/matthew-10.html. 1879-
90.
The Expositor's Greek Testament
Matthew 10:1. προσκαλεσάμενος:this does not refer to the call to become
disciples, but to a callto men already disciples to enter on a specialmission.—
τοὺς δώδεκα, the Twelve. The article implies that a body of intimate disciples,
twelve in number, already existed. The evangelistprobably had Mark 3:14 in
view. He may also reflectin his language the feeling of the apostolic age to
which the Twelve were familiar and famous. Hitherto we have made the
acquaintance of five of the number (Matthew 4:18-22, Matthew 9:9). Their
calls are speciallyreported to illustrate how the body of twelve grew.—
ἐξουσίαν, authority, not to preach, as we might have expected, but to heal. The
prominence given to healing in this mission may surprise and disappoint, and
even tempt to entertain the suspicion that the exalted ideas concerning the

Twelve of after years have been read into the narrative. This elementis
certainly leastprominent in Mark. Yet to some extent it must have had a place
in the mission. The people in Galilee had all heard of Jesus and His work, and
it was no use sending the Twelve unless they could carry with them something
of His power.— πνευμάτωνα., genitive objective, as in John 17:3, Romans
9:21. ὥστε ἐκ … καὶ θεραπεύειν, dependent also on ἐξουσίαν(cf. 1
Corinthians 9:5), ὥστε with infinitive indicating tendency of the power, πᾶσαν
νόσον, etc., echo of Matthew 4:23.
Copyright Statement
Bibliography
Nicol, W. Robertson, M.A., L.L.D. "Commentary on Matthew 10:1". The
Expositor's Greek Testament.
https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/egt/matthew-10.html. 1897-
1910.
JosephBenson's Commentaryof the Old and New Testaments
Matthew 10:1. And when he had calledhis twelve disciples — From the
evangelist’s naming them the twelve, it appears that he consideredthem as
electedbefore this, though he has given no accountof it in his gospel. The
number seems to have relationto the twelve patriarchs and the twelve tribes
of Israel. He gave them poweragainstunclean spirits — Evil spirits are called
unclean, because theyare wicked, and delight in wickedness;which is the only
pollution of a spiritual being. And to heal all manner of sickness, &c. — By
this powerof working miracles the apostles, thoughmen of low degree and

illiterate, were enabled to draw the attention of their countrymen, and to gain
credit to the before unheard-of doctrine which they were to preach; and by
our Lord’s giving them this powerhe gave a striking proof of his Deity, for
who but Godcan communicate any such power to man?
Copyright Statement
Bibliography
Benson, Joseph. "Commentaryon Matthew 10:1". JosephBenson's
Commentary. https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/rbc/matthew-
10.html. 1857.
George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary
this time the 12 were calleddisciples, and not apostles. Butnow he selects
these from the disciples, and makes them, as it were, masters and interpreters
of the ways of God to man. He sent afterwards 72 other disciples, (Luke x. 1,)
but these 12 only to the whole world. (Haydock) --- His twelve, &c. Christ
chose 12 apostles, thatthey might correspondto the number of the Jewish
patriarchs, by whom they may be said to have been prefigured; and that as
the whole Jewishpeople were descendedaccording to the flesh from the 12
patriarchs, so the whole Christian people might be descendedaccording to the
spirit from the 12 apostles. (Menochius) --- Others say he chose 12, neither
more nor less, to correspondwith the 12 prophets of the old law, with the 12
fountains in Elim; and the 12 stones selectedfrom the river Jordan, and
preservedin the ark of the testament. Others compare the 12 apostles to the

12 months of the year, and the four evangelists to the four seasons:thus
Sedulius, lib. i. carm. Quatuar hi proceres una te voce canentes,
Tempora ceu totidem latum sparguntur in orbem.
Sic et apostolicisemperduodenus honoris
Fulgetapex numero menses imitatus, et horas,
Omnibus ut rebus semper tibi militet annus.
Copyright Statement
Bibliography
Haydock, George Leo. "Commentaryon Matthew 10:1". "GeorgeHaydock's
Catholic Bible Commentary".
https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/hcc/matthew-10.html. 1859.
Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Unabridged
And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power
againstunclean spirits, to castAnd when he had calledunto him his twelve

disciples, he gave them power againstuncleanspirits, to castthem out, and to
heal all manner of sickness andall manner of disease.
The lastthree verses ofMatthew 9:1-38 form the proper introduction to the
Missionof the Twelve;as is evident from the remarkable fact that the Mission
of the Seventy was prefacedby the very same words. (See the note at Luke
10:2.)
And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power, [
exousian(Greek #1849)]. The wordsignifies both 'power,' and 'authority' or
'right.' Even if it were not evident that here both ideas are included, we find
both words expressly used in the parallelpassage ofLuke (Luke 9:1) - "He
gave them power and authority" [ dunamin (Greek #1411)kai(Greek #2532)
exousian(Greek #1849)] - in other words, He both qualified and authorized
them --
Against (or 'over') unclean spirits, to castthem out, and to heal all manner of
sickness, andall manner of disease.
Copyright Statement
Bibliography
Jamieson, Robert, D.D.;Fausset,A. R.; Brown, David. "Commentary on
Matthew 10:1". "Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible -
Unabridged". https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/jfu/matthew-
10.html. 1871-8.

The Bible Study New Testament
Jesus calledhis twelve disciples. This must be tied to the last three verses of
chapter 9. The twelve disciples had already been calledand had been with
Jesus for some time. Now he sends them on a mission, as apostles. And gave
them authority. To carry out the same mission of mercy and love which Jesus
had been doing. "Benevolence"is apart of the gospel(see James 1:27;James
2:14-17;etc.).
Copyright Statement
Bibliography
Ice, Rhoderick D. "Commentary on Matthew 10:1". "The Bible Study New
Testament". https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/ice/matthew-
10.html. College Press, Joplin, MO. 1974.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
X.
(1) What is describedhere is not the choice, but the mission of the Twelve.
That selectionhad been made before (Luke 6:13), and the number at once
suggestedthe thought that they representedthe twelve tribes of Israel
(Matthew 19:28), and were as such to be His messengersto the whole people
of the dispersion. The name Apostle (which He had given them before—Luke

6:13) signified literally “one who is sent;” but it had acquired in classical
Greek a more specific meaning, as the “ambassador,”or“envoy,” of a state.
According to our Lord’s teaching they were sent by Him, even as ‘He had
been sent by the Father(John 20:21).
All manner of sickness.—SeeNote onMatthew 9:35. The repetition of the
same words emphasises the delegationof authority.
Copyright Statement
Bibliography
Ellicott, Charles John. "Commentary on Matthew 10:1". "Ellicott's
Commentary for English Readers".
https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/ebc/matthew-10.html. 1905.
Treasuryof Scripture Knowledge
And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power
called
19:28;26:20,47;Mark 3:13,14;6:7-13; Luke 6:13; John 6:70; Revelation12:1;
Revelation21:12-14
he gave

6:13; 28:18,19;Mark 3:15; 16:17,18;Luke 9:1-6; 10:19;21:15; 24:49;John
3:27,35;17:2; 20:21-23;Acts 1:8; 3:15,16;19:15
against
or, over.
Copyright Statement
Bibliography
Torrey, R. A. "Commentary on Matthew 10:1". "The Treasuryof Scripture
Knowledge". https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/tsk/matthew-
10.html.
E.M. Zerr's Commentary on SelectedBooksofthe New Testament
His twelve disoiples. Jesus had many disciples, but he selectedtwelve out of
the group to be his apostles. In Mark 3:14 it is stated that these men were
designatedas the ones who should "be with him." This was to be one of the
qualifications required of the originalapostles. (See Acts 1:21-22 ) These men
were to be "laborers" sentforth into the harvest as was askedby the Lord in
the preceding chapter. Since they were to be separatedat leastat short
intervals from him, they would need to be qualified to back up their work by
miracles of various kinds. Poweris from EXOUSIA which also means
"authority." With the appointment that Jesus made they were given the right
and ability to execute the mission

PRECEPT AUSTIN RESOURCES
BRUCE HURT MD
out, and to heal every kind of disease andevery kind of sickness.
Jesus summoned : Mt 19:28 26:20,47 Mk 3:13-14 Mk 6:7-13 Lu 6:13 Joh 6:70
Rev 12:1 Rev21:12-14
gave them authority: Mt 6:13 28:18,19 Mk 3:15 16:17,18 Lu 9:1-6 10:19 21:15
24:49 Joh 3:27,35 17:2 20:21-23 Ac 1:8 3:15,16 19:15
TWELVE CALLED AND
EMPOWERED
RelatedPassages:
Mark 3:13-14+ And He went up on the mountain and summoned those whom
He Himself wanted, and they came to Him. 14 And He appointed twelve, so
that they would be with Him and that He could send them out to preach,
Mark 6:7-13+ And He summoned the twelve and began to send them out in
pairs, and gave them authority over the uncleanspirits; 8 and He instructed
them that they should take nothing for their journey, except a mere staff–no
bread, no bag, no money in their belt– 9but to wearsandals; and He added,
“Do not put on two tunics.” 10 And He said to them, “Whereveryou enter a
house, stay there until you leave town. 11 “Any place that does not receive you

or listen to you, as you go out from there, shake the dust off the soles ofyour
feet for a testimony againstthem.” 12 They went out and preached that men
should repent. 13 And they were casting out many demons and were anointing
with oil many sick people and healing them.
Luke 6:13+ And when day came, He calledHis disciples to Him and chose
twelve of them, whom He also named as apostles:
Joh 6:70 Jesus answeredthem, “Did I Myself not choose you, the twelve, and
yet one of you is a devil?”
Jesus summoned His twelve disciples - Mark adds that "He summoned the
twelve and began to send them out in pairs." (Mk 6:7+).
Guzik points out that "The main feature of this list is its diversity. Jesus chose
His disciples from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences. About all
they had in common was it seems that none of them were privileged or from
backgrounds of high status. This is very much in the spirit of 1 Corinthians
1:26–29."
Disciples (3101)(mathetesfrom manthano = to learn which Vine says is "from
a root math, indicating thought accompaniedby endeavor". Gives us our
English = "mathematics")describes a personwho learns from another by
instruction, whether formal or informal. Discipleshipincludes the idea of one
who intentionally learns by inquiry and observation(cf inductive Bible study)
and thus mathetes is more than a mere pupil. A mathetes describes an
adherent of a teacher.

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