Notes and Jottings

(10:1) Jesus did not merely give supernatural ability but authorised His apostles to act as His official representatives.

(10:1) Unclean spirits refers to demons, fallen angels under Satan’s authority who oppress and possess people. The miracles authenticated the apostles as God’s appointed messengers (cf. Heb. 2:3–4). These miraculous signs confirmed the truthfulness of the kingdom message.

10:2 THE MEANING OF APOSTLE

The Greek word apostolos means “one sent forth” or “a messenger commissioned with authority.” It is used of the Lord Jesus Himself (Heb. 3:1), of the Twelve chosen during His earthly ministry, of Paul who was appointed by the risen Christ, of Barnabas who was set apart by the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:2; 14:14), and of Matthias, who was numbered with the Eleven after Judas’ betrayal (Acts 1:15–26).

The New Testament identifies several distinguishing marks of an apostle:

1. They were directly appointed by God. The Twelve were personally chosen by Christ, while Paul and Barnabas received their commission from the risen Lord and the Holy Spirit (Matt. 10:1–2; Luke 6:13; Acts 9:15; 13:2; Rom. 1:1).

2. They possessed miraculous sign-gifts. These miracles authenticated their divine commission and confirmed the truth of their message (Matt. 10:1; Acts 5:15–16; 16:16–18; 28:8–9; cf. 2 Cor. 12:12).

3. They proclaimed the kingdom to Israel. During Christ’s earthly ministry they were sent exclusively to the lost sheep of Israel, announcing that the kingdom of heaven was at hand and demonstrating its power through miracles (Matt. 10:5–8).

4. They were entrusted with unique authority. Christ committed to them the “keys of the kingdom,” giving them authority to proclaim the Gospel and declare the terms upon which sins are forgiven or retained (Matt. 16:19; 18:18; John 20:21–23).

5. They will reign in the future kingdom. The Twelve will sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel during Christ’s millennial reign (Matt. 19:28).

6. Their ministry expanded with the Church. Following Israel’s rejection of her King and the revelation of the mystery of the Church, the apostles were baptised with the Holy Ghost, became the foundation of the Church, and were commissioned to preach the Gospel of salvation to both Jew and Gentile (Acts 2:1–4; Eph. 2:20–22; 3:1–12).

7. They were eyewitnesses of the risen Christ. Apostolic authority rested upon personal testimony of Christ’s resurrection (Acts 1:22; 1 Cor. 9:1). Although Barnabas is not explicitly recorded as seeing the risen Lord, his designation as an apostle implies that he likewise met this qualification.

(10:5) The Samaritans descended from Israelites who had intermarried with Gentiles after the Assyrian captivity. They worshipped on Mount Gerizim and accepted only the Pentateuch as Scripture. Jews generally avoided them because of longstanding religious hostility.

(10:6) Lost sheep. A metaphor describing Israel’s spiritual condition. Though God’s covenant people, they had wandered from Him through unbelief and corrupt leadership.

(10:6) Jesus deliberately restricted this mission to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. This demonstrates God’s covenant faithfulness to Israel. The kingdom offer was first presented to the nation according to Old Testament prophecy (Isa. 9:6–7; Jer. 23:5–6). This limitation was temporary. Following Christ’s resurrection, the Great Commission extended the Gospel to all nations (Matt. 28:18–20).

(10:7) Matthew uniquely emphasises the expression kingdom of heaven, referring to God’s promised Messianic rule over the earth. It does not simply mean heaven itself but God’s royal authority manifested through His appointed King.

(10:7) The kingdom of heaven has come near. This was the identical message preached by John the Baptist (Matt. 3:2) and Jesus Himself (Matt. 4:17).

(10:8) The miraculous gifts were given freely by Christ. Freely you have received; freely give teaches that God’s servants should never commercialise spiritual ministry. Heal. To restore physical health completely. Cleanse. Especially used of ceremonial cleansing from leprosy. Raise the dead. An extraordinary miracle demonstrating Christ’s authority over death.

(10:14) Shake off the dust. A symbolic act declaring that those rejecting God’s message bore responsibility for their own unbelief.

(10:15) Sodom and Gomorrah. Ancient cities destroyed by God because of extreme wickedness (Gen. 19). Their judgment serves as an example of divine justice.

(10:16) Wise. Prudent, discerning, and careful.

(10:16) Innocent. Pure, harmless, and free from evil motives. Believers should combine spiritual wisdom with moral integrity.

(10:17) Councils. Local Jewish courts that judged religious matters.

(10:17) Synagogues. Jewish places of worship, instruction, and community life.

(10:22) Endures. To remain faithful under pressure.

(10:23) Son of Man. Christ’s favourite title for Himself, emphasising both His humanity and His Messianic authority from Daniel 7:13–14.

(10:23) Verse 23 has both an immediate and prophetic aspect. While applicable to the apostles’ ministry, its fullest fulfilment anticipates the Tribulation period when faithful Jewish witnesses will proclaim the kingdom before Christ’s return.

(10:25) Beelzebul. A title used for Satan, literally associated with the “lord of the flies.” Christ’s enemies falsely accused Him of performing miracles by Satan’s power.

(10:29) Sparrows. Among the least expensive birds sold in ancient markets, yet still under God’s care.

(10:30) Hairs of your head. A vivid illustration of God’s complete knowledge and providential care over His people.

(10:32) Confesses. To openly acknowledge Christ before others.

(10:33) Denies. To reject or disown publicly.

(10:34) Sword. A metaphor for division rather than physical violence.

10:34 PEACE

The Bible presents peace in several distinct but related ways:

1. Peace with God (Rom. 5:1) is the believer’s reconciliation with God through the finished work of Christ, received by faith (Eph. 2:14–17).

2. Peace from God (Rom. 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:3) is the divine blessing found in Paul’s salutations, reminding believers that all true peace has its source in God.

3. Peace of God (Phil. 4:7) is the inward calm granted to believers who bring every care to God in prayer with thanksgiving. It guards the heart and mind in Christ (Phil. 4:6–7).

4. Peace with others (Rom. 12:18; Heb. 12:14) is the practical pursuit of harmony and reconciliation, as far as it depends upon the believer.

5. The gospel of peace (Eph. 6:15) is the message that proclaims reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ and is to be carried to the world.

6. The God of peace (Rom. 15:33; 16:20; Heb. 13:20) is a divine title emphasizing that God is both the source and giver of true peace.

7. Peace on earth (Isa. 9:6–7; 11:1–9; Ps. 72:7) will be fully established during Christ’s millennial reign, when the Prince of Peace rules the nations in righteousness.

(10:38) Cross. Originally an instrument of execution. Here it symbolises complete surrender, self-denial, and willingness to suffer for Christ.

(10:39) Find his life. To gain eternal reward and true spiritual life.

(10:39) Loses his life. To surrender one’s earthly ambitions for Christ’s sake.

(10:41) Prophet’s reward. The blessing received by those who support God’s servants.

(10:42) Cup of cold water. Even the smallest act of kindness shown to Christ’s disciples is noticed and rewarded by God.