RSV ~ Matthew 10 Notes

Mt 10:1-11 | ISB Notes

The second major discourse in Matthew (see outline). Jesus selects twelve apostles and delivers a “missionary sermon” before sending them to the surrounding Galilean villages and charging them to preach that “the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (10:7; cf. 3:2; 4:17). Jesus confers on the apostles the same authority of healing and exorcism displayed during his early ministry (10:1, 8; cf. 4:23, 24; 9:35).

Mt 10:2 | ISB Notes

the twelve: Jesus chooses 12 patriarchs, like the 12 sons of Israel in the OT, to carry out his mission (Gen 35:2226). In doing so, he designates the Church as the restored Israel (cf. 19:28; Gal 6:16).

apostles: The Greek term apostolos means “one who is sent forth” (cf. 10:5) and invested with the authority of the sender (cf. 10:40).

See chart: The Twelve Apostles at Mk 3.

Mt 10:5 | ISB Notes

nowhere among the Gentiles: Jesus sends the apostles only to the Israelites of Galilee (10:6). This reflects the order and direction of salvation history. Since God adopted them as his “own possession” (Ex 19:5) and lavished them with privileges (Rom 9:4, 5), it was appropriate that they first hear the New Covenant gospel (cf. Acts 1:8; Rom 1:16). After Jesus’ Resurrection, the apostles are sent also to the Gentiles (28:1820; Mk 16:16; CCC 543). See note on Mt 4:12.

Mt 10:14 | ISB Notes

shake off the dust: Palestinian Jews shook dust from their sandals when leaving Gentile territory and reentering the Holy Land. It was a derogatory statement against the uncleanness of Gentiles as pagans. Jesus commands a similar gesture to signify judgment on those who reject the gospel (Lk 10:10-12; Acts 13:51).

Mt 10:23 | ISB Notes

before the Son of man: Jesus promised to come again within the generation of the living apostles (16:28; 24:34). As a prelude to his Second Coming, this initial “coming” refers to his visitation of destruction upon unfaithful Jerusalem in A.D. 70, an event that destroyed his enemies and vindicated his words of judgment (24:2). See note on Mt 24:1-25:46 and topical essay: Jesus the Son of Man at Lk 17.

Mt 10:25 | ISB Notes

Beelzebul: A Philistine god worshiped at Ekron (2 Kings 1:2-16). It translates something like “Prince Baal”, a well-known god of the Canaanites. Jews mockingly changed its meaning to “lord of flies” or “lord of dung”. In the Gospels, it refers to Satan, “the prince of demons” (9:34; 12:24-27; Mk 3:22; Lk 11:15).

Mt 10:28 | ISB Notes

do not fear: Human agents of persecution are not to be feared. Men can impose suffering and death on the body but cannot force spiritual death on the soul. Jesus uses this distinction between body and soul to contrast the relative value of earthly life with the absolute good of eternal life in heaven (CCC 363).

rather fear him: Since Satan deceives and tempts souls into sin, he should be feared and resisted as our worst enemy (Eph 6:11; Jas 4:7; 1 Pet 5:8-10). In view of the similar expression in Is 8:12-13, God should also be feared. He alone administers perfect justice and can send the faithless to eternal punishment (3:12; 25:41). A holy fear of God is thus necessary to avoid sin and its consequences (Ex 20:20; Phil 2:12).

Mt 10:38 | ISB Notes

take his cross: A striking image of the demands and consequences of discipleship. Jews needed no explanation of it, since the Romans utilized crucifixion as a torturous means of execution for many criminals during NT times. Jesus here assures us that faithfulness will entail self-denial, suffering, and possibly death. Before his Passion, the cross symbolized shame and rejection; afterward it symbolizes the glory of Christian martyrdom (CCC 1506). .

Mt 10:42 | ISB Notes

these little ones: i.e., the apostles. They must rely on the hospitality of others for daily necessities during their mission (11:9-11). Service rendered to them is service to Jesus himself (11:40; 25:34-36). Children are elsewhere used as examples in Jesus’ teaching on faith in 18:1-4 and 19:13-15.