V1-4    The Lord sends out the Twelve, answering His own prayer (9.37-38); the Great Commission can be fulfilled, and through prayer the shortage of workers can be overcome.

            As in Mark 3.14, the Twelve are selected from a larger group. They are paired off, so they don’t work alone. They receive power from Christ (compare 9.35), but such power cannot be passed from man to man (Acts 8.19).

V5-8    The Twelve are sent to Jews (contrast Luke 9.1-2), reflecting Matthew’s Jewish emphasis. Yet there are many “lost sheep” in Israel; 8.12; 9.36; Rom 9.6. We find that the unreached and the unsaved are closer than we think. The Jews are offered the gospel first; Acts 13.5, 14; 14.1; 17.2, 10; 18.4; Rom 1.16; 2.10; 11.12. The message brings preaching and then healing; 4.23; 9.35.

            Commissioned by Jesus, just as the fishermen are commanded to let down their nets; Luke 5.4-6; John 21.6.

V9-10 The frugal lifestyle; luxury is certainly not consistent with their calling; see 11.8.

V11-12            Depending on the kindness of others, see 1 Cor 9.1-18; it seems few are “worthy.”

V13-14            The ministry of authority; such is the power given to the Twelve.

V15     The Lord will honour their message; if there is not salvation, there will be judgment; as far as the lost sheep of Israel are concerned, this is a day of decision.

V16-26            The cost of discipleship; we must take the Christian life seriously; and persecution is one indication of the life of obedience.

V16     Sheep in the midst of wolves, Ps 22.12; we share Christ’s experience of suffering.

V17-18            Opposition comes through men, 2 Sam 24.14, “Do not let me fall into the hand of man.” Jesus refers to councils and synagogues, and the cities of Israel (v23). He also speaks of a testimony to Gentiles.

V19-20            In the situation of trial and persecution, we must trust in God to give us words to speak. The words here are sometimes taken out of context. Doubtless the Spirit of the Father speaks through us in many circumstances, but the context here is of persecution for Christ’s sake.

V21            Opposition even within a family unit; see v35-37; Mark 13.12. This is striking in a culture where a family is a powerful unity, and generally believed together; John 4.53; Acts 10.24; 16.15; 16.31-34.

V22            Universal opposition, see 24.9; there is the opportunity to endure, 24.13. The conditions described here will recur before Christ returns for the Jews.

V23     The persecuted servant is not always to remain in the place of suffering; here is permission to flee to another place, bringing testimony there too, with preaching and healing.

V24-25            The expectation is that we will be mistreated simply because we are followers of Jesus; we should beware of men, but not fear them. Jesus describes His followers as members of His household.

V26-31            Have confidence in God and in His faithfulness, for all power belongs to the Father. Jesus’ use of the name “Father” indicates His power working with love. Yet, the very life to which we are called brings persecutions, for men can “kill the body,” but cannot steal the soul.

V32-39            It is in this context this Christ brings His challenge to personal commitment. It is through our total loyalty to Him that we declare that we are truly on His side.

            From v27, there is the responsibility of proclamation; in Acts 3.16, the responsibility to proclaim the gospel of Christ.

            Fearlessness and trust, v28-31; Acts 4.19-20, to carry on whatever men think.

            Testimony, acknowledging Jesus Christ before people; Acts 16.25, since God has spoken we cannot keep quiet.

            Conflict, even with those close to us; see Acts 17.5-8, where the early Christians experienced human antagonism.

            Self-denial; see Acts 11.29, even laying aside personal preferences and desires.

v40-42            There is a reward for those who obey the Lord’s call. And here is an encouragement to practical kindness, Acts 6.2-3; 11.29.

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