A.T. Robertson Commentary Matthew 10

His twelve disciples (τους δωδεκα μαθητας αυτου). First mention of the group of "learners" by Matthew and assumed as already in existence (note the article) as they were . They were chosen before the Sermon on the Mount was delivered, but Matthew did not mention it in connection with that sermon.

Gave them authority (εδωκεν αυτοις εξουσιαν). "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 say that Matthew knows only the charge to heal the sick, important as that is. The physical distress was great, but the spiritual even greater. Power is more likely the idea of εξουσια here. This healing ministry attracted attention and did a vast deal of good. Today we have hospitals and skilled physicians and nurses, but we should not deny the power of God to bless all these agencies and to cure disease as he wills. Jesus is still the master of 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.

The names of the twelve apostles (των δωδεκα αποστολων τα ονοματα). This is the official name (missionaries) used here by Matthew for the first time. The names are given here, but Matthew does not say that they were chosen at this time. Mark and Luke (Luke 6:12–16) state that Jesus "chose" them, "appointed" them after a night of prayer in the mountain and came down with them and then delivered the Sermon (Luke 6:17). Simon heads the list (πρωτος) in all four lists including Ac 1:13f. He came to be first and foremost at the great Pentecost (Acts 2 and Ac 3). The apostles disputed a number of times as to which was greatest. Judas Iscariot comes last each time save that he is absent in Acts, being already dead. Matthew calls him the betrayer (ο παραδιδους). Iscariot is usually explained as "man of Kerioth" down near Edom (Joshua 15:25). Philip comes fifth and James the son of Alphaeus the ninth. Bartholomew is the name for Nathanael. Thaddaeus is Judas the brother of James. Simon Zelotes is also called Simon the Canaanean (Zealous, Hebrew word). This is apparently their first preaching and healing tour without Jesus. He sends them forth by twos . Matthew names them in pairs, probably as they were sent out.

These twelve Jesus sent forth (τουτους τους δωδεκα απεστειλεν ο Ιησους). The word "sent forth" (απεστειλεν) is the same root as "apostles." The same word reappears in 10:16.

Way of the Gentiles (οδον εθνων). Objective genitive, way leading to the Gentiles. This prohibition against going among the Gentiles and the Samaritans was for this special tour. They were to give the Jews the first opportunity and not to prejudice the cause at this stage. Later Jesus will order them to go and disciple all the Gentiles (Matthew 28:19).

The lost sheep (τα προβατα τα απολωλοτα). The sheep, the lost ones. Mentioned here first by Matthew. Jesus uses it not in blame, but in pity (Bruce). Bengel notes that Jesus says "lost" more frequently than "led astray." "If the Jewish nation could be brought to repentance the new age would dawn" (McNeile).

As ye go, preach (πορευομενο κηρυσσετε). Present participle and present imperative. They were itinerant preachers on a "preaching tour," heralds (κηρυκες) proclaiming good news. The summary message is the same as that of the Baptist (3:2) that first startled the country, "the kingdom of heaven has drawn nigh." He echoed it up and down the Jordan Valley. They are to shake Galilee with it as Jesus had done (4:17). That same amazing message is needed today. But "the apprentice apostles" (Bruce) could tell not a little about the King of the Kingdom who was with them.