Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 10:1

"And he called unto him his twelve disciples, and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of disease and all manner of sickness." — Matthew 10:1 (ASV)

What is described here is not the choice, but the mission of the Twelve. That selection had been made before (Luke 6:13), and the number at once suggested the thought that they represented the twelve tribes of Israel (Matthew 19:28) and were, as such, to be His messengers to the whole people of the dispersion. The name Apostle, which He had given them before (Luke 6:13), literally signified “one who is sent.” However, it had acquired a more specific meaning in classical Greek 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 — See Note on Matthew 9:35. The repetition of the same words emphasizes the delegation of authority.