Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 10:9-10

"Get you no gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses; no wallet for [your] journey, neither two coats, nor shoes, nor staff: for the laborer is worthy of his food." — Matthew 10:9-10 (ASV)

Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.

They were to "quarter on the enemy," as we say. Wherever they went, they would be furnished with food, clothing, and shelter, if they faithfully executed the commission with which their Master had entrusted them.

They would not need to pay for food or lodging. The people would entertain them freely, and therefore they required no form of money, not even a copper coin. They did not need to carry a wallet, for meals would be generously offered to them by those whom they instructed and healed. They were not to load themselves with extra clothing, for if the weather should require it, the people would supply it. Even if their shoes wore out, their hearers would ensure they had shoes.

When a ministry is truly acceptable, the preacher will not be left to lack the absolute necessities of life. They did not even need to wait to find a staff, for if one was required and they set off without it, one would be given. Among a willing people, such a mission is not only possible, but it is also in the highest degree suitable.

It is only right and just that people should support with material provisions those who minister to them in spiritual matters, and it is right that plans should be adopted that place this duty upon them, as in this case. The preacher is to preach freely, but those who are benefited are also freely to provide food for him.

Such a mission as this is not, in any sense, a mission to non-Christian peoples. Its methods are suitable for this particular kind of mission, but they would not be possible among hostile tribes. In the case of work among opponents, our Lord’s command given under other circumstances is to be followed. See Luke 22:36: He that hath a purse, let him take it, etc. Different modes of procedure are to be adopted at different times. Oh, that some of our very spiritual brothers had a little common sense! We offer this prayer with very little hope.

Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.

The people at that time were favourably disposed to our Lord, and thus his apostles might expect treatment of a more generous kind than can be looked for in these times. Certain of these regulations were altered on a subsequent mission, when the people were less favourably disposed.