Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 10:9

"Get you no gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses;" — Matthew 10:9 (ASV)

The imperative “Do not take along” (GK 3227) more likely means “Do not procure” (8:20; 22:28). Neither were they to provide their belt with money when they started out.

Matthew’s account forbids “procuring” even sandals or a walking stick . Presumably this account assumes that the disciples already have certain things (one cloak, sandals, a walking stick) and forbids them from “procuring” anything more. The disciples needed to learn the principle that “the worker is worth his keep” (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:14; 1 Timothy 5:17–18) and to shun luxury while learning to rely on God’s providence through the hospitality of those who would take them in overnight, thus obviating the need for a second cloak.