And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus doesn't just send them out; He equips them for the task. The power He grants isn't just about demonstrating His might, but about removing the obstacles—spiritual and physical—that keep people from Him.
And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just prayed for more laborers to go into the harvest and now he's actively commissioning his chosen twelve disciples. He gives them a specific, supernatural authority to overcome demonic forces and heal all kinds of physical ailments, preparing them for their initial mission to the people of Israel. This event marks the beginning of their ministry as apostles, empowered to extend Jesus' own work.
Jesus didn't just ask his disciples to go; He commissioned them. What does it mean that He 'gave them authority'?
This verse marks a pivotal moment where Jesus formally sends out his closest followers. Notice the phrase, 'he gave them authority.' This isn't just permission; it's a delegation of divine power. Jesus, himself filled with God's authority, entrusts them with the ability to act in His name. This power is twofold:
This authority wasn't something they possessed inherently. It was a gift from Jesus, a clear sign that they were His representatives, carrying His power and His message.
Why 'twelve' disciples? This number isn't random – it points to something bigger happening in God's plan.
The choice of twelve disciples is deeply symbolic. This number immediately evokes the twelve tribes of Israel, the foundational groups of God's people in the Old Testament. By choosing twelve, Jesus is signaling a profound truth:
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This deliberate choice shows Jesus working with intention, linking His new movement to the ancient promises of God and signaling a renewal and expansion of His covenant people.
Understand the original words
mathētēs · Greek Noun
Refers to a pupil or learner who follows a teacher to learn their doctrine and way of life; in the New Testament, it denotes a committed follower of Jesus.
exousia · Greek Noun
The legal right, power, or authorization to act on behalf of another; in this context, it is the power granted by Jesus to exercise his own dominion over the spiritual and physical realms.
akathartos pneumata · Greek Adjective
Spiritual beings opposed to God who inhabit or influence people; they are recognized by their moral impurity and rebellion against the holiness of God.
This passage marks a crucial moment where Jesus delegates his authority, signifying a new phase of his ministry through his chosen emissaries and setting the stage for the expansion of his kingdom.
c. AD 27-29
Jesus Chooses the Twelve Disciples
Jesus selects twelve men from his followers to be his closest companions and to receive special training. This selection symbolically mirrors the twelve tribes of Israel.
c. AD 28— this verse
Jesus Commissions the Twelve for a Limited Mission
Jesus formally gives his chosen twelve disciples authority to heal and cast out demons, sending them out to preach to the people of Israel.
c. AD 29
Jesus' Ministry and Teaching Intensify
As Jesus' public ministry progresses, the disciples witness his miracles and learn directly from him, preparing them for their future roles.
c. AD 30
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus is crucified and then resurrected, events that validate his claims and empower his followers through the Holy Spirit.
c. AD 30-33
The Apostles Receive Authority to Preach to All Nations
After Jesus' resurrection and ascension, the apostles are commissioned again, this time with authority to spread the gospel to all nations.
This passage mirrors Matthew 10:1 by detailing Jesus sending out the same twelve disciples, specifically noting that he sent them out in pairs, highlighting the collaborative nature of their mission.
Luke 9:1Similar to Matthew's account, Luke records Jesus calling the twelve disciples together and giving them authority over demons and power to heal diseases, underscoring the dual nature of their commission: spiritual and physical healing.
Acts 1:8While Matthew 10 focuses on the initial authority given to the disciples, Acts 1:8 describes the greater power of the Holy Spirit they would receive later, which would empower them to be witnesses 'to the ends of the earth', expanding on the scope of their mission.
1 Corinthians 12:28Paul's description of the 'gifts' God has placed in the church, including 'gifts of healing' and 'working of miracles', echoes the authority Jesus delegated in Matthew 10, showing that this power was foundational for the early church.
Revelation 21:12-14The symbolic representation of the New Jerusalem having twelve gates with the names of the twelve tribes and twelve foundations with the names of the twelve apostles directly connects to the choice of twelve disciples in Matthew 10, highlighting their foundational role in God's eternal plan.
barnesMatthew 10:1: "And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease."
And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples ... - This account of sending the apostles forth is recorded also in Mark 6:7-11 , and Luke 9:1-6 . Mark says that he sent them out two and two. This was a kind arrangement, that each one might have a companion, and that thus they might visit more plac…
bensonMatthew 10:1: "And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease."
Matthew 10:1 . And when he had called his twelve disciples — From the evangelist’s naming them the twelve, it appears that he considered them as elected before this, though he has given no account of it in his gospel. The number seems to have relation to the twelve patriarchs and the twelve tribes of Isr…
Jesus doesn't just send them out; He equips them for the task. The power He grants isn't just about demonstrating His might, but about removing the obstacles—spiritual and physical—that keep people from Him.
Jesus has just prayed for more laborers to go into the harvest and now he's actively commissioning his chosen twelve disciples. He gives them a specific, supernatural authority to overcome demonic forces and heal all kinds of physical ailments, preparing them for their initial mission to the people of Israel. This event marks the beginning of their ministry as apostles, empowered to extend Jesus' own work.
Jesus has just prayed for more laborers to go into the harvest and now he's actively commissioning his chosen twelve disciples. He gives them a specific, supernatural authority to overcome demonic forces and heal all kinds of physical ailments, preparing them for their initial mission to the people of Israel. This event marks the beginning of their ministry as apostles, empowered to extend Jesus' own work.
"And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction." — Jesus doesn't just send them out; He equips them for the task. The power He grants isn't just about demonstrating His might, but about removing the obstacles—spiritual and physical—that keep people f…
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Last reviewed October 2026