Matthew 10:10
no bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus is teaching his disciples to fully surrender their reliance on earthly provisions and instead trust in God's care through those who would receive them. This instruction isn't about deprivation for its own sake, but a radical dependence that demonstrates their commission comes directly from God.
Jesus is sending out his disciples for the first time on a mission, instructing them to go only to the lost sheep of Israel. He commands them to take nothing for their journey, not even basic necessities like a money bag, extra clothes, or shoes, because they are to rely entirely on God’s provision and the hospitality of those they minister to. This radical dependence on God and openness to others is essential for the work they are about to do.
Understand the original words
ergates · Greek Noun
Refers to the one who works, particularly in the context of ministry or service for the kingdom. It implies that those dedicated to the work of the gospel are worthy of support.
Jesus' command to the disciples to travel light and rely on divine providence, rather than material provisions, highlights their immediate mission's urgency and their complete dependence on God's care.
c. 27-30 AD— this verse
Jesus commissions the Twelve Apostles
Jesus sends out his twelve disciples on a specific mission to preach the coming of the Kingdom of God and to perform miracles. He gives them instructions for their journey and ministry.
c. 1st century AD
Practices of itinerant teachers and prophets
In the ancient world, itinerant rabbis, prophets, and teachers often relied on the hospitality of those they ministered to for food and lodging, a practice also seen in early Christian ministry.
c. 1st century AD
The 'Didache' outlines ministry guidelines
Later documents like the 'Teaching of the Twelve Apostles' (Didache) echo these instructions, advising traveling ministers to accept hospitality for only one day, or at most three, and to take no money.
c. AD 50-60
Paul's instructions on ministerial support
Apostle Paul, in his letters, would later affirm the principle that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel, reinforcing the idea of community support for ministers.
barnesMatthew 10:10: "Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat."
Nor scrip - That is, knapsack. This was made of skin or coarse cloth, to carry provisions in. It was commonly hung around the neck. Neither two coats - See the notes at Matthew 5:40. Neither shoes - The original is the word commonly rendered sandals. See the notes at Matthew 3:11. Mark says, in recording this discourse, "but be shod with sandals." Between him and…
clarkeMatthew 10:10: "Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat."
Nor scrip for your journey - To carry provisions. This was called תורמיל tormil, by the rabbins; it was a leathern pouch hung about their necks, in which they put their victuals. This was properly, the shepherd's bag. Neither two coats, etc. - Nothing to encumber you. Nor yet staves - Ραβδον, a staff, as in the margin, but, instead of ραβδον, staff, which is the…
Jesus is teaching his disciples to fully surrender their reliance on earthly provisions and instead trust in God's care through those who would receive them. This instruction isn't about deprivation for its own sake, but a radical dependence that demonstrates their commission comes directly from God.
Jesus is sending out his disciples for the first time on a mission, instructing them to go only to the lost sheep of Israel. He commands them to take nothing for their journey, not even basic necessities like a money bag, extra clothes, or shoes, because they are to rely entirely on God’s provision and the hospitality of those they minister to. This radical dependence on God and openness to others is essential for the work they are about to do.
"no bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food." — Jesus is teaching his disciples to fully surrender their reliance on earthly provisions and instead trust in God's care through those who would receive them. This instruction isn't about deprivation…
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