Matthew 10:5-15

What does Matthew 10:5-15 mean?

This directive is more than just a geographical restriction; it's a strategic move. By limiting their first mission to the "lost sheep of Israel" and explicitly excluding Gentiles and Samaritans, Jesus prioritizes the Jewish people, the covenant people, ensuring the Gospel's initial offer doesn't become an immediate stumbling block to their acceptance of Him. This strategic focus also sets the stage for the eventual, wider commission to all nations.

These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts, no bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food. And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart. As you enter the house, greet it. And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town.

English Standard Version (ESV)

What Matthew 10:5-15 means

Jesus is sending out his twelve disciples for the first time on a special mission to share his message and perform miracles. He specifically instructs them to focus their efforts on the Jewish people ("the lost sheep of the house of Israel") and to avoid ministering to Gentiles and Samaritans, due to the deep-seated historical animosity and the divine plan for the gospel to reach Israel first. This limited commission sets the stage for their later, worldwide ministry after Jesus' resurrection.

Divine Timing and Divine Order

Why would Jesus send his disciples out with such a specific restriction, excluding entire groups of people?

In this initial mission, Jesus deliberately limited the disciples' scope: "Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans." This wasn't an oversight or a permanent exclusion. Instead, it reflects God's unfolding plan.

A Focus on Israel First

The primary reason for this limitation was to fulfill the divine order: "to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile" (Romans 1:16). Jesus, as the Messiah, was sent first to the 'lost sheep of the house of Israel.' The Jewish people had a unique covenant history with God, and the initial offer of the Kingdom needed to be presented to them in their homeland.

Preparing the Disciples

This restriction also served a crucial purpose for the disciples themselves. They were still learning, still developing their understanding of Jesus' mission and the scope of God's love. Being sent first to their own people allowed them to gain confidence and experience in ministry before being sent out to those they likely viewed with suspicion or animosity, like the Samaritans.

The Deep Well of Jewish-Samaritan Animosity

The exclusion of Samaritans wasn't just a geographical inconvenience; it touched a deep cultural and religious wound.

The command to avoid Samaritan towns was loaded with historical and social significance. The relationship between Jews and Samaritans was fractured by centuries of deep-seated hostility.

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What Matthew 10:5-15 means

The original words in Matthew 10:5-15

Gentilesἔθνος

ethnos · Greek Noun

All non-Jewish people; biblically, it refers to the nations of the world who were outside the covenant promises given to Israel prior to the gospel's expansion.

SamaritansΣαμαρείτης

Samareitēs · Greek Noun

A people group living in the region between Galilee and Judea who were viewed with hostility by many Jews due to their mixed ethnic heritage and divergent religious practices.

sheepπρόβατα

probaton · Greek Noun

Refers to the people of God, often highlighting their vulnerability, straying from God's guidance, and their need for a Shepherd. In the context of Israel, it highlights their covenantal status but also their spiritual wandering.

lostἀπόλλυμι

apollumi · Greek Adjective/Participle

Refers to the state of being spiritually ruined or astray from God. It describes the condition of humanity separated from God, needing divine intervention for restoration.

kingdom of heavenβασιλεία

basileia tou ouranou · Greek Noun

The sovereign reign and rule of God. It signifies the breaking in of God's redemptive power and authority into history, calling for repentance and submission.

at handἐγγίζω

engizo · Greek Verb/Adjective

A term denoting that an event or state is immediate, imminent, or has drawn very near. It indicates that the arrival of God's reign is no longer a distant future hope but a present reality.

Healθεραπεύω

therapeuo · Greek Verb

The exercise of divine power to restore health or wholeness to those suffering from physical or spiritual infirmity. It serves as a sign of the kingdom's arrival.

lepersλεπρός

lepros · Greek Noun/Adjective

Refers to a state of ritual impurity under the Old Testament law. Cleansing represented the restoration of the individual to the community of God's people and the removing of signs of judgment or decay.

demonsδαιμόνιον

daimonion · Greek Noun

Spiritual beings, opposed to God, who influence or possess individuals. Casting them out demonstrates the superior authority of the kingdom of God over the powers of darkness.

laborerἐργάτης

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.

worthyἄξιος

axios · Greek Adjective

Refers to moral character or fitness; in this context, those whose character aligns with the message of the kingdom and who show receptivity to the gospel.

peaceεἰρήνη

eirēnē · Greek Noun

The Hebrew concept of 'shalom' (peace) represents wholeness, well-being, harmony, and prosperity in a relational and spiritual sense. In the New Testament, it includes the peace with God brought through Christ.

receiveδέχομαι

dechomai · Greek Verb

The act of welcoming or accepting someone, especially an apostle or messenger; implies belief in their message and fellowship with the messenger.

shake off the dustτινάξατε τὸν κονιορτόν

tinaxate ton koniorton · Greek Verb/Noun phrase

A symbolic gesture of separation or judgment, signifying that those who reject the message of the kingdom are responsible for their own rejection and are no longer under the messenger's influence or ministry.

judgmentκρίσις

krisis · Greek Noun

The future event when God, specifically through Jesus Christ, evaluates the lives and actions of humanity, rendering justice based on their response to the gospel.

Sodom and GomorrahΣόδομα καὶ Γόμορρα

Sodoma kai Gomorra · Greek Proper Noun

Biblical cities in Genesis destroyed by God due to their extreme wickedness and sexual immorality; they serve as a standard reference in Scripture for severe divine judgment.