Matthew 10:7-8
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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The command isn't just to say the kingdom is near, but to "proclaim" it, like a herald announcing a king's arrival. This wasn't a casual announcement, but a charged declaration that the "reign" of heaven had drawn close, demanding immediate attention and response.
Jesus is sending out his twelve disciples on a specific, temporary mission. He's giving them authority to heal and cast out demons, instructing them to focus their initial outreach solely on the "lost sheep of Israel." This verse reveals the core message they are to proclaim as they travel: the arrival of God's reign is imminent.
Imagine a royal herald stepping into a crowded marketplace, clearing their throat and announcing something life-changing. This wasn't a casual chat; it was an urgent declaration.
Jesus didn't tell His disciples to 'mention' or 'hope' that the kingdom of heaven was coming. He commanded them to 'proclaim' (κηρύσσετε - kerussete). This Greek word paints a picture of a public herald, someone making a bold, authoritative announcement. This message wasn't a suggestion or a private revelation for a select few. It was a public declaration that demanded attention, meant to be heard by everyone they encountered. Think of Jonah's urgent warning to Nineveh – this was that kind of proclamation, but with even greater news!
What does it mean for a kingdom to be 'at hand'? It’s more than just being nearby; it signifies an immediate, present reality.
The phrase 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand' (ἤγγικεν -ēngiken) doesn't just mean it's coming someday. It signifies that it has drawn near, it is now present and accessible. While the full realization of God's reign would unfold later, Jesus was announcing that His presence and authority were already breaking into the world. This wasn't a distant hope but an immediate announcement that changed everything for those who heard it. It was an invitation to step into God's rule right then and there.
Understand the original words
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.
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.
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.
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.
This verse comes at the beginning of Jesus' ministry, when the disciples are sent out for a specific, short-term mission focused solely on the Jewish people. Their proclamation of the 'kingdom of heaven is at hand' was a preparatory announcement, a call to repentance in anticipation of the Messiah's full arrival and the establishment of His spiritual kingdom.
c. 27-30 AD— this verse
Jesus' Public Ministry Begins
Jesus begins his public ministry in Galilee, calling disciples and teaching about the coming Kingdom of Heaven. This event marks the start of the specific historical context for the disciples' mission.
c. 27-30 AD
Disciples Called and Commissioned
Jesus calls his twelve disciples, imparting to them authority and power to preach and perform miracles. This is the direct event leading to the proclamation mentioned in the verse.
c. 27-30 AD
Mission to 'Lost Sheep of Israel'
The disciples are specifically instructed to go only to the Jewish people, referred to as 'the lost sheep of the house of Israel.' This highlights the initial, localized scope of their preaching.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Ministry in Jerusalem
Jesus' ministry, including his teachings about the Kingdom of Heaven, reaches its climax in Jerusalem, leading to his crucifixion and resurrection.
This verse echoes John the Baptist's initial proclamation, establishing the continuity of Jesus' message and ministry from the very beginning.
Mark 1:15This passage presents a similar core message from Jesus himself, highlighting that the 'kingdom of God is at hand' was a central theme from the start of his public ministry.
Luke 9:2This verse shows the disciples receiving the same commission and message to proclaim, demonstrating that this announcement was a key part of their mission.
Isaiah 52:7This Old Testament passage speaks of a messenger announcing good news and the arrival of God's reign, offering a prophetic backdrop to Jesus' command.
Acts 1:8This verse shows the expansion of the disciples' mission after Jesus' resurrection, moving from the focused proclamation of 'the kingdom is at hand' to being witnesses 'to the end of the earth'.
barnesMatthew 10:7: "And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand."
The kingdom of heaven is at hand - Or, more literally, the "reign" of heaven, or of God, draws near. See the notes at Matthew 3:2 .
bensonMatthew 10:7: "And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand."
Matthew 10:7-8 . And as ye go, preach — Κηρυσσετε , proclaim, namely, with ardour and zeal, as becomes my heralds. The word is derived from κηρυξ , a herald. “Probably,” says Doddridge, “they were to make this proclamation with a loud voice, as they passed through the streets of the towns they went to, as Jonah delivered his message to Nineveh.” The kingdom of heaven is at hand — Ηγγικεν , hath approached. Publish e…
The command isn't just to say the kingdom is near, but to "proclaim" it, like a herald announcing a king's arrival. This wasn't a casual announcement, but a charged declaration that the "reign" of heaven had drawn close, demanding immediate attention and response.
Jesus is sending out his twelve disciples on a specific, temporary mission. He's giving them authority to heal and cast out demons, instructing them to focus their initial outreach solely on the "lost sheep of Israel." This verse reveals the core message they are to proclaim as they travel: the arrival of God's reign is imminent.
Jesus is sending out his twelve disciples on a specific, temporary mission. He's giving them authority to heal and cast out demons, instructing them to focus their initial outreach solely on the "lost sheep of Israel." This verse reveals the core message they are to proclaim as they travel: the arrival of God's reign is imminent.
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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.
c. 30 AD
The Resurrection and Great Commission
After Jesus' resurrection, he expands the mission to include all nations, a significant shift from the disciples' initial limited commission.
c. 33 AD
Pentecost and the Holy Spirit
The coming of the Holy Spirit empowers the apostles to preach the gospel more broadly, signifying the true inauguration of the Kingdom of Heaven's reign on earth.
"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." — The command isn't just to say the kingdom is near, but to "proclaim" it, like a herald announcing a king's arrival. This wasn't a casual announcement, but a charged declaration that the "reign" of…
