Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus wasn't just telling them to travel light; he was teaching them to rely completely on God's provision through the people they ministered to. The instruction to not "acquire" these metals, rather than just "carry" them, implies they shouldn't even plan or prepare for their own financial support, trusting entirely in divine providence for their needs. This radical dependence was a powerful witness in itself, demonstrating that their mission wasn't about human resources but about God's active involvement.
Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is sending out his disciples on their first mission to spread the Good News throughout Israel. He instructs them to travel light, carrying no extra money or provisions, emphasizing that they should rely entirely on God's provision and the hospitality of those they minister to. This immediate context highlights a radical dependence on divine providence, setting the stage for how they are to conduct themselves and what message their very posture conveys.
Jesus tells His disciples to carry no money for their journey – not gold, not silver, not even copper. What could this possibly mean for us today?
This command wasn't about poverty; it was about radical dependence. Jesus was sending His disciples out on a mission, and He wanted them to rely entirely on Him and the people He would lead them to.
The money wasn't just carried loosely; it was kept in their belts. What does this tell us about how they stored their valuables?
The mention of 'belts' (or girdles) is key here. In that ancient culture, belts weren't just for holding up pants; they often had hollow sections or folds where people would safely carry their money. It was their 'purse.'
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This command wasn't meant to be a permanent rule for all believers, but a specific instruction for the apostles' first mission, teaching them to trust God's provision and focus entirely on their urgent message.
Early 1st century AD— this verse
Jesus commissions the Twelve Apostles
Jesus sends out his twelve closest followers on a specific mission throughout Galilee to proclaim the kingdom of God. He gives them specific instructions on how to travel and minister.
Early 1st century AD
Disciples travel and preach
The apostles, following Jesus' instructions, travel from town to town, proclaiming the good news and performing miracles of healing. They rely on the hospitality of those they minister to for their needs.
Early 1st century AD
Some towns reject the message
Not all people and towns are receptive to the apostles' message. Some reject them outright, prompting the apostles to shake the dust from their feet as a testimony against them.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' earthly ministry concludes
Following Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, the apostles continue their ministry, now empowered by the Holy Spirit. The instructions for travel and provision may have been adapted for this broader mission.
This passage echoes Jesus' instruction not to carry money, but extends it to include not carrying a bag or extra sandals, emphasizing complete reliance on God's provision.
Mark 6:8Similar to Matthew's command, Mark's account also prohibits carrying money, but permits a single staff, highlighting the practical needs that could still be met while maintaining dependence on others.
1 Kings 17:13The story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath illustrates God's miraculous provision for those who trust Him, mirroring the disciples' reliance on the generosity of others when sent out with nothing.
1 Corinthians 9:14Paul asserts the principle that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel, reinforcing the idea behind Jesus' instruction that the disciples would be provided for by those who received their message.
Philippians 4:11-12Paul's later testimony about learning to be content in all circumstances, whether having plenty or going without, speaks to the deeper spiritual lesson of self-sufficiency in Christ, which this initial command to travel without resources would have begun to teach the disciples.
barnesMatthew 10:9: "Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,"
See also Mark 6:8-11 , and Luke 9:3-5 . In both these places the substance of this account is given, though not so particularly as in Matthew. The general subject is the instructions given to the apostles. Matthew 10:9 Provide neither gold nor silver, nor brass - This prohibition of gold, silver, and brass is designed to prevent their providing money for their journey. Pieces of money of "small value" were made of brass…
bensonMatthew 10:9: "Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,"
Matthew 10:9-10 . Provide neither gold — As if he said, Though I forbid you to take money for the miraculous cures which you shall perform, I do not mean that you should beforehand lay up money for your support during your journey. You are not even to provide the clothes and shoes which you may have occasion for before you return; because you shall be supplied with whatever you need by those to whom you preach the gospe…
Jesus wasn't just telling them to travel light; he was teaching them to rely completely on God's provision through the people they ministered to. The instruction to not "acquire" these metals, rather than just "carry" them, implies they shouldn't even plan or prepare for their own financial support, trusting entirely in divine providence for their needs. This radical dependence was a powerful witness in itself, demonstrating that their mission wasn't about human resources but about God's active involvement.
Jesus is sending out his disciples on their first mission to spread the Good News throughout Israel. He instructs them to travel light, carrying no extra money or provisions, emphasizing that they should rely entirely on God's provision and the hospitality of those they minister to. This immediate context highlights a radical dependence on divine providence, setting the stage for how they are to conduct themselves and what message their very posture conveys.
Jesus is sending out his disciples on their first mission to spread the Good News throughout Israel. He instructs them to travel light, carrying no extra money or provisions, emphasizing that they should rely entirely on God's provision and the hospitality of those they minister to. This immediate context highlights a radical dependence on divine providence, setting the stage for how they are to conduct themselves and what message their very posture conveys.
"Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts," — Jesus wasn't just telling them to travel light; he was teaching them to rely completely on God's provision through the people they ministered to. The instruction to not "acquire" these metals, rather…
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Last reviewed October 2026