Matthew 10:9
Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Matthew 10:9
Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Jesus’ instruction isn't just about not carrying extra money; it’s a radical call to immediate reliance on God’s provision through those they minister to. By forbidding them to "acquire" these metals, he’s demanding they trust that divine connections will be made for them, rather than planning ahead.
Jesus is instructing his disciples on how to embark on their first missionary journey. He tells them not to prepare by gathering money or extra supplies, emphasizing a radical reliance on God's provision through those who would welcome them. This immediate context highlights a call to complete trust and detachment from material security as they go out to share his message.
Imagine Jesus telling you to go on a vital mission, but with strict instructions: 'Don't pack any money, extra clothes, or even a lunch bag.' What would that feel like?
Jesus' command in Matthew 10:9 – 'Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts' – wasn't about poverty or asceticism for its own sake. It was a profound lesson in radical trust.
Unburdened for the Mission
This instruction was temporary for their specific mission, a unique season of training. It wasn't a permanent rule for all Christian ministry, but a powerful demonstration of faith in action.
What if your wallet wasn't a separate item, but literally woven into your clothing? That's the image Jesus paints, and it deepens the lesson of trust.
The phrase 'for your belts' (or girdles) carries a significant cultural and practical meaning that amplifies Jesus' command.
The Eastern Girdle
This command was for a specific, short-term mission, emphasizing immediate reliance on God and the generosity of others, rather than a permanent prohibition on carrying money for all disciples in all situations.
c. 27-30 AD— this verse
Jesus Commissions the Twelve Apostles
Jesus sends out his twelve closest followers on a specific mission throughout Galilee to preach the Kingdom of God and perform miracles. This instruction focuses on their immediate, short-term mission.
c. 27-30 AD
Jesus Instructs Disciples on Travel
Jesus gives specific directives for this mission, including what to take and what not to take, emphasizing reliance on God's provision and the hospitality of those they minister to.
c. 30 AD
The Apostles' First Missionary Journey
The twelve disciples, following Jesus' instructions, travel and preach, experiencing both acceptance and rejection, and learning to trust in God's providence for their needs.
c. 30-33 AD
Jesus' Later Teachings and Ministry
Jesus continues his ministry, with recorded instances of disciples carrying money and provisions, suggesting the specific instructions for the twelve's first mission were not a permanent rule for all times.
This passage directly parallels Matthew 10:9, showing that Jesus instructed his disciples to take nothing for their journey, emphasizing reliance on God's provision and the hospitality of others.
Mark 6:8Similar to Matthew 10:9, Mark's account also prohibits carrying money and extra provisions, reinforcing the theme of trusting divine providence and the immediate hospitality of those who receive the message.
Luke 22:35This verse shows Jesus later asking his disciples if they lacked anything when he sent them out 'without purse and bag and sandals,' to which they replied 'nothing.' This highlights the successful trust in God's provision that Jesus intended to cultivate in them.
1 Corinthians 9:7Paul discusses the right of apostles to live from the gospel, referencing the principle that 'the laborer is worthy of his hire,' which echoes Jesus' instruction in Matthew 10:10 that the disciples would be provided for.
Philippians 4:11-12Paul speaks of learning to be content in any and all circumstances, whether in plenty or in want. This reflects the spirit of apostolic contentedness that Jesus was teaching his disciples to embrace, relying on God rather than material possessions.
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’ instruction isn't just about not carrying extra money; it’s a radical call to immediate reliance on God’s provision through those they minister to. By forbidding them to "acquire" these metals, he’s demanding they trust that divine connections will be made for them, rather than planning ahead.
Jesus is instructing his disciples on how to embark on their first missionary journey. He tells them not to prepare by gathering money or extra supplies, emphasizing a radical reliance on God's provision through those who would welcome them. This immediate context highlights a call to complete trust and detachment from material security as they go out to share his message.
Jesus is instructing his disciples on how to embark on their first missionary journey. He tells them not to prepare by gathering money or extra supplies, emphasizing a radical reliance on God's provision through those who would welcome them. This immediate context highlights a call to complete trust and detachment from material security as they go out to share his message.
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"Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts," — Jesus’ instruction isn't just about not carrying extra money; it’s a radical call to immediate reliance on God’s provision through those they minister to. By forbidding them to "acquire" these metals…