Matthew 10:9-10
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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus' instruction to "acquire no gold or silver or copper" wasn't just about avoiding wealth; it was a radical call to trust His provision and embrace simplicity. The phrase "in your belts" highlights that they weren't even to carry any money, not even small change, in the common place where it was kept.
Jesus is sending his disciples out on a mission to proclaim that the Kingdom of Heaven is near, giving them specific instructions on how to travel and what to take. He tells them to carry no money, no extra clothes, and no supplies, emphasizing their complete reliance on God's provision and the hospitality of those they will minister to. This instruction is part of a larger commission to preach, heal, and teach throughout the towns of Israel before returning to Jesus.
Jesus told his disciples to take no money for their journey. Why such an extreme command, and what does it teach us about reliance on God?
Jesus’ instruction in Matthew 10:9 to “acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts” was a radical call to a specific, temporary mission. This wasn’t a blanket rule for all future ministry, but a powerful lesson for this particular assignment.
A Lesson in Divine Dependence
The prohibition against carrying money wasn't about poverty; it was about absolute trust. By forbidding them to provide for themselves, Jesus forced them to rely entirely on His providence and the generosity of those who would receive them. This demonstrated that their power and effectiveness came from God, not their own resources.
Practical Implications for the Mission
What does it mean to carry money in your 'belt,' and why would Jesus specifically mention this seemingly obscure detail?
The phrase 'in your purses' in many translations doesn't fully capture the original meaning. The Greek word used, 'zōnais,' actually refers to girdles or belts. In the ancient Near East, it was common for people to use a fold or hollow in their wide belts as a place to carry money.
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 take no money emphasizes radical trust in God's provision and the urgency of their mission, a stark contrast to the preparedness usually required for travel.
c. AD 28— this verse
Jesus commissions the Twelve Apostles
Jesus sends out his twelve disciples on their first mission trip to preach the coming of the Kingdom of God and perform miracles. He gives them specific instructions on how to travel and minister.
c. AD 28
Disciples' training and first mission
The disciples, though initially inexperienced, are sent out to learn by doing. This practical experience is crucial for their growth and future ministry.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry and Growing Opposition
As Jesus' ministry gains momentum and He teaches with increasing authority, opposition from religious leaders intensifies, creating a tense environment.
c. AD 30
The Sermon on the Mount
Earlier in His ministry, Jesus taught His disciples core principles of the Kingdom of God, including teachings on humility, trust, and detachment from material possessions.
This passage mirrors Jesus' instructions in Matthew 10, also forbidding the disciples from taking money, a piece of bread, or a belt for their journey.
Luke 9:3Similar to Matthew's account, Luke records Jesus telling the disciples to take nothing for their journey, explicitly mentioning no money, no bag, and no extra clothing.
Luke 22:35Jesus reminds the disciples of this earlier command when they question if they lacked anything during their previous missions, highlighting that they were always provided for when they trusted Him.
1 Corinthians 9:7Paul reflects on this principle, asking rhetorical questions about soldiers not needing to provide their own provisions or about shepherds not eating the milk of the flock, underscoring that those who serve should be sustained by those they serve.
Philippians 4:18This verse shows the positive outcome of such trust, as Paul acknowledges receiving 'full provision, having received from Epiphanoditus what you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and well-pleasing to God,' illustrating that God can provide through others.
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 to "acquire no gold or silver or copper" wasn't just about avoiding wealth; it was a radical call to trust His provision and embrace simplicity. The phrase "in your belts" highlights that they weren't even to carry any money, not even small change, in the common place where it was kept.
Jesus is sending his disciples out on a mission to proclaim that the Kingdom of Heaven is near, giving them specific instructions on how to travel and what to take. He tells them to carry no money, no extra clothes, and no supplies, emphasizing their complete reliance on God's provision and the hospitality of those they will minister to. This instruction is part of a larger commission to preach, heal, and teach throughout the towns of Israel before returning to Jesus.
Jesus is sending his disciples out on a mission to proclaim that the Kingdom of Heaven is near, giving them specific instructions on how to travel and what to take. He tells them to carry no money, no extra clothes, and no supplies, emphasizing their complete reliance on God's provision and the hospitality of those they will minister to. This instruction is part of a larger commission to preach, heal, and teach throughout the towns of Israel before returning to Jesus.
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The Belt: More Than Just Clothing
"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." — Jesus' instruction to "acquire no gold or silver or copper" wasn't just about avoiding wealth; it was a radical call to trust His provision and embrace simplicity. The phrase "in your belts" highligh…
