Chapter 10:
| Darby
| Geneva
| Gill
| Jamieson Faussett Brown
| Johnson
| Lightfoot
| Matthew Henry
| Matthew Henry Concise
| McGarvey Pendleton
| Wesley
| Index
| Bible Gateway |
Introduction 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Malachi Mark
Matthew 10
Concise Complete
The apostles called. (1-4) The apostles instructed and
sent forth. (5-15) Directions to the apostles. (16-42)
Verses 1-4 The
word "apostle" signifies messenger; they were Christ's messengers, sent forth to
proclaim his kingdom. Christ gave them power to heal all manner of sickness. In
the grace of the gospel there is a slave for every sore, a remedy for every
malady. There is no spiritual disease, but there is power in Christ for the cure
of it. There names are recorded, and it is their honour; yet they had more
reason to rejoice that their names were written in heaven, while the high and
mighty names of the great ones of the earth are buried in the dust.
Verses 5-15 The
Gentiles must not have the gospel brought them, till the Jews have refused it.
This restraint on the apostles was only in their first mission. Wherever they
went they must proclaim, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. They preached, to
establish the faith; the kingdom, to animate the hope; of heaven, to inspire the
love of heavenly things, and the contempt of earthly; which is at hand, that men
may prepare for it without delay. Christ gave power to work miracles for the
confirming of their doctrine. This is not necessary now that the kingdom of God
is come. It showed that the intent of the doctrine they preached, was to heal
sick souls, and to raise those that were dead in sin. In proclaiming the gospel
of free grace for the healing and saving of men's souls, we must above all avoid
the appearance of the spirit of an hireling. They are directed what to do in
strange towns and cities. The servant of Christ is the ambassador of peace to
whatever place he is sent. His message is even to the vilest sinners, yet it
behoves him to find out the best persons in every place. It becomes us to pray
heartily for all, and to conduct ourselves courteously to all. They are directed
how to act as to those that refused them. The whole counsel of God must be
declared, and those who will not attend to the gracious message, must be shown
that their state is dangerous. This should be seriously laid to heart by all
that hear the gospel, lest their privileges only serve to increase their
condemnation.
Verses 16-42
Our Lord warned his disciples to prepare for persecution. They were to avoid all
things which gave advantage to their enemies, all meddling with worldly or
political concerns, all appearance of evil or selfishness, and all underhand
measures. Christ foretold troubles, not only that the troubles might not be a
surprise, but that they might confirm their faith. He tells them what they
should suffer, and from whom. Thus Christ has dealt fairly and faithfully with
us, in telling us the worst we can meet with in his service; and he would have
us deal so with ourselves, in sitting down and counting the cost. Persecutors
are worse than beasts, in that they prey upon those of their own kind. The
strongest bonds of love and duty, have often been broken through from enmity
against Christ. Sufferings from friends and relations are very grievous; nothing
cuts more. It appears plainly, that all who will live godly in Christ Jesus must
suffer persecution; and we must expect to enter into the kingdom of God through
many tribulations. With these predictions of trouble, are counsels and comforts
for a time of trial. The disciples of Christ are hated and persecuted as
serpents, and their ruin is sought, and they need the serpent's wisdom. Be ye
harmless as doves. Not only, do nobody any hurt, but bear nobody any ill-will.
Prudent care there must be, but not an anxious, perplexing thought; let this
care be cast upon God. The disciples of Christ must think more how to do well,
than how to speak well. In case of great peril, the disciples of Christ may go
out of the way of danger, though they must not go out of the way of duty. No
sinful, unlawful means may be used to escape; for then it is not a door of God's
opening. The fear of man brings a snare, a perplexing snare, that disturbs our
peace; an entangling snare, by which we are drawn into sin; and, therefore, it
must be striven and prayed against. Tribulation, distress, and persecution
cannot take away God's love to them, or theirs to him. Fear Him, who is able to
destroy both soul and body in hell. They must deliver their message publicly,
for all are deeply concerned in the doctrine of the gospel. The whole counsel of
God must be made known,
acts
20:27 . Christ shows them why they should be of good cheer. Their sufferings
witnessed against those who oppose his gospel. When God calls us to speak for
him, we may depend on him to teach us what to say. A believing prospect of the
end of our troubles, will be of great use to support us under them. They may be
borne to the end, because the sufferers shall be borne up under them. The
strength shall be according to the day. And it is great encouragement to those
who are doing Christ's work, that it is a work which shall certainly be done.
See how the care of Providence extends to all creatures, even to the sparrows.
This should silence all the fears of God's people; Ye are of more value than
many sparrows. And the very hairs of your head are all numbered. This denotes
the account God takes and keeps of his people. It is our duty, not only to
believe in Christ, but to profess that faith, in suffering for him, when we are
called to it, as well as in serving him. That denial of Christ only is here
meant which is persisted in, and that confession only can have the blessed
recompence here promised, which is the real and constant language of faith and
love. Religion is worth every thing; all who believe the truth of it, will come
up to the price, and make every thing else yield to it. Christ will lead us
through sufferings, to glory with him. Those are best prepared for the life to
come, that sit most loose to this present life. Though the kindness done to
Christ's disciples be ever so small, yet if there be occasion for it, and
ability to do no more, it shall be accepted. Christ does not say that they
deserve a reward; for we cannot merit any thing from the hand of God; but they
shall receive a reward from the free gift of God. Let us boldly confess Christ,
and show love to him in all things.
Chapter 10:
| Darby
| Geneva
| Gill
| Jamieson Faussett Brown
| Johnson
| Lightfoot
| Matthew Henry
| Matthew Henry Concise
| McGarvey Pendleton
| Wesley
| Index
| Bible Gateway |
Introduction 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Malachi Mark
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1 Samuel
2 Samuel
1 Kings
2 Kings
1 Chronicles
2 Chronicles
Ezra
Nehemiah
Esther
Job
Psalm
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Ezekiel
Daniel
Hosea
Joel
Amos
Obadiah
Jonah
Micah
Nahum
Habakkuk
Zephaniah
Haggai
Zechariah
Malachi
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
Acts
Romans
1 Corinthians
2 Corinthians
Galatians
Ephesians
Philippians
Colossians
1 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians
1 Timothy
2 Timothy
Titus
Philemon
Hebrews
James
1 Peter
2 Peter
1 John
2 John
3 John
Jude
Revelation
