September 24, 2025
The Sending of the Twelve
Matthew 8-10
Catherine Cotton
Big Book Idea
Written to the Jews, and full of sermons, Matthew presents Jesus as king and shows us he came to fulfill the law.
Key Verse | Matthew 10:39
"Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."
Matthew 8-10
Chapter 8
Jesus Cleanses a Leper
1 When he came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. 2 And behold, a leper 1 8:2 Leprosy was a term for several skin diseases; see Leviticus 13 came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” 3 And Jesus 2 8:3 Greek he stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4 And Jesus said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a proof to them.”
The Faith of a Centurion
5 When he had entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, appealing to him, 6 “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.” 7 And he said to him, “I will come and heal him.” 8 But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my servant, 3 8:9 Or bondservant ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 10 When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel 4 8:10 Some manuscripts not even in Israel have I found such faith. 11 I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, 12 while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” 13 And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed at that very moment.
Jesus Heals Many
14 And when Jesus entered Peter's house, he saw his mother-in-law lying sick with a fever. 15 He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she rose and began to serve him. 16 That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick. 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.”
The Cost of Following Jesus
18 Now when Jesus saw a crowd around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side. 19 And a scribe came up and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” 20 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” 21 Another of the disciples said to him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 22 And Jesus said to him, “Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.”
Jesus Calms a Storm
23 And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. 24 And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. 25 And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” 26 And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. 27 And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”
Jesus Heals Two Men with Demons
28 And when he came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, 5 8:28 Some manuscripts Gergesenes; some Gerasenes two demon-possessed 6 8:28 Greek daimonizomai (demonized); also verse 33; elsewhere rendered oppressed by demons men met him, coming out of the tombs, so fierce that no one could pass that way. 29 And behold, they cried out, “What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?” 30 Now a herd of many pigs was feeding at some distance from them. 31 And the demons begged him, saying, “If you cast us out, send us away into the herd of pigs.” 32 And he said to them, “Go.” So they came out and went into the pigs, and behold, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the waters. 33 The herdsmen fled, and going into the city they told everything, especially what had happened to the demon-possessed men. 34 And behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their region.
Chapter 9
Jesus Heals a Paralytic
1 And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city. 2 And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.” 3 And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” 4 But Jesus, knowing 7 9:4 Some manuscripts perceiving their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? 5 For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? 6 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—“Rise, pick up your bed and go home.” 7 And he rose and went home. 8 When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.
Jesus Calls Matthew
9 As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.
10 And as Jesus 8 9:10 Greek he reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12 But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
A Question About Fasting
14 Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast, 9 9:14 Some manuscripts add much, or often but your disciples do not fast?” 15 And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. 16 No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch tears away from the garment, and a worse tear is made. 17 Neither is new wine put into old wineskins. If it is, the skins burst and the wine is spilled and the skins are destroyed. But new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved.”
A Girl Restored to Life and a Woman Healed
18 While he was saying these things to them, behold, a ruler came in and knelt before him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.” 19 And Jesus rose and followed him, with his disciples. 20 And behold, a woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, 21 for she said to herself, “If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.” 22 Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly 10 9:22 Greek from that hour the woman was made well. 23 And when Jesus came to the ruler's house and saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion, 24 he said, “Go away, for the girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him. 25 But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. 26 And the report of this went through all that district.
Jesus Heals Two Blind Men
27 And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, “Have mercy on us, Son of David.” 28 When he entered the house, the blind men came to him, and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.” 29 Then he touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith be it done to you.” 30 And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, “See that no one knows about it.” 31 But they went away and spread his fame through all that district.
Jesus Heals a Man Unable to Speak
32 As they were going away, behold, a demon-oppressed man who was mute was brought to him. 33 And when the demon had been cast out, the mute man spoke. And the crowds marveled, saying, “Never was anything like this seen in Israel.” 34 But the Pharisees said, “He casts out demons by the prince of demons.”
The Harvest Is Plentiful, the Laborers Few
35 And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
Chapter 10
The Twelve Apostles
1 And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction. 2 The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 11 10:3 Some manuscripts Lebbaeus, or Lebbaeus called Thaddaeus 4 Simon the Zealot, 12 10:4 Greek kananaios, meaning zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Apostles
5 These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, 6 but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 13 10:7 Or The kingdom of heaven has come near 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, 14 10:8 Leprosy was a term for several skin diseases; see Leviticus 13 cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. 9 Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts, 10 no bag for your journey, or two tunics 15 10:10 Greek chiton, a long garment worn under the cloak next to the skin or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food. 11 And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart. 12 As you enter the house, greet it. 13 And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. 15 Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town.
Persecution Will Come
16 Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. 17 Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, 18 and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. 19 When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. 20 For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21 Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, 22 and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 23 When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
24 A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant 16 10:24 Or bondservant; also verse 25 above his master. 25 It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign 17 10:25 Greek lacks will they malign those of his household.
Have No Fear
26 So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. 28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 18 10:28 Greek Gehenna 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? 19 10:29 Greek assarion, Roman copper coin (Latin quadrans) worth about 1/16 of a denarius (which was a day's wage for a laborer) And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. 32 So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, 33 but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.
Not Peace, but a Sword
34 Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 36 And a person's enemies will be those of his own household. 37 Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
Rewards
40 Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. 41 The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person's reward. 42 And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”
Footnotes
[1] 8:2 Leprosy was a term for several skin diseases; see Leviticus 13[2] 8:3 Greek he
[3] 8:9 Or bondservant
[4] 8:10 Some manuscripts not even in Israel
[5] 8:28 Some manuscripts Gergesenes; some Gerasenes
[6] 8:28 Greek daimonizomai (demonized); also verse 33; elsewhere rendered oppressed by demons
[7] 9:4 Some manuscripts perceiving
[8] 9:10 Greek he
[9] 9:14 Some manuscripts add much, or often
[10] 9:22 Greek from that hour
[11] 10:3 Some manuscripts Lebbaeus, or Lebbaeus called Thaddaeus
[12] 10:4 Greek kananaios, meaning zealot
[13] 10:7 Or The kingdom of heaven has come near
[14] 10:8 Leprosy was a term for several skin diseases; see Leviticus 13
[15] 10:10 Greek chiton, a long garment worn under the cloak next to the skin
[16] 10:24 Or bondservant; also verse 25
[17] 10:25 Greek lacks will they malign
[18] 10:28 Greek Gehenna
[19] 10:29 Greek assarion, Roman copper coin (Latin quadrans) worth about 1/16 of a denarius (which was a day's wage for a laborer)
Table of Contents
Introduction to Matthew
Timeline
Author, Date, and Recipients
Matthew was probably written in the late 50s or early 60s A.D. Matthew (also called Levi), the former tax collector who became Jesus’ disciple, is the author. The original audience may have been the church in Antioch of Syria. Its members included Jewish and Gentile Christians.
Theme
Matthew tells the story of Jesus of Nazareth, the long-expected Messiah who brought the kingdom of God to earth.
Purpose
Matthew writes his Gospel to demonstrate that Jesus is the Messiah, that he has the right to the throne of David as Israel’s true King, and that he is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham that his descendants would be a blessing to all the world (1:1; Gen. 12:1–3). Matthew seeks to encourage Jewish Christians (and all future disciples) to stand strong despite opposition. They should feel secure in the knowledge of their citizenship in God’s kingdom. Matthew shows that Gentiles also can find salvation through Jesus the Messiah.
Key Themes
- Portrait of Jesus (1:1, 23; 2:2; 14:33; 16:16; 18:20; 21:5–9).
- The bridge between Old and New Testaments (1:1–17, 22–23; 2:4–5, 15, 17, 23; 5:17–20).
- God’s continuing work of salvation within Israel, extended to all the peoples of the earth through the person and work of Christ (10:5–6; 28:19).
- The new community of faith (11:28; 16:18–19; 28:19).
- The church as built and maintained by Jesus’ continuing presence (16:18; 18:15–20; 22:10; 28:20).
- A “great commission” for evangelism and mission (28:19).
- Jesus’ five teachings as a manual on discipleship (chs. 5–7; 10; 13; 18–20; 24–25).
Outline
- The Arrival of Jesus the Messiah (1:1–2:23)
- John the Baptist Prepares for the Messianic Kingdom (3:1–17)
- Jesus the Messiah Begins to Advance the Messianic Kingdom (4:1–25)
- The Authoritative Message of the Messiah: Kingdom Life for His Disciples (5:1–7:29)
- The Authoritative Power of the Messiah: Kingdom Power Demonstrated (8:1–9:38)
- The Authoritative Mission of the Messiah’s Messengers (10:1–42)
- Opposition to the Messiah Increases (11:1–12:50)
- The Messianic Kingdom Revealed in Parables (13:1–53)
- The Identity of the Messiah Revealed (13:54–16:20)
- The Suffering of the Messiah Revealed (16:21–17:27)
- The Community of the Messiah Revealed (18:1–20:34)
- The Messiah Asserts His Authority over Jerusalem (21:1–23:39)
- The Delay, Return, and Judgment of the Messiah (24:1–25:46)
- The Crucified Messiah (26:1–27:66)
- The Resurrection and Commission of the Messiah (28:1–20)
The Setting of Matthew
The events in the book of Matthew take place almost entirely within the vicinity of Palestine, an area extending roughly from Caesarea Philippi in the north to Beersheba in the south. During this time it was ruled by the Roman Empire. The opening chapters describe events surrounding Jesus’ birth in Judea, where Herod had been appointed king by the Romans. The closing chapters end with Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension during the rule of Pontius Pilate and the tetrarchs Antipas and Philip.
Fact: Wineskins
Wineskins used for storing and pouring wine (9:13) were made from the skin of a goat or other animal. Jesus uses wineskins as a metaphor to contrast the outdated religious rules of the Pharisees and the new life that he brings (Matt. 9:17).
Fact: Centurions
Centurions (8:5) were Roman officers in charge of a unit of 80 to 100 men, called a centuria. Six centuria made up a cohort of 480 to 600 men. Ten cohorts made up a legion of 4,800 to 6,000 men. These 10 cohorts were numbered from 1 to 10, with 1 being the most prestigious and 10 the least. It was the responsibility of every centurion to oversee the training and discipline of the soldiers under his command.
Fact: How can Jesus cast out demons?
How can Jesus cast out demons? Jesus’ remarkable supernatural power was obvious. Many believed that his power came from God, but some of the religious leaders denied this (9:34). Matthew’s readers understand that Jesus’ actions prove that he is the Messiah.
New Testament Timeline
The following chart provides a detailed New Testament timeline. Most of the dates can be determined precisely by correlating biblical events with extensive historical documents and archaeological evidence. Dates with an asterisk denote approximate or alternative dates. The extensive external confirmation of New Testament dates and events encourages great confidence in the truth and historicity of both the Old and New Testaments.
| 5 B.C.* | Jesus is born in Bethlehem. |
| 4 B.C. | Jesus’ family flees to Egypt to escape from Herod’s plan to kill Jesus (Matt. 2:13–18); Herod dies; Judas (of Sepphoris) and others rebel, requiring the Syrian Governor Varus to intervene throughout Palestine; Sepphoris, a city four miles from Nazareth, is destroyed by Roman soldiers; Judea, Samaria, and Idumea are given to Herod’s son, Archelaus; Galilee and Perea are given to his son Antipas; Jesus’ family, after returning from Egypt, resides in Nazareth (Matt. 2:19–23), a small village in southern Galilee. |
| A.D. 6 | Archelaus is exiled for incompetence; Judea becomes a Roman province; Judas the Galilean (of Gamla) leads a revolt against the tax census; the governor of Syria, Quirinius (A.D. 6–7), appoints Annas high priest (6–15). |
| 8* | Jesus (age 12) interacts with the teachers in the temple (Luke 2:41–50). |
| 8*–28/30 | Jesus works as a carpenter in Nazareth (Matt. 13:55; Mark 6:3) and probably in neighboring villages and Sepphoris, which was being rebuilt. |
| 28–29* | John the Baptist begins his ministry around the Jordan River (John 1:19). |
| 28–30* | Jesus begins his ministry in Judea, but soon focuses his efforts in Galilee. In Jerusalem, Pharisees (like Gamaliel) train disciples (like Paul) in their tradition. They send a delegation to Galilee, but the delegation rejects Jesus’ teaching. In Alexandria, Philo (20 B.C.–A.D. 50) attempts to unify Greek philosophy with Hebrew Scripture. |
| 33 (or 30) | Jesus returns to Judea, is crucified, and resurrected. James the brother of Jesus becomes a believer after witnessing the resurrected Jesus (1 Cor. 15:7; Acts 12:17). Jesus ascends to the Father’s right hand (Acts 1). Jesus’ first followers receive the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and begin to proclaim the gospel (Acts 2). |
| 33/34* | Paul witnesses the resurrected Lord on the way to Damascus and is commissioned as an apostle to the nations (Acts 9; Gal. 1:15–16). |
| 34–37 | Paul ministers in Damascus and Arabia (Acts 9:19–22; 26:20; Gal. 1:16–18). |
| 36 | Pilate loses his position for incompetence. |
| 36/37* | Paul meets with Peter in Jerusalem (Acts 9:26–30; Gal. 1:18). |
| 37–45 | Paul ministers in Syria, Tarsus, and Cilicia (Acts 9:30; Gal. 1:21). |
| 38* | Peter witnesses to Cornelius (Acts 10). |
| 39 | Antipas is exiled. |
| 40–45* | James writes his letter to believers outside Palestine (see James 1:1). |
| 41–44 | Agrippa, Herod the Great’s grandson, rules Palestine; he kills James the brother of John (Acts 12:2) and imprisons Peter (Acts 12:3). |
| 42–44 | Paul receives his “thorn in the flesh” (2 Cor. 12:7). |
| 44 | Peter leaves Jerusalem; Agrippa is killed by an “angel of the Lord” (Acts 12:23). |
| 44–46 | Theudas persuades many Jews to sell their possessions and follow him into the wilderness where he claimed he would miraculously divide the Jordan River; Roman procurator Fadus dispatches his cavalry and beheads the would-be messiah. |
| 44–47* | Paul’s Second Visit to Jerusalem; time of famine (Acts 11:27–30; Gal. 2:1–10). |
| 46–47 | Paul’s First Missionary Journey (with Barnabas) from Antioch to Cyprus, Antioch in Pisidia, Iconium, and Lystra (Acts 13:4–14:26). |
| 46–48 | Roman procurator Tiberius Alexander crucifies two sons (Jacob and Simon) of Judas the Galilean. |
| 48* | Paul writes Galatians, perhaps from Antioch (see Acts 14:26–28). |
| 48–49* | Paul and Peter return to Jerusalem for the Apostolic Council, which, with the assistance of James, frees Gentile believers from the requirement of circumcision in opposition to Pharisaic believers (Acts 15:1–29); Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch (Acts 15:30) but split over a dispute about John Mark (Acts 15:36–40). |
| 48/49–51* | Paul’s Second Missionary Journey (with Silas) from Antioch to Syria, Cilicia, southern Galatia, Macedonia, notably Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea; and then on to Achaia, notably Athens and Corinth (Acts 15:36–18:22). |
| 49 | Claudius expels Jews from Rome because of conflicts about Jesus (Acts 18:2); Paul befriends two refugees, Priscilla and Aquila, in Corinth (Acts 18:2–3). |
| 49–51* | Paul writes 1–2 Thessalonians from Corinth (Acts 18:1, 11; also compare Acts 18:5 with 1 Thess. 1:8). |
| 51 | Paul appears before Gallio, proconsul of Achaia (Acts 18:12–17). |
| 50–54* | Peter comes to Rome. |
| 52–57* | Paul’s Third Missionary Journey from Antioch to Galatia, Phrygia, Ephesus, Macedonia, Greece (Acts 18:23–21:17). |
| 52–55 | Paul ministers in Ephesus (Acts 19:1–20). |
| 53–55* | Mark writes his Gospel, containing Peter’s memories of Jesus; perhaps within a decade, Matthew publishes his Gospel, which relies on Mark and other sources. Paul writes 1 Corinthians from Ephesus (Acts 19:10). |
| 54 | Claudius dies (edict exiling Jews repealed); Priscilla and Aquila return to Rome and host a church in their home (see Rom. 16:3–5). |
| 54–68 | Nero reigns. |
| 55–56* | Paul writes 2 Corinthians from Macedonia (Acts 20:1, 3; 2 Cor. 1:16; 2:13; 7:5; 8:1; 9:2, 4; see 1 Cor. 16:5). |
| 57* | Paul winters in Corinth and writes Romans (Acts 20:3; see Rom. 16:1–2; also see Rom. 16:23 with 1 Cor. 1:14); travels to Jerusalem (Acts 21:1–16), visits with James the brother of Jesus (Acts 21:17–26), and is arrested (Acts 21:27–36; 22:22–29). |
| 57–59 | Paul is imprisoned and transferred to Caesarea (Acts 23:23–24, 33–34). |
| 60 | Paul begins voyage to Rome (Acts 27:1–2); he is shipwrecked for three months on the island of Malta (Acts 27:39–28:10). |
| 60–70* | Letter to the Hebrews is written. |
| 62 | James the brother of the Lord is executed by the Sadducean high priest Ananus. |
| 62–63* | Peter writes his first letter (1 Peter) from Rome (1 Pet. 5:13). |
| 62* | Paul arrives in Rome and remains under house arrest (Acts 28:16–31); he writes Ephesians (see verses for Colossians), Philippians (Phil. 1:7, 13, 17; 4:22), Colossians (Col. 4:3, 10, 18; see Acts 27:2 with Col. 4:10), Philemon (see Philem. 23 with Col. 1:7; Philem. 2 with Col. 4:17; Philem. 24 with Col. 4:10; also see Col. 4:9). Luke, Paul’s physician and companion (see Col. 4:14), writes Luke and Acts. |
| 62–64 | Paul is released, extends his mission (probably reaching Spain), writes 1 Timothy from Macedonia (see 1 Tim. 1:3) and Titus from Nicopolis (Titus 3:12); he is rearrested in Rome (2 Tim. 1:16–17). |
| 63–64 | Work on the temple complex is completed. |
| 64 (July 19) | Fire in Rome; Nero blames and kills many Christians. |
| 64–67* | Peter writes his second letter ( 2 Peter). Jude writes his letter. Paul writes 2 Timothy (see 2 Tim. 4:6–8). Paul and Peter are martyred in Rome. |
| 66 | First Jewish-Roman War begins with a riot between Greeks and Jews at Caesarea; Roman procurator Gesius Florus (A.D. 64–66) is murdered and a Roman garrison wiped out; Menahem, son or grandson of Judas the Galilean, murders the high priest Ananias and seizes control of the temple; Nero dispatches Vespasian with three legions. |
| 67* | Romans destroy the Qumran community, who beforehand hid the so-called Dead Sea Scrolls in nearby caves; the church in Jerusalem flees to Pella (Matt. 24:15–16; Mark 13:14; Luke 21:20–22); John migrates to Ephesus with Mary, Jesus’ mother. |
| 68 | Nero commits suicide; year of the three emperors. |
| 69 | Rebellion quelled in Galilee and Samaria; Vespasian summoned back to Rome to become emperor. |
| 70 (Aug. 30) | Titus, Vespasian’s son, after a five-month siege of Jerusalem, destroys the temple after desecrating it; the temple’s menorah, Torah, and veil are removed and later put on display in a victory parade in Rome; the influence of the Sadducees ends; the Pharisee Johanan ben Zakkai escapes and convinces the Romans to allow him and others to settle in Jamnia, where they found a school. |
| 73 (May 2)* | Before Roman general Silva breaches the fortress atop Masada following a two-year siege, 936 Jewish rebels commit suicide. |
| 75 | Titus has an affair with the Jewish princess Berenice, sister of Agrippa II (Acts 25:13, 23), whom he later abandons because of the scandal. |
| 77 | Pliny the Elder writes Natural History. |
| 77–78 | Josephus publishes Jewish War in Rome. |
| 79 | Pompeii and Herculaneum are destroyed by eruption of Vesuvius; Pliny the Elder dies attempting to investigate. |
| 81 | The Arch of Titus, celebrating his destruction of the temple, is erected in Rome. |
| 81–96 | Domitian, Titus’s brother, persecutes Christians among the Roman nobility, including his own relatives Clemens and Domitilla. |
| 85–95* | John writes his letters (1–3 John), probably in Ephesus. |
| 89–95* | John writes his Gospel, probably in Ephesus. |
| 93–94 | Josephus publishes Jewish Antiquities in Rome. |
| 94 | Domitian exiles philosophers from Rome. |
| 95* | Amidst persecution, Clement, a leader in the Roman church, writes his Letter to the Corinthians (1 Clement) appealing for peace between the young men and elders. |
| 95–96* | Exiled by Domitian to Patmos, John writes Revelation (Rev. 1:9). |
| 96–98 | Nerva, the first of five “good” emperors, ends official persecution. |
* denotes approximate date; / signifies either/or
The Twelve Apostles*
| Matthew 10:2–4 | Mark 3:16–19 | Luke 6:14–16 | John (various verses) | Acts 1:13 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Simon, who is called Peter | 1. Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter) | 1. Simon, whom he named Peter | Simon Peter (1:40–42) | 1. Peter |
| 2. Andrew his [Simon Peter’s] brother | 4. Andrew | 2. Andrew his [Simon Peter’s] brother | Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother (1:40) | 4. Andrew |
| 3. James the son of Zebedee | 2. James the son of Zebedee | 3. James | unnamed son of Zebedee (21:2) | 3. James |
| 4. John his [James’s] brother | 3. John the brother of James | 4. John | unnamed son of Zebedee (21:2) | 2. John |
| 5. Philip | 5. Philip | 5. Philip | Philip of Bethsaida (1:43–44) | 5. Philip |
| 6. Bartholomew | 6. Bartholomew | 6. Bartholomew | Nathanael of Cana (1:45–49; 21:2)** | 7. Bartholomew |
| 7. Thomas | 8. Thomas | 8. Thomas | Thomas called the Twin (11:16) | 6. Thomas |
| 8. Matthew the tax collector | 7. Matthew (Levi, son of Alphaeus, a tax collector, 2:14) | 7. Matthew (Levi, tax collector, 5:27) | 8. Matthew | |
| 9. James the son of Alphaeus | 9. James the son of Alphaeus | 9. James the son of Alphaeus | 9. James the son of Alphaeus | |
| 10. Thaddaeus | 10. Thaddaeus | 11. Judas the son of James | Judas (not Iscariot) (14:22) | 11. Judas the son of James |
| 11. Simon the Zealot | 11. Simon the Zealot | 10. Simon who was called the Zealot | 10. Simon the Zealot | |
| 12. Judas Iscariot | 12. Judas Iscariot | 12. Judas Iscariot | Judas the son of Simon Iscariot (6:71) | 12. Matthias replaces Judas [who had died] (Acts 1:26) |
*Others in the NT are regarded as apostles besides the Twelve, notably James the brother of Jesus (Acts 15:12–21; 1 Cor. 15:7; Gal. 1:19), Paul (Acts 14:4, 14; 1 Cor. 9:1; 15:8–9), and Barnabas (Acts 14:4, 14).
**Nathanael is probably Bartholomew, since he is closely associated with Philip. He is certainly not Levi/Matthew, who already has two names and who was from Capernaum. It is possible but unlikely that he is Thaddeus/Judas or Simon the Zealot.
Matthew
Matthew, also called Levi, was one of the 12 disciples and the author of the first Gospel. When Jesus called him, Matthew was sitting in the tax collector’s booth collecting taxes for Rome. Other Jews probably considered him a traitor, since collecting taxes meant cooperation with the Roman occupiers of Palestine. Because tax collectors were free to take as much personal profit from people as they liked, they were widely regarded as the worst of sinners, often categorized along with prostitutes (see 21:32). In his Gospel account, Matthew presents Jesus as the Davidic King who has come to fulfill the OT, especially its promises of everlasting salvation. (Matthew 9:9)
Matt. 8:2–3 leper. The OT provided specific guidelines for the examination and treatment of those with a variety of skin diseases. Generally called leprosy, many of these diseases were highly contagious (see Leviticus 13–14). Lord is the title of respect (similar to “Sir”) that people commonly used when they came to Jesus for aid. When the context in which it occurs shows a knowledge of its OT background, the word can be seen as an affirmation of Jesus’ deity (see note on 1 Cor. 12:4–6). make me clean. Leprosy made the leper and all who touched him ceremonially unclean (Lev. 13:45–46). But when Jesus touched him, he was healed.
Matt. 8:4 show yourself to the priest. Jesus instructs the man to do what the law required for lepers to return to society. say nothing to anyone. Jesus does not want to draw crowds who come simply for the sake of miracles. See also 9:30; 12:16; 16:20; 17:9.
Fact: Centurions
Centurions (8:5) were Roman officers in charge of a unit of 80 to 100 men, called a centuria. Six centuria made up a cohort of 480 to 600 men. Ten cohorts made up a legion of 4,800 to 6,000 men. These 10 cohorts were numbered from 1 to 10, with 1 being the most prestigious and 10 the least. It was the responsibility of every centurion to oversee the training and discipline of the soldiers under his command.
Matt. 8:5–7 centurion. A Roman officer in charge of a hundred men. In the account of this miracle in Luke 7:1–5, others came to Jesus on the centurion’s behalf, but Matthew does not mention them. As is often the case, Matthew shortens the story. He reports what the centurion said through his messengers (see note on John 3:17).
Matt. 8:8 not worthy. A Jew who entered a Gentile’s home became ceremonially unclean (see Acts 10:28).
Matt. 8:11–12 recline at table. A reference to the future messianic banquet in the kingdom of heaven (Rev. 19:9) that will fulfill God’s promise to Abraham (Gen. 12:3). sons of the kingdom. A Jewish term for the nation of Israel. They will lose their claim to the kingdom unless they follow the centurion’s example of faith. weeping and gnashing of teeth. This description of terrible suffering in hell appears several times (Matt. 13:42, 50; 22:13; 24:51; 25:30; Luke 13:28).
Matt. 8:16–17 He took our illnesses and bore our diseases refers to Isaiah’s prophecy of the servant (see Isa. 53:4).
Matt. 8:19 scribe. An expert in handling written documents. In Israel, scribes’ duties included teaching, interpretation, and regulation of the law.
Matt. 8:20 Son of Man (see note on John 1:51; see Dan. 7:13) is Jesus’ favorite way of describing himself. It shows the true meaning of his identity and ministry: (1) the humble servant who has come to forgive common sinners (Matt. 9:6); (2) the suffering servant whose atoning death and resurrection will redeem his people (16:13, 27–28); and (3) the glorious King and Judge who will return to establish God’s kingdom on earth (25:31; 26:64).
Matt. 8:22 leave the dead to bury their own dead. While Jesus clearly upholds the biblical command to honor father and mother (see 15:1–9), the call to follow him is more important than any other relationship.
Matt. 8:26 little faith. See note on 6:30. rebuked. Jesus is able to command even the forces of nature, just as God is.
Matt. 8:28 In Matthew, the phrase other side often indicates a journey from Jewish to Gentile territory and vice versa (14:22; 16:5). Gadarenes refers to the town of Gadara, about 6 miles (9.7 km) southeast of the Sea of Galilee, and the surrounding region (see Mark 5:1).
Matt. 8:29 before the time. The demons know that they will be judged and punished at God’s appointed time.
Matt. 8:30–34 The herd of pigs (about 2,000; Mark 5:13) would have been raised for food in this Gentile region on the east shore of the Sea of Galilee.
Matt. 9:1 his own city. Capernaum, the home base of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee.
Matt. 9:2 your sins are forgiven. Though individual sin is not always the direct cause of illness (John 9:2–3), ultimately all sickness and death result from sin’s entrance into the world (see Gen. 2:17; 3:16–19).
Matt. 9:5 which is easier? The implied answer is that it is easier to say, “Your sins are forgiven,” for there is no way to verify whether or not this has happened.
Matt. 9:6–7 Son of Man. See note on 8:20. Jesus’ authority on earth to forgive sins is clear evidence of his divinity, since only God can forgive sin.
Matt. 9:10 tax collectors. See note on 5:46–47.
Matt. 9:11 Pharisees. See note on 3:7.
Matt. 9:12 Those who are well . . . those who are sick. Only those who realize their need come to Jesus for help.
Matt. 9:13 I desire mercy, and not sacrifice is a quotation from Hos. 6:6 (see note). “Sacrifice” here refers to keeping religious rituals. “Mercy” translates the idea of covenant faithfulness, which should have led the Pharisees to care for these sinners as Jesus did.
Matt. 9:14 fast. See note on 6:16–18.
Matt. 9:15 The bridegroom in the OT was Yahweh (see Hos. 2:19–20).
Matt. 9:16–17 unshrunk cloth on an old garment. . . . new wine is put into fresh wineskins. See note on Luke 5:36–39.
Fact: Wineskins
Wineskins used for storing and pouring wine (9:13) were made from the skin of a goat or other animal. Jesus uses wineskins as a metaphor to contrast the outdated religious rules of the Pharisees and the new life that he brings (Matt. 9:17).
Matt. 9:18 ruler. Compare Mark 5:22 and Luke 8:41.
Matt. 9:20 discharge of blood. Her difficulty has lasted twelve years. She is in a weakened condition. Her bleeding would have made her ceremonially unclean, excluding her from normal social and religious life.
Matt. 9:22 your faith has made you well. God is the one who heals. The woman’s faith was the divinely appointed means for her bodily healing and for her spiritual salvation.
Matt. 9:23 flute players and the crowd. Professional mourners and flutists were often hired to attend funerals.
Matt. 9:24–26 Jesus brings the girl to life, anticipating his later raising of Lazarus and his own resurrection (28:1–10; John 10:17–18; 11:25–26).
Matt. 9:27 Son of David. A reference to the promised Messiah from David’s family, whose kingdom will continue forever (2 Sam. 7:12–16; Matt. 12:23; 15:22; 20:30, 31; 21:9, 15; 22:42; see 1:1). The messianic age was to bring healing to the blind (Isa. 35:5).
Matt. 9:30 See that no one knows about it. See note on 8:4. See 12:16; 16:20; 17:9.
Matt. 9:34 He casts out demons by the prince of demons. The Pharisees could not deny the reality of the miraculous works Jesus had done, so they attributed his powers to Satan (compare 7:16; John 3:2; 9:31–33).
Matt. 8:1–9:38 The Authoritative Power of the Messiah: Kingdom Power Demonstrated. Jesus has shown himself to be the Messiah through his teaching (chs. 5–7). Now he shows himself to be the Messiah through performing many miracles. His works demonstrate that the kingdom of God has arrived.
Matt. 9:36–38 Jesus’ compassion is a regular theme in Matthew (14:14; 15:32). like sheep without a shepherd. The leaders have failed in their responsibility, but Mic. 5:4 predicted that the Messiah would “shepherd” his people.
Matthew
Matthew, also called Levi, was one of the 12 disciples and the author of the first Gospel. When Jesus called him, Matthew was sitting in the tax collector’s booth collecting taxes for Rome. Other Jews probably considered him a traitor, since collecting taxes meant cooperation with the Roman occupiers of Palestine. Because tax collectors were free to take as much personal profit from people as they liked, they were widely regarded as the worst of sinners, often categorized along with prostitutes (see 21:32). In his Gospel account, Matthew presents Jesus as the Davidic King who has come to fulfill the OT, especially its promises of everlasting salvation. (Matthew 9:9)
Matt. 10:1 Jesus calls the disciples to himself as an initial answer to the prayer for the Lord to send workers (9:38). The number of disciples, twelve, probably relates to the 12 tribes of Israel.
Matt. 10:2 Apostles (see note on Rom. 1:1) describes those charged to be Jesus’ special representatives, while “disciples” (Matt. 10:1) was also used more broadly of anyone who believed in Jesus. Peter heads all the lists of the 12 apostles (see Mark 3:16–19; Luke 6:13–16; Acts 1:13).
Matt. 10:3–4 There is remarkable diversity among the 12 apostles. There are fishermen, a tax collector (Matthew), and a zealous revolutionary (Simon the Zealot). Judas Iscariot is always listed last. He was the treasurer for the group (John 12:6) and the one who betrayed Jesus. See notes on Luke 6:14; 6:15; 6:16 for additional information on the 12 disciples.
The Twelve Apostles*
| Matthew 10:2–4 | Mark 3:16–19 | Luke 6:14–16 | John (various verses) | Acts 1:13 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Simon, who is called Peter | 1. Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter) | 1. Simon, whom he named Peter | Simon Peter (1:40–42) | 1. Peter |
| 2. Andrew his [Simon Peter’s] brother | 4. Andrew | 2. Andrew his [Simon Peter’s] brother | Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother (1:40) | 4. Andrew |
| 3. James the son of Zebedee | 2. James the son of Zebedee | 3. James | unnamed son of Zebedee (21:2) | 3. James |
| 4. John his [James’s] brother | 3. John the brother of James | 4. John | unnamed son of Zebedee (21:2) | 2. John |
| 5. Philip | 5. Philip | 5. Philip | Philip of Bethsaida (1:43–44) | 5. Philip |
| 6. Bartholomew | 6. Bartholomew | 6. Bartholomew | Nathanael of Cana (1:45–49; 21:2)** | 7. Bartholomew |
| 7. Thomas | 8. Thomas | 8. Thomas | Thomas called the Twin (11:16) | 6. Thomas |
| 8. Matthew the tax collector | 7. Matthew (Levi, son of Alphaeus, a tax collector, 2:14) | 7. Matthew (Levi, tax collector, 5:27) | 8. Matthew | |
| 9. James the son of Alphaeus | 9. James the son of Alphaeus | 9. James the son of Alphaeus | 9. James the son of Alphaeus | |
| 10. Thaddaeus | 10. Thaddaeus | 11. Judas the son of James | Judas (not Iscariot) (14:22) | 11. Judas the son of James |
| 11. Simon the Zealot | 11. Simon the Zealot | 10. Simon who was called the Zealot | 10. Simon the Zealot | |
| 12. Judas Iscariot | 12. Judas Iscariot | 12. Judas Iscariot | Judas the son of Simon Iscariot (6:71) | 12. Matthias replaces Judas [who had died] (Acts 1:26) |
*Others in the NT are regarded as apostles besides the Twelve, notably James the brother of Jesus (Acts 15:12–21; 1 Cor. 15:7; Gal. 1:19), Paul (Acts 14:4, 14; 1 Cor. 9:1; 15:8–9), and Barnabas (Acts 14:4, 14).
**Nathanael is probably Bartholomew, since he is closely associated with Philip. He is certainly not Levi/Matthew, who already has two names and who was from Capernaum. It is possible but unlikely that he is Thaddeus/Judas or Simon the Zealot.
Matt. 10:5 Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans. The mission was restricted to Jewish Galilee. Galilee was surrounded by Gentile territory except for Samaria to the south (see note on John 4:4).
Matt. 10:6 lost sheep of the house of Israel. The whole lost nation of Israel.
Matt. 10:7–8a And proclaim . . . “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Heal the sick. The apostles’ message (the kingdom of heaven) is the same as Jesus’ message (3:2; 10:1). Their power is an extension of Jesus’ power (“authority”; v. 1).
Matt. 10:9–10 Acquire no gold or silver . . . or sandals or a staff. This will be a relatively quick preaching journey, so the disciples are not to buy extra supplies. Those to whom they minister must support their mission (for the laborer deserves his food).
Matt. 10:11 Worthy indicates someone who accepts the disciples’ message.
Matt. 10:14 shake off the dust from your feet. A symbolic action performed by Jews upon leaving a Gentile region. For the missionaries it is a sign of judgment on those rejecting the gospel (compare Acts 13:51).
Matt. 10:15 it will be more bearable on the day of judgment. Greater understanding of God’s revelation means greater responsibility.
Matt. 10:16 wise as serpents and innocent as doves. The serpent was the symbol of insight and craftiness (Gen. 3:1). The dove symbolized innocence.
Matt. 10:17 Synagogues places of worship but also places where discipline (such as beating) was carried out.
Matt. 10:22 endures . . . will be saved. See notes on 2 Tim. 2:11–13; Jude 21.
Matt. 10:23 you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. The coming of the Son of Man probably refers to the second coming of Christ at the end of the age.
Matt. 10:25 Beelzebul (see 12:24, 27) means “master of the house” and refers to Satan.
Matt. 10:29 Sparrows were customarily thought of as the smallest of creatures, and the penny was one of the least valuable Roman coins (see 5:26). apart from your Father. God rules over even the most insignificant events.
Matt. 10:34–37 Sword is a metaphor for the separation that will occur between those who believe in Christ and those who do not. Jesus’ own family opposed him before they recognized his true identity (13:53–58; Mark 3:21; John 7:3–5). Thus, whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me. Jesus asked for absolute and unqualified loyalty, something even the most esteemed rabbi did not demand.
Matt. 10:38 take his cross (see 16:24). A disciple must deny himself (die to self-will), take up his cross (embrace God’s will, no matter the cost), and follow Christ.
Matt. 10:1–42 The Authoritative Mission of the Messiah’s Messengers. This is Jesus’ second major teaching (see Introduction: Key Themes). It focuses on the disciples’ mission to Israel (vv. 1–15), preparation for a worldwide mission among the Gentiles (vv. 16–23), and characteristics that Jesus’ disciples will need to have as they carry out that mission (vv. 24–42).
Matt. 10:41–42 prophet. One who speaks for God. righteous person. One who has the righteousness that comes from obeying Jesus. one of these little ones. That is, anyone in need, especially those who may be overlooked (compare James 2:1–7).
Fact: How can Jesus cast out demons?
How can Jesus cast out demons? Jesus’ remarkable supernatural power was obvious. Many believed that his power came from God, but some of the religious leaders denied this (9:34). Matthew’s readers understand that Jesus’ actions prove that he is the Messiah.
Listen to the Podcast
Listen NowDive Deeper | Matthew 8-10
In Matthew 8 and 9, Jesus demonstrates his power and authority by healing the sick, calming a storm, and calling people to follow him in sacrificial ways. In chapter 10, Jesus sends out the twelve disciples, granting them that same authority. He sends them with detailed instructions, warning that suffering and discomfort await them. Yet, he also offers comfort, affirming their value in his eyes and reminding them that the only one to fear is God (Matthew 10:26-33). At the end of the chapter, Jesus says that those who do not take up their cross and follow him are not worthy of him, and that "[w]hoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." (Matthew 10:38-39)
These are weighty words from Jesus! The disciples were powerless without his strength and the work of his Spirit. Jesus had gone before them as their example (1 Peter 2:21-25), empowered them on their journey through his Spirit (Matthew 10:20), and would eventually go before them into the ultimate suffering through his death.
This passage convicts me deeply. When I face suffering or uncomfortable situations, I often feel surprised or frustrated. Yet, Jesus has already told us that following him means a life of suffering and discomfort. Matthew 10:24 reminds us, "A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master." Who am I to expect a more comfortable life than my Teacher and Master? Jesus promises that when we deny ourselves and live for him and his kingdom, we will ultimately find true life.
How do we follow Jesus through life's fearful and uncomfortable situations? Only through the power of his Holy Spirit. As believers, we can look to Jesus, our Savior and substitute, who conquered sin through his death, burial, and resurrection on our behalf. Jesus never asks us to do anything he hasn't done first. What a good Shepherd, Friend, and Savior! He is worthy to be followed!
This month's memory verse
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (NIV)
– Matthew 11:28-30
Discussion Questions
1. How is God asking you to deny your own will?
2. Who is God asking you to love, serve, or share the gospel with in your workplace, home, or school?
3. In what situations are you afraid or reluctant to proclaim Christ publicly?