PER162

Sending out the twelve apostles

Pericope 162 recounts Jesus sending out the twelve apostles in Galilee, a few weeks before Passover (March AD 32). Reported by Matthew (10.1-15), Mark (6.6-13) and Luke (9.1-6), this episode shows the disciples sent out two by two to preach the kingdom, heal and cast out demons. Each evangelist brings his own perspective to the travel instructions and the nature of the mission.

7 min sending out of the apostles apostolic mission twelve apostles Galilee kingdom of heaven 6 verses 3 books

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Biblical texts

Matthew
Matthew 10.1-15 (King James Version)

And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;

Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;

Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:

But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,

Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.

And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.

And when ye come into an house, salute it.

And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.

And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.

Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
Mark
Mark 7.6-13 (King James Version)

He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.

Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.

And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.

For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:

But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free.

And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother;

Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
Luke
Luke 9.1-6 (King James Version)

Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.

And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.

And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.

And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart.

And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.

And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
John
John (King James Version) not cited in the book

Technical details

Year AD 32

Location: The region of Galilee

Date: March AD 32

Method: We now follow Mark

Note on the method: Mark's chronology seems to be the most realistic.

Map of Capernaum

A few weeks before the Passover festival, the Messiah Jesus sent out his apostles to preach about the kingdom of heaven in the region of Galilee.

Sending out the twelve apostles

Two disciples

Matthew 10.1-15

A few weeks before the Passover festival of April 12, AD 32, the weather turns mild with the arrival of spring, making travel and nights under the open sky easier. It is at this moment that the Messiah Jesus sends his disciples out two by two to proclaim the kingdom of heaven to as many people as possible. This period also serves as training for these young preachers, who seek to put their master's teachings into practice.

Matthew is the only one to record the names of his friends and fellow apostles. (Read the appendix ANN022 : The choice of the apostles). Regarding whether or not to take sandals or a staff, we have written the appendix ANN094 : The staff and sandals of the apostles.

Comparing the verses of these three passages can be very interesting for better understanding the nuances and differences in the Gospel accounts.

Matthew 10.1-15

  • Context: Jesus sends out his twelve apostles on a mission.
  • Instructions: The disciples receive authority to cast out unclean spirits and to heal every disease. Jesus sends them to the lost sheep of Israel with detailed instructions on what they are to do, what to take, and how to behave when they are not received.
  • Theme: The mission is presented as an extension of Jesus' ministry, with a strong emphasis on dependence on God and on the hospitality of the communities visited.

Mark 6.6-13

  • Context: Jesus goes to the neighboring villages to teach and sends out the Twelve.
  • Instructions: The disciples are sent out two by two, with power over unclean spirits. They receive specific instructions: to take nothing for the journey except a staff. They were to preach repentance, cast out demons and heal the sick using oil.
  • Theme: The emphasis is on simplicity and faith. The fact that they are sent out two by two underlines the importance of community and mutual support.

Luke 9.1-6

  • Context: Jesus calls the Twelve and sends them to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.
  • Instructions: The apostles receive authority and power over all demons and to heal diseases. They are to take nothing for the journey - neither staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money. They are to stay in the house where they are received until they leave that town, and to shake the dust off their feet as a testimony against those who will not receive them.
  • Theme: The emphasis is on the proclamation of the kingdom of God and the importance of faith and total dependence on God.

Comparison

1- Power and authority: All three passages mention that the apostles receive power and authority over unclean spirits and to heal diseases, underlining the continuity of Jesus' work.

2- Instructions for the journey:

    • Matthew gives a more detailed list of practical and spiritual instructions.
    • Mark focuses on simplicity and the essentials for the journey (only a staff).
    • Luke insists on total dependence on God, taking nothing for the journey.

3- Focus on the mission:

    • Matthew and Mark focus on hospitality and the welcome given to the disciples.
    • Luke emphasizes the proclamation of the kingdom of God and the healing of the sick.

The differences between these passages may reflect the different perspectives and intentions of the Gospel authors. Each highlights specific aspects of the apostolic mission and of the life of a disciple.