Matthew 10:1-20 ▼

1 Jesus having called his twelve disciples, he gave them power to cast out unclean spirits, and to heal diseases and disorders of every kind.

2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; the first is Simon, who is called Peter, then Andrew his brother,

3 James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas, and Matthew the publican, James the son of Alpheus, and Labbeus, whose sirname was Thaddeus, Simon the zelot,

4 and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

5 Jesus made these twelve his missionaries, and gave them these instructions, don't go any where among the Gentiles, nor enter into any city of the Samaritans.

6 but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

7 and wherever ye go, make this proclamation: the kingdom of heaven is nigh.

8 heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: what ye have received gratis, give gratis.

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

10 nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, nor shoes, nor staves: for the workman deserves his maintenance.

11 whatever city or town ye enter into, find out some house of repute, and there lodge till ye leave that place.

12 As soon as ye enter into any house, salute the family.

13 if the family be worthy, your benediction shall have its effect; but if it be not worthy, it shall only redound to your own advantage.

14 if they should not receive you, nor mind your instructions: when ye depart out of that house, or city, shake off the pagan dust from your feet.

15 I declare unto you, the people of Sodom and Gomorrha shall find less severity in the day of judgment, than that city.

16 By your mission you will be expos'd like sheep in the midst of wolves: be then as circumspect as serpents, and as inoffensive as doves:

17 be upon your guard with such men, for they will deliver you up to their tribunals, and scourge you in their synagogues.

18 and ye shall be brought before governors and kings upon my account, to bear testimony of me to them and the rest of the Gentiles.

19 but when they take you, into custody, be not sollicitous, how or what ye shall speak, for at the very instant you shall be inspir'd what to say.

20 for it is not properly you that speak, but the spirit of your father that speaketh by you.