The event of sending out the Twelve Apostles is a significant moment in the New Testament, marking a pivotal point in Jesus Christ's earthly ministry. This event is recorded in the Synoptic Gospels: Matthew 10:1-15, Mark 6:7-13, and Luke 9:1-6. It highlights the transition from Jesus' personal ministry to the involvement of His chosen disciples in spreading the message of the Kingdom of God.

Selection and Empowerment

Jesus, having called His twelve disciples, gave them authority over unclean spirits and the power to heal every disease and sickness. This empowerment was crucial for their mission, as it authenticated their message and demonstrated the inbreaking of God's Kingdom. In Matthew 10:1 , it is written, "Jesus called His twelve disciples to Him and gave them authority over unclean spirits, so that they could drive them out and heal every disease and sickness."

The Twelve Apostles

The twelve men chosen by Jesus were Simon Peter, James the son of Zebedee, John the brother of James, Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot. These men, from various backgrounds, were selected to be the primary witnesses of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, and to lay the foundation of the early Church.

Instructions for the Mission

Jesus provided specific instructions for their mission, emphasizing reliance on God's provision and the urgency of their task. They were to travel light, taking no gold, silver, or copper in their belts, no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, sandals, or staff. This directive underscored their dependence on God and the hospitality of those who would receive their message. In Matthew 10:9-10 , Jesus instructed, "Do not carry any gold or silver or copper in your belts. Take no bag for the road, or second tunic, or sandals, or staff; for the worker is worthy of his provisions."

Proclamation of the Kingdom

The core of their mission was to proclaim that "the kingdom of heaven is near" (Matthew 10:7). This message was accompanied by acts of compassion and power: healing the sick, raising the dead, cleansing lepers, and driving out demons. These acts were signs of the Kingdom and demonstrated the authority given to them by Jesus.

Reception and Rejection

Jesus prepared the apostles for varying responses to their message. He instructed them to seek out worthy individuals in each town and stay with them. If a town or home rejected them, they were to shake the dust off their feet as a testimony against them, symbolizing the severance of responsibility for those who refused the message. In Matthew 10:14 , Jesus said, "And if anyone will not welcome you or heed your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town."

Warnings and Encouragements

Aware of the challenges they would face, Jesus warned the apostles of persecution and hardship. He encouraged them to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves, trusting in the Holy Spirit to provide the words they needed when brought before governors and kings. Despite the anticipated opposition, Jesus assured them of God's care and the ultimate reward for their faithfulness.

Significance

The sending out of the Twelve Apostles was a preparatory step for the Great Commission, where Jesus would later command His followers to make disciples of all nations. This initial mission foreshadowed the global spread of the Gospel and the establishment of the Church, as the apostles laid the groundwork for the Christian faith through their witness and teaching.