He that receiveth, &c.— "As you shall be rewarded for perseverance in my faith, Matthew 10:39 so in proportion shall they who entertain you for my sake. He who receiveth you, &c. that is to say, sheweth you kindness,—sheweth me kindness, and for the same reason sheweth my Father kindness, who hath sent me; and shall be rewarded accordingly." By a prophet is meant a minister of God in general. The word δεχομαι, rendered receive, plainly signifies here to entertain in a hospitable way, as it does likewise, Hebrews 11:31. James 2:25-26. Nor can the gradation in the following words be understood without such an interpretation. Our Lord styles those persons little ones, Matthew 10:42 who were recommendable neither for their learning nord ignity; plain and well-meaning men, who, though they were illiterate, were of a teachable disposition, and entertained a great love of truth, and enjoyed the love of God in their hearts. See ch. Matthew 11:5; Matthew 11:25 Matthew 18:6. Mark 9:42.Luke 17:2. By disciple in this verse is not to be understood one of the twelve apostles; for Jesus, observing here a gradation, descends from a prophet to a righteous man, that is to say, one who is eminent in holiness, a righteous man in the way of eminence; and from a righteous man to a disciple, that is to say, any genuine believer. See ch. Matthew 5:1 Matthew 18:6. We may first observe here, that what renders good works acceptable in the sight of God, and procures them a recompence from him through the blood of the covenant, is, their being done out of regard for him. By the rewards here promised, Le Clerc understands the happiness of heaven, nearly in these words: "He that sheweth kindness to a prophet on account of his mission and doctrine, or to a righteous man on account of his righteousness, especially if by so doing he exposes himself to persecution, shall be highly rewarded: nay, he who does any good office whatever in the meanest of my disciples, though it should be but the small service of handing a cup of cold water to them, shall not go unrewarded." Other commentators think it improper to interpret these promises of the rewards of the life to come, because the offices to which they are annexed may possibly be performed by very bad men, who on some occasionshonour and cherish the servants of Christ, as Herod did at one time John the Baptist. But Le Clerc has endeavoured to obviate this, by adding the circumstance of men's suffering persecution for such good offices; yet he adds it without warrant from the text. Besides, the promise thus understood would not have animated the disciples so powerfully in the discharge of their duty, under the difficulties that they were to meet with. Perhaps, therefore, it is more reasonable to understand these rewards actively of the temporal blessings which the Apostles, as prophets and righteous men, were empowered to confer on the families who shewed them hospitality. As prophets they could heal the sick in those families, and raise the dead: as righteous men, they could assist them in the management of their affairs, by giving them prudent advice in difficult cases; or they might keep them back from sin by their religious conversation and example: and in both capacities might draw down many blessings onthem by their prayers (see Matthew 10:13.). "You are to meet," said Christ, "with great opposition; but I will engage men to befriend you: for all who do you any kindness shall, even in this life, be so rewarded by your miracles and prayers, that theyshall be confirmed in their goodwill to you; and others, observing how God has blessed them, shall be excited to imitate their kindness." Calvin thinks this text teaches, that the rewards of the good offices here mentioned will bear a proportion to the dignity of the person in the church of God, who receives them. But whatever sense we put upon the passage, the declaration and promise here made, joined with Matthew 10:14-15., where our Lord threatens to punish those who should reject his messengers, were excellently calculated to comfort them under the prospect of the bad reception which he told them they were to meet with, while employed in preaching the Gospel. See Macknight. Dr. Campbell, instead of in the name of, reads because,—because he is a prophet,—because he is a righteous man,—because he is my disciple.
Inferences.—How gloriously confirmed is the Gospel of Christ by the various signs and wonders which were wrought by those who first preached it! This Gospel is to be published to all, and it will not be in vain, but be savingly received by many. What an encouragement is this to those that preach, and those who hear it! and how careful should we be to give it due entertainment! If we reject it, it is to our own perdition, which will be more terrible than what the worst of heathens will suffer who never heard it: but if we embrace it, and perseveringly cleave to it, it will be to our salvation and eternal glory. Though the ministers of this Gospel are not to seek great things in this world for or by their ministrations; yet their great Lord and Master has made it the duty, and will incline the hearts, of his believing people to provide for them: and as it is their exceeding joy to be owned and honoured by him, and made his instruments of gathering-in lost souls; so the least Christian affection or kindness shewn to any of his faithful servants or disciples, because they are such, shall be graciously accepted; and he will own it, as if it were done personally unto himself. Ah! what are the dearest friends and comforts of life, if put in the least competition with Christ! and why should any reproaches or troubles that we may meet with for his sake be a discouragement to us, since he has undergone them before us, will take care of us in the way, and, if faithful, publicly own and recommend us to his Father at the end! Needlessly to expose ourselves to sufferings is unwarrantable and imprudent: but to neglect any known duty, or commit any known sin to avoid them, is in its degree a kind of apostacy; it is fearing men, who cannot kill our immortal spirits together with our mortal bodies, nor affect our truest interests; it is fearing them more than the great God, who will dreadfully resent it, and can destroy both soul and body for ever in hell. But whatever we are called to lose or suffer for Christ and his cause, we shall never lose by him, while with faith and patience, with meekness and holy courage, we commit ourselves to Him that judgeth righteously, and has all our affairs under his eye and government: for he that endures to the end shall be saved.
REFLECTIONS.—1st, Those whom our Lord intended to be his ministers and ambassadors, he had before called to be his attendants, that they might learn from his divine instructions the truths that they must preach to others, and imitate his bright example which they beheld. None can possibly be fit for the ministry, or be called of God to take that office upon them, who have not first been taught of Christ by communion with him, and acquaintance with his word, the blessed truths which they are to declare to others, and been furnished with gifts as well as graces for that arduous employment. It is the scandal of any church, and must be the ruin of the people's souls, when such are sent forth as ministers who are themselves ignorant, careless, and unacquainted with the glorious truths of God, and merely take up the ministry as a maintenance; and they who send them shall share their guilt.
1. Christ called them unto him in private, from the rest of the disciples, and, with their commission to preach his Gospel, invested them with authority over the unclean spirits and diseases of every kind, that by their miracles they might confirm their mission. Note; (1.) A particular call is needful for the ministry, besides the general one to be Christ's disciple; and we must see this clear before we presume to run. (2.) The great design of the gospel-ministry is, to oppose and destroy Satan's power over the hearts of men. Though bodily possessions may be less frequent, his empire over men's souls is still mighty; and nothing but the power of the Gospel can effectually cast out the unclean spirit from the fallen heart. (3.) In the grace of Jesus there is a cure for every sickness; none of our spiritual maladies are so inveterate, but there is in his word medicine which can heal the disease.
2. The number and names of the apostles are recorded. They were twelve in number, according to the tribes of Israel, to whom they were sent. They are mentioned in pairs, being sent forth by two and two, as mutual helps to each other; and some of them were brethren in blood, as well as apostleship; and happy it is where relations are thus by grace doubly united. Peter is placed first, not as invested with superior power over his fellow-labourers, but as among those who were first called, and appeared ever most zealous in the cause. Matthew, the writer of this Gospel, humbly sets Thomas before himself, though the other Evangelists place him after Matthew; and he adds his former occupation, the publican, as a foil to set off the distinguished grace of Jesus to him, and to keep him lowly in his own eyes, remembering whence he was taken. Simon, another of the same name with Peter, is distinguished from him by being called the Canaanite, either from his city Cana of Galilee, or, as the name signifies, he was of the Zealots, Luke 6:15 a sect among the Jews, who in imitation of Phinehas, out of pretended zeal for God's glory, executed vengeance on offenders, without any process before the magistrates. Judas the traitor is the last. The purest societies will have some such among them; he is called Iscariot, concerning which name there are many conjectures; the most probable seems to be, that it was given him from the place of his nativity, and to distinguish him from the other Judas or Jude, the brother of James. See the Critical Notes.
2nd, Christ, having given the apostles their commission, directs them how to discharge it aright.
1. Their ministry must be confined to the lost sheep of the house of Israel alone, and therefore they are forbidden to visit any city of the Gentiles or Samaritans. The Mosiac dispensation had not yet ceased: it was needful, therefore, according to the divine plan, that the Gospel should first be preached in the Jews; that the faithful among them might enjoy all the high privileges of the new dispensation, and the rest be left inexcusable in their infidelity.
2. The subject of their preaching must be the same which John at first, and Jesus himself, had inculcated; that the kingdom of heaven was at hand; and therefore they were to urge all men to repent and turn to God, as became the true members of the Messiah's kingdom. Note; (1.) Truth is uniform. Novel doctrines carry their own confutation along with them. (2.) The nearness of Christ's coming in his kingdom should quicken our diligence to prepare to meet him.
3. They are directed to work miracles in confirmation of their mission, and to engage the readier attention to their doctrine: in the name of Jesus they shall be enabled to heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise even the dead, and cast out devils from the possessed; evidences these of divine power, which none who were not wilfully obstinate could withstand; and for these acts of benevolence they must neither desire nor receive the least reward, shewing their disinterested zeal and charity, and giving as freely as they had received. Note; Nothing more evidently characterises the faithful ministers of Christ, than their disinterested labours, not seeking gain for themselves, but the good of mankind.
4. They need not be at all solicitous about a provision in their journey; nor should they take either money in their purse, or meat in their scrip, or change of garments, or any other than the clothes they had on, the sandals on their feet, and the staff in their hands: he who employed them in their work, will take care that they shall not want. Though they may not desire to enrich themselves by their labours, they justly deserved their maintenance. Note; Though the ministers of the gospel must not seek filthy lucre, they have a right to a subsistence; and they who preach the gospel shall live by the gospel.
5. As they were going into places where they were utterly unknown, their first inquiry must be who was worthy in the place (not of the gospel or the grace of God; but who was most noted for hospitality, and the entertainment of strangers), and abide in their house during their stay, if they found a welcome. In which case, entering with kindest wishes of every blessing, they should salute the master and his household; and if they received a courteous and hearty entertainment, then the blessings they wished for should descend upon that house: but if their salute was returned with coldness or incivility, then their good wishes should not be lost; but, instead of descending on that family, should return with blessings upon their own souls. But woe to that house or city that should, by their unkind behaviour, compel them to depart! they are commanded to shake off the dust of their feet against them, either as testifying their abhorrence of their wickedness in thrusting the gospel from them, or as a testimony against them in the day of judgment; at which aweful season even Sodom and Gomorrah would not meet with so heavy a doom, as these who rejected the counsel of God against their own souls. Note; (1.) Religion is never a plea for rudeness or moroseness; to be courteous is a gospel duty. (2.) No good wishes are ever in vain; the prayers offered for the evil and unthankful will bring a blessing to us, if they procure none for them. (3.) Nothing is lost by being employed in God's service, and the support of the gospel; no money laid out in any way will bring richer returns than this. (4.) They who reject God's ministers, reject him, whose ambassadors they are; so he will interpret it, and avenge their quarrel. (5.) When any place or people slight the gospel, justly does God take it from them. (6.) There is a day of judgment at hand, when among the various degrees of punishment which will be inflicted on sinners, none will endure so heavy vengeance as those against whom the dust of a slighted and rejected gospel shall rise up for a testimony.
3rdly, As they were now beginning the work of their ministry, our Lord informs them of the troubles and persecutions to which they would be hereafter exposed in the exercise of their office; that when they came, they might not think some strange thing had happened to them as they might otherwise do, if they were buoyed up with the hopes of a temporal kingdom. And that they may not be at a loss in these seasons of trial, they have gracious encouragements to support them, and directions for their conduct in such emergencies.
1. They must expect to meet with many difficulties and much suffering. They were harmless and defenceless as sheep, and were going forth into a world where they would be worried by wicked men, fierce and savage as wolves: for Christ's name's sake, and for their fidelity to him, they would be hated; the natural heart being full of enmity against God and his image, and this being at the root of all persecution, with whatever specious pretences the wicked seek to cloak their animosity. They would be arrested as criminals, and brought to the bar; the arm of justice which should be stretched forth to protect the innocent, having in all ages, through false misrepresentations and partial judges, been made the means of the most cruel oppressions of God's people. They would be exposed to suffer in their persons, even unto death; so far will the inveterate malice of their enemies go: not content with scourging them, and putting them to shame, they will persecute some even unto blood, and with all the ignominy of a public execution take away their lives. To give a pretext for such cruelties, they will be branded with every opprobrious name, and their characters be blackened, as if they were very fiends of hell; this being the practice of persecutors in every age, to misrepresent the people of God, and dress them up in the most odious colours, the more easily to destroy them. So far, therefore, from that outward peace and prosperity which the Jews fancied would attend the Messiah's kingdom, they must look for the sword of persecution, and a state of constant variance and warfare with the world which lieth in wickedness. That gospel of peace, which in itself breathes such charity and good-will to men, through the perverseness of the natural heart, would give occasion to the most implacable feuds; difference of religion being the ground of the most cruel persecutions. Now these things they are warned of, that they may count the cost, and, knowing the consequences, their choice may be deliberate and fixed. These trials also would be the more severe, considering the persons from whom they would come,—from men, even those of their own nation; from the very persons to whom they preached, and for whose souls they laboured,—from all men, men of all ranks and degrees, and from the world in general which lieth in wickedness; few of whom would receive their testimony, and the rest would not be only hardened, but exasperated against them,—from the great men, the kings and governors of the earth, who would employ their power in oppressing and opposing them; for the gospel seldom meets with friends among the great,—yea, from those who made a shew of religion; even in the synagogues they would find the most inveterate foes, who would even count God honoured in the punishment that they inflicted on them, and place their bitterest malice to the account of zeal for his glory: and such persecutors on principle are the worst of persecutors. And finally, what would be of all others the most irksome to be borne, from their nearest and dearest relations the most unnatural enmity may be expected. The nearest ties of blood shall be dissolved; even brothers shall lose all fraternal affection, and parents themselves turn unnatural to their own offspring, and children forget all duty and regard. Even daughters shall rise up against their mothers, and the daughter-in-law, who before lived peaceably with her mother-in-law, will now entertain the deadliest animosity, inflamed with blind zeal and bigotry, as if from the moment their dearest relations embraced the gospel of Jesus, no affection or respect was henceforward due to them, no measures to be kept with them; but that with implacable enmity they must be persecuted, accused, or murdered: so that a man's bitterest foes shall be those of his own household: and this has been grievously verified by the experience of past ages; and more or less, as our good conversation in Christ exhibits the strongest contrast to the ways of a world which lieth in wickedness, will be the case till the universal reign of Christ be established.
2. Christ gives them counsel and encouragement how to bear up under these heavy trials. His counsel is,
(1.) Be wise as serpents. When we have crafty enemies to deal with, we are bound to use every prudential means for our own preservation, and, as far as may be, to counteract their mischievous designs, and not unnecessarily expose ourselves to danger: notwithstanding which, in the clear way of duty, we should be bold as lions.
(2.) Be harmless as doves; give no needless provocation; shew no rancour or ill-will in return for any injuries; manifest that genuine simplicity and harmlessness of conduct, which may cut off occasion from those who desire occasion; and then the subtlety of the serpent is laudable, when thus joined with the innocence of the dove.
(3.) Beware of men. Be cautious whom you trust, and with whom you are connected. In this false and wicked world, we must not hastily believe every word, or be open to every plausible professor: prudent reserve often keeps us from fruitless repentance.
(4.) When they persecute you in one city, flee into another. In cases where life is in danger, or virulent opposition prevents all opportunity of exercising our ministry, then to fly is duty, provided no unlawful means are used to escape; and that we follow the leadings of Providence, not deserting our post through fear, but maintaining our zeal and integrity unshaken.
(5.) Fear not them who can kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul; this mortal life is the utmost to which their rage can extend: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. The soul is the valuable part of man, the body is but dust; and however great the terrors of the persecutors may be, the terrors of the Lord are greater; the everlasting burnings of hell, the wrath of the eternal God, and the sufferings both of soul and body in torment, without measure and without end, must be remembered as an antidote against the fear of man, when he comes armed with every instrument of torture, racks, gibbets, fire, or sword. How much better is it bravely to endure a momentary pang, and in an instant be gone beyond all the malice of persecutors, than by base compliance provoke God, from whose hands none can deliver us, and whose wrath will be for ever wrath to come!
(6.) What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light. Let nothing intimidate you from a bold and open profession and ministration of the gospel; and what ye hear in the ear, of my secrets communicated to you as your friend, or master (it being the custom of the Jewish doctors to whisper in their disciples' ears), that preach ye upon the housetops; which being low and flat-roofed, a person might be heard in the streets from them distinctly; and this intimates, that in the most public places of concourse, they must deliver their message without fear or shame. Christ's gospel seeks no covert, nor must his ministers conceal from their hearers any thing of the whole counsel of God.
4thly, The encouragement proposed to them, boldly to endure hardness as good soldiers of Jesus Christ, is as great, as the dangers which they had to grapple with were intimidating.
1. Verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over; or finished, the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come. Before they could finish their testimony, they would see the kingdom of heaven, which they preached, come with power; when, after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, and the effusion of the Holy Ghost upon them, they should be endued with greater powers, and see the most wonderful effects of their ministry; the prospect of which should quicken them in their present labours.
2. They need not be under any concern about what they should say when brought before their superiors, and accused by their enemies; for it shall be given you in the same hour what ye shall speak; being under a divine guidance they should never be at a loss, but should be enabled to vindicate the truth with the most powerful arguments, and to deliver themselves with the greatest propriety, to the astonishment of their adversaries; endued with wisdom and power more than human, which the most subtle of their foes shall not be able either to gainsay or resist; for it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in, or by you: and when on emergencies we are suddenly called forth to speak for Christ, if his glory be our single aim, we shall still in our measure and degree find the same teaching and strength, and may comfortably trust him for assistance.
3. Their very sufferings should tend to propagate the gospel that they preached, and be for a testimony against Jews and Gentiles, before whose tribunal, when brought as criminals, they would have a more public opportunity of bearing witness to the glorious truths of God; and if they sealed them with their blood, as martyrs, this would be a stronger confirmation of the truth of their mission, and leave those who rejected their testimony inexcusable.
4. He that endureth to the end shall be saved. These light afflictions are but for a moment; their end is near, death at the worst shall put a period to them; a little patience and perseverance will make them more than conquerors; and the far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory will infinitely overpay all the sufferings of this present time.
5. They could never be treated worse than their Master had been before them. Whatever persecution or reproach they might endure, He, who was so greatly their superior, had suffered, or would suffer, the same. They had called him Beelzebub, a devil, the prince of the devils, and treated him with every imaginable ignominy; and this contradiction of sinners he patiently endured. Having therefore so glorious an example before them, they might well be content to bear his reproach, and count it their honour to be made like their Lord and Master. Who of us should start at shame, insult, or suffering, when we look to Jesus, and see what he endured?
6. There is nothing covered that shall not be revealed and hid that shall not be known. However their enemies might seek to suppress the word of truth, it should blaze forth in spite of all opposition; and their characters, though blackened by the most malignant calumnies, should quickly be vindicated, their innocence proved, their integrity demonstrated either in this world, or at farthest, if faithful, at that great day, when every man's work shall be tried of what sort it is; and they be declared righteous, and exalted to glory in the sight of men and angels. Little need we then regard the revilings of men, when our judgment is with our God, and he shall soon bring forth our righteousness as the light.
7. They shall be under the peculiar care of Providence, and therefore might comfortably and confidently trust, and not be afraid. If a sparrow falls not to the ground, poor and worthless as it is, without the cognizance, and only according to the appointing, permissive, or suffering will of God, whose Providence extends to the very least and lowest creatures that he has made; nay, if the very hairs of their head are numbered, and not one of them can fall unknown or unnoticed; how little need they fear death or danger! their enemies, however inveterate, can have no power over them, except it be given them or permitted from above; and they may be assured the least evil cannot reach them without the divine sufferance. They are of more value than many sparrows; and therefore, not only as men, but as disciples dear to Jesus, may expect his peculiar care and protection. Note; True faith in God's providence will silence all our fears, and shew them as fruitless as they are sinful; since the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.
8. According as they are faithful, they will be owned or rejected by Jesus, at the great day of his appearing and glory. Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. Whatever reproach or danger a bold, open, and constant profession of Jesus may expose us to, it will redound to our distinguishing honour in the day of Christ, when the great Judge and Lord of all shall testify his approbation of our conduct before men and angels, and present us before the throne of God, as proved and found faithful; and then shall all such be advanced to glory, honour, and immortality. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven: whoever, through coward fear or shame, starts back in the day of trial, and hides or denies his profession before men, he shall be disowned by me in the great day, rejected with abhorrence, and exposed to everlasting shame and contempt for such base apostacy. Every motive, therefore, of fear or hope urges us to be faithful.
9. Whatever their losses may be for Christ, they shall be abundantly gainers in the end. It is true, they may be called upon to part with every thing near and dear to them, and must love the Lord Jesus and his service above all besides, ready to sacrifice every thing for him when it stands in competition with his glory. Neither father, mother, son, nor daughter, must rival him in our hearts; nay, our very lives must not be dear unto us, when for his sake called to lay them down. Whatever cross the Lord Jesus calls us to endure, whatever commands he is pleased to lay upon us, we are not worthy of a name among his disciples, unless we cheerfully take it up, and obediently follow him: and indeed in so doing, we most effectually consult our own advantage and safety. For he that findeth his life, preserveth it at the expence of some base compliance or unfaithful conduct, shall lose it; all the comforts of it shall be embittered to him here, and he shall perish eternally; so that in the issue he shall see his folly great as his sin: while he that loses his life for my sake, ready to lay it down when called for, rather than take one step out of the path of duty, he shall find it at the resurrection of the just, with most ample compensation for all his losses, in the eternal blessedness of body and soul with God in glory.
Lastly, Though they would find many enemies, they would meet also with faithful friends; whom, for their kindness to his disciples, he would abundantly reward: he would regard every instance of respect and affection shewn to them, as done to himself; and God the Father will assuredly repay it. Whoever therefore should receive their word, or the word of those who should succeed them, and shew their kindness to their persons as the ministers and prophets of the Lord, he shall receive a prophet's reward, blessed by his labours, and, if faithful, sharing with him in the promise of eternal happiness. And in like manner, he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man, loving and kind to him, not for any worldly, personal, or private considerations, but purely on account of him whose image he bears, he shall receive a righteous man's reward, rewarded in this life, and, if he embrace and cleave to the gospel, partaking with him that life and glory which is the gift of God in Jesus Christ, the reward, not of debt, but of grace. Nay, the very least and most inconsiderable favours shewn to the very meanest disciple, if but a cup of cold water, shall be remembered and recompensed. Considerations these, admirably suited to comfort them under all their trials and afflictions, and embolden them with fidelity to persevere. And we are alike interested in these things, and should be comforted and encouraged under all our troubles for the gospel's sake, with the same reviving expectations. See the Annotations.