Matthew 10:6

"Jesus sent these twelve out and commanded them, saying, “Don’t go among the Gentiles, and don’t enter into any city of the Samaritans."

Key Reflection

This command initially directs the disciples to focus their ministry among the Jewish people, emphasizing the priority of reaching their own community before expanding to others. It reflects Jesus' strategic plan and reveals his awareness of the cultural and religious divisions of the time, preparing His followers for the significant shift in mission that would come later.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 6. But go rather to the lost sheep, etc. That is, to the Jews. He regarded them as wandering and lost, like sheep straying without a shepherd. They had been the chosen people of God; they had long looked for the Messiah; and it was proper that the gospel should be first offered to them. {w} "go rather" Ac 13:46 {x} "lost sheep" Ps 119:176; Is 53:6; Jer 1:6,17; Eze 34:5,6,8 1 Pe 2:25 __________________________________________________________________

Related Verses

More from Matthew 10

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43

Go deeper with Bible.talk - your AI Bible study companion