Matthew 10:1

¶ 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.

And {G2532} when he had called {G4341} unto him his {G846} twelve {G1427} disciples {G3101}, he gave {G1325} them {G846} power {G1849} against unclean {G169} spirits {G4151}, to {G5620} cast {G1544} them {G846} out {G1544}, and {G2532} to heal {G2323} all manner {G3956} of sickness {G3554} and {G2532} all manner {G3956} of disease {G3119}.

Yeshua called his twelve talmidim and gave them authority to drive out unclean spirits and to heal every kind of disease and weakness.

And calling His twelve disciples to Him, Jesus gave them authority over unclean spirits, so that they could drive them out and heal every disease and sickness.

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

Commentary

Matthew 10:1 KJV Commentary

Context of Matthew 10:1

Matthew 10:1 marks a pivotal moment in Jesus' earthly ministry. Up to this point, Jesus has been actively teaching, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and performing numerous miracles, including healing the sick and casting out demons (as seen in Matthew chapters 8 and 9). Recognizing the vast spiritual need—the "multitudes... as sheep having no shepherd" (Matthew 9:36)—Jesus now begins to delegate His authority. This verse introduces the formal commissioning of His twelve chosen disciples, empowering them to extend His work and participate directly in His mission.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Authority and Empowerment: The central theme is Jesus' absolute authority (Greek: exousia) and His ability to bestow it upon others. He doesn't just ask them to do good deeds; He equips them with supernatural power directly from Himself. This power is specifically granted "against unclean spirits" and "to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease," demonstrating His sovereignty over both spiritual darkness and physical infirmity.
  • The Mission of the Disciples: This verse initiates the disciples' active participation in Jesus' mission. They are not merely followers but now agents of His kingdom, sent forth to carry out the very works Jesus Himself performed. This delegation highlights the expansion of God's redemptive work through His chosen instruments.
  • Confrontation of Evil and Suffering: The specific powers granted—to cast out unclean spirits and heal diseases—underscore the comprehensive nature of Jesus' mission: to confront and overcome the effects of sin and the influence of evil in the world, bringing wholeness and liberation.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "power" in this verse is exousia (ἐξουσία). This is distinct from dynamis (δύναμις), which refers to inherent strength or ability. Exousia signifies delegated authority, the right to act, or legitimate power. Jesus, possessing all authority (Matthew 28:18), grants His disciples the specific legal right and capacity to operate in His name against spiritual and physical ailments. The term "unclean spirits" (Greek: pneumata akatharta) clearly refers to demonic entities, highlighting the spiritual dimension of their mission.

Practical Application

Matthew 10:1 offers enduring lessons for believers today. While the specific miraculous gifts may manifest differently across times and individuals, the underlying principles remain constant:

  • God Empowers His People: Just as Jesus empowered the twelve, God continues to equip believers for the work He calls them to do. Our effectiveness in ministry comes from His divine enabling, not solely from our own strength or talent.
  • The Church's Ongoing Mission: The mission to confront spiritual darkness and bring healing (in its broadest sense—physical, emotional, spiritual) to a suffering world is still vital. The church is called to be an agent of God's compassion and power in the world.
  • Reliance on Christ's Authority: Our ability to make an impact stems from our connection to Christ and His delegated authority. We operate not in our own name, but by His power and for His glory. This verse encourages us to boldly step into the roles God has prepared for us, trusting in His provision of power.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 9:1

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

  • Luke 9:6

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

  • Mark 3:13

    ¶ And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth [unto him] whom he would: and they came unto him.

  • Mark 3:15

    And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils:

  • Mark 6:7

    ¶ And he called [unto him] the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;

  • Mark 6:13

    And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed [them].

  • Luke 10:19

    Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
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