Matthew 10:1

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Matthew 10:1 serves as the foundational commissioning of Jesus' twelve chosen disciples, marking a pivotal moment where His ministry of teaching, preaching, and healing begins to be extended through His followers. In this verse, Jesus gathers His inner circle and, with divine authority, bestows upon them the specific power to confront and overcome spiritual darkness by casting out unclean spirits, and to alleviate human suffering by healing all forms of sickness and disease, thus empowering them to participate directly in the expansion of His kingdom work.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 10:1 immediately follows a summary of Jesus' extensive ministry throughout Galilee, where He taught in synagogues, preached the gospel of the kingdom, and healed every disease and sickness among the people [Matthew 9:35](/matthew/9-35 "Matthew 9:35 - Jesus' Ministry of Teaching and Healing"). This verse also directly follows Jesus' compassionate observation of the "multitudes... as sheep having no shepherd" [Matthew 9:36](/matthew/9-36 "Matthew 9:36 - Compassion for the Lost Multitudes") and His instruction to His disciples to pray for more laborers for the harvest [Matthew 9:37-38](/matthew/9-37-38 "Matthew 9:37-38 - The Harvest is Plentiful"). Thus, the commissioning of the twelve is presented as a direct response to the overwhelming need and a strategic expansion of the kingdom's reach, moving from Jesus' singular ministry to a delegated, multiplying effort. Chapter 10 then proceeds to detail the instructions and warnings Jesus gives to these newly empowered apostles for their mission.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judea and Galilee, the concept of spiritual and physical ailments often intertwined, with many attributing sickness and misfortune to demonic influence or divine judgment. Exorcism was practiced by some Jewish healers, but Jesus' authority in this realm was unparalleled and immediate. The calling of twelve disciples would have resonated with the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolizing a new foundation for God's people or a restoration of Israel. Discipleship in this period involved a master-student relationship where students would follow their rabbi, learn from him, and eventually carry on his teachings. Jesus' act of "calling unto Him" and "giving them power" signifies a formal ordination, setting them apart for a unique, authoritative role far beyond that of typical rabbinic students. Their mission to heal and cast out demons directly challenged the prevailing powers of darkness and suffering, demonstrating the arrival of God's kingdom.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces and reinforces several key themes prevalent in Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Authority and Delegation**, as Jesus, possessing all authority, now shares a portion of that authority with His chosen representatives. This foreshadows the Great Commission in [Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission"), where all authority in heaven and on earth is given to Jesus, who then commissions His disciples to make disciples of all nations. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Expansion of God's Kingdom**, demonstrating that the kingdom's advance is not solely dependent on Jesus' physical presence but will be carried forward by His empowered followers. Thirdly, the focus on casting out unclean spirits and healing diseases underscores the **Comprehensive Nature of Salvation** in Jesus' ministry, addressing both spiritual bondage and physical brokenness, a holistic restoration that combats the effects of sin and evil in the world. This aligns with the prophetic vision of the Messiah bringing healing and liberation, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 53:4-5](/isaiah/53-4-5 "Isaiah 53:4-5 - The Suffering Servant's Atonement").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **power (Greek, _exousía_):** This term (G1849) signifies delegated authority, privilege, or the right to act. It is distinct from *dynamis* (inherent strength or ability). Here, Jesus grants His disciples not merely strength, but the legitimate right and capacity to operate in His name, demonstrating His supreme sovereignty and His ability to bestow a share of that authority upon others for a specific purpose.
* **unclean (Greek, _akáthartos_):** This adjective (G169) describes something impure, whether ceremonially, morally, or, as in this context, specifically demonic. When applied to spirits, it denotes their defiling, corrupting nature and their opposition to God's holiness. The disciples are given authority *against* these entities, indicating a direct confrontation with spiritual forces of evil.
* **cast out (Greek, _ekbállō_):** This verb (G1544) means to eject, drive out, or expel, often with force or urgency. Its use here emphasizes the decisive and authoritative nature of the disciples' action against unclean spirits. It's not a gentle persuasion but a forceful removal, signifying the triumph of divine authority over demonic presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples":** This phrase highlights Jesus' intentional and sovereign act of selection and summons. The "twelve" are specifically chosen, echoing the twelve tribes of Israel and signifying a foundational group for the new covenant community. His calling them "unto him" implies a personal invitation and a direct impartation of His mission.
* **"he gave them power against unclean spirits":** This is the core of the delegation. Jesus, who possesses all authority, actively bestows upon His disciples the *exousía*—the right and capacity—to confront and overcome demonic entities. This power is not inherent in the disciples but is a gift from Jesus, specifically for spiritual warfare.
* **"to cast them out":** This clause specifies the immediate application of the power against unclean spirits. The disciples are empowered to forcibly expel these malevolent entities, demonstrating the kingdom of God's invasion into the realm of spiritual darkness and its liberating effect on those oppressed.
* **"and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease":** This expands the scope of the delegated power to include physical healing. "All manner of sickness" (nósos, G3554) refers to general maladies or infirmities, while "all manner of disease" (malakía, G3119) refers to specific debilitating conditions or weaknesses. This comprehensive authority over both spiritual and physical ailments underscores the holistic nature of Jesus' redemptive work, addressing the full spectrum of human suffering caused by the fall.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 10:1 employs several significant literary devices. **Delegation** is central, as Jesus, the ultimate authority, formally transfers a portion of His power to His disciples, establishing a pattern for the expansion of His ministry. This act also functions as **Empowerment**, demonstrating that those sent on God's mission are not sent in their own strength but are divinely equipped. The verse also utilizes **Juxtaposition** by placing the power over "unclean spirits" alongside the power to heal "all manner of sickness and all manner of disease." This highlights the dual nature of the disciples' mission: combating spiritual evil and alleviating physical suffering, both of which are symptoms of a fallen world. The specific number "twelve" functions as **Symbolism**, likely alluding to the twelve tribes of Israel and signifying the establishment of a new, spiritual Israel, a foundational group for God's renewed covenant people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 10:1 profoundly underscores the active presence of God's kingdom breaking into the world through Jesus and now through His delegated agents. It reveals that the comprehensive scope of Christ's redemptive work extends beyond spiritual salvation to include the confrontation of evil and the restoration of physical well-being. The authority granted to the disciples signifies that the battle against spiritual darkness and human suffering is part of the divine agenda, and that God chooses to work through His people to accomplish His purposes. This delegation also foreshadows the ongoing mission of the Church, which is called to continue Christ's work in the world, empowered by His Spirit.

* [Luke 9:1](/luke/9-1 "Luke 9:1 - Jesus Gives Power and Authority to the Twelve")
* [Mark 6:7](/mark/6-7 "Mark 6:7 - Jesus Sends Out the Twelve")
* [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power of the Holy Spirit for Witness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 10:1 offers a powerful reminder that God's work in the world is not solely dependent on a select few, but involves the active participation of His called and empowered people. Just as Jesus equipped His first disciples, He continues to equip believers today for the specific tasks He calls them to. This equipping is not based on our inherent abilities or qualifications, but on His divine authority and enabling grace. We are called to be agents of His compassion and power, confronting spiritual darkness in its various forms and bringing healing—physical, emotional, and spiritual—to a broken world. Our effectiveness in ministry stems from our reliance on Christ's delegated authority, operating not in our own strength, 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 and His unwavering presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or ministry do you feel a need for God's empowering "power" (exousía) to overcome spiritual or physical challenges?**
* **How does understanding that Jesus "gave them power" change your perspective on your own capacity to serve God?**
* **What "unclean spirits" or "sicknesses and diseases" (metaphorical or literal) in your community or the world do you feel called to confront or address with Christ's authority?**

### FAQ
**Did the disciples possess this power inherently, or was it a temporary gift?**

Answer: The power granted to the disciples in [Matthew 10:1](/matthew/10-1 "Matthew 10:1 - Jesus Commissions the Twelve") was not inherent to them but was a specific, delegated gift from Jesus. The Greek word *exousía* (G1849), translated as "power," clearly indicates "delegated authority" or "the right to act," rather than intrinsic strength (*dynamis*). This power was given for the specific mission outlined in [Matthew 10:5-8](/matthew/10-5-8 "Matthew 10:5-8 - Instructions for the Mission"), enabling them to perform the works of the kingdom as representatives of Jesus. While the immediate context points to a specific commission, the principle of God empowering His servants for His purposes is a consistent biblical theme, culminating in the Holy Spirit's empowerment of all believers for witness and service in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to be Witnesses").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 10:1 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ Himself, who is the source and perfect embodiment of all authority and power. The disciples' delegated authority to cast out demons and heal diseases is a direct extension of Jesus' own ministry, demonstrating that the kingdom of God had truly arrived in His person. He is the one who possesses "all authority in heaven and on earth" [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - Jesus' Universal Authority"), and it is from this boundless authority that He commissions His followers. The power over "unclean spirits" foreshadows Christ's ultimate victory over Satan and all forces of darkness through His death and resurrection, triumphing over them on the cross [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers"). Likewise, His power to heal "all manner of sickness and all manner of disease" points to His role as the Great Physician, whose atoning work on the cross provides not only spiritual healing but also the promise of ultimate physical restoration in the new heavens and new earth, where there will be no more sickness, sorrow, or death [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Sorrow"). Thus, the disciples' temporary commission serves as a powerful testament to the comprehensive, liberating, and sovereign power of Christ, who continues His work through His Church until His glorious return.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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.