Matthew 10:6

But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

But {G1161} go {G4198} rather {G3123} to {G4314} the lost {G622} sheep {G4263} of the house {G3624} of Israel {G2474}.

but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Isra'el.

Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel.

but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Matthew 10:6 is a pivotal instruction given by Jesus to His twelve disciples as He sends them out on their first limited missionary journey. This verse defines the initial scope of their mission, emphasizing a specific focus before the broader commission to all nations.

Context

This verse follows directly from Jesus' detailed instructions to His apostles in Matthew chapter 10. In Matthew 10:5, Jesus explicitly tells them not to go into the way of the Gentiles or into any city of the Samaritans. Matthew 10:6 then provides the positive command, directing them "rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." This highlights the priority of Jesus' earthly ministry and His initial outreach to the Jewish people, fulfilling prophecy and addressing God's covenant nation first.

Key Themes

  • Prioritized Mission to Israel: Jesus' earthly ministry and the initial apostolic commission were primarily directed towards the Jewish people. This was part of God's redemptive plan, beginning with His chosen nation before extending salvation to the wider world. It demonstrates God's faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham.
  • Israel as "Lost Sheep": The metaphor of "lost sheep" is powerful and recurring in the Bible. It signifies people who are astray, vulnerable, without guidance, and in desperate need of a shepherd. Jesus often used this imagery for the people of Israel, whom He saw as "sheep without a shepherd" in Matthew 9:36. This highlights their spiritual condition and urgent need for the Messiah.
  • Divine Order and Phased Revelation: While the ultimate goal was for the gospel to reach all nations (as seen in the Great Commission of Matthew 28:19 and the expansion of the church in Acts 1:8), there was a specific, initial phase focused on Israel. This reflects God's orderly progression in revealing His salvation plan.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "lost sheep" comes from the Greek probaton apololos, which literally means "sheep that have perished" or "sheep that are destroyed." This term emphasizes not just wandering, but a state of being in danger or without hope unless found. It underscores the spiritual peril of those disconnected from God's truth and highlights the urgency of the disciples' mission to bring them back to the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ.

Practical Application

Matthew 10:6 reminds us of several important truths:

  • Compassion for the Lost: Just as Jesus had deep compassion for the "lost sheep" of Israel, believers today are called to have a similar heart for those who are spiritually astray, regardless of their background.
  • Understanding God's Timing: This verse illustrates that God often works through specific stages and priorities in His plans. While His ultimate love is for all humanity, there can be particular focuses at different times or for specific groups.
  • The Ongoing Call to Share the Gospel: Though the initial mission was limited, the broader call to share the gospel with all people (Jew and Gentile alike, as articulated by Paul in Romans 1:16) remains the church's enduring mandate. This verse provides historical context for the early church's outreach.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Jeremiah 50:6

    My people hath been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away [on] the mountains: they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their restingplace.

  • Acts 13:46

    Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.

  • 1 Peter 2:25

    For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

  • Isaiah 53:6

    All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

  • Ezekiel 34:6

    My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek [after them].

  • Psalms 119:176

    ¶ I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.

  • Acts 3:26

    Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.

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