Matthew 11:1

¶ And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities.

And {G2532} it came to pass {G1096}, when {G3753} Jesus {G2424} had made an end {G5055} of commanding {G1299} his {G846} twelve {G1427} disciples {G3101}, he departed {G3327} thence {G1564} to teach {G1321} and {G2532} to preach {G2784} in {G1722} their {G846} cities {G4172}.

After Yeshua had finished instructing the twelve talmidim, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns nearby.

After Jesus had finished instructing His twelve disciples, He went on from there to teach and preach in their cities.

And it came to pass when Jesus had finished commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and preach in their cities.

Matthew 11:1 marks a significant transition in Jesus' ministry narrative within the Gospel of Matthew. Having just equipped and sent out His twelve disciples, Jesus Himself continues His vital work of teaching and preaching, setting a powerful example for His followers.

Context

This verse immediately follows the detailed instructions Jesus gave to His twelve disciples in Matthew chapter 10. There, He granted them authority to cast out unclean spirits and heal every sickness and disease, sending them out to preach the good news to the lost sheep of Israel. While the disciples embarked on their mission, Jesus did not cease His own work. Instead, He "departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities," demonstrating that the divine mission was continuous and multifaceted, involving both delegation and personal engagement.

Key Themes

  • Delegation and Continued Ministry: Jesus empowers His disciples for ministry but does not retire from His own. This highlights a model of leadership where leaders equip others while remaining actively involved in the mission.
  • The Centrality of the Word: Both Jesus and His disciples are engaged in "teaching and preaching." This dual emphasis underscores the importance of both proclaiming the Gospel message and providing deeper instruction and understanding.
  • Divine Purpose: The phrase "it came to pass" often indicates the unfolding of God's sovereign plan, suggesting that these events were part of a larger divine design for the expansion of the kingdom.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "commanding his twelve disciples" comes from the Greek word diatassō (διατάσσω), which means to arrange, appoint, or give specific orders. This reinforces the authoritative and detailed nature of the instructions Jesus gave them in the preceding chapter.

The actions "to teach and to preach" are also significant:

  • Teach (διδάσκειν - didaskein): Implies systematic instruction, explaining the principles of the Kingdom of God and the meaning of the scriptures.
  • Preach (κηρύσσειν - kēryssein): Means to proclaim or herald, like a public announcer. This refers to the public declaration of the good news (the Gospel) about God's kingdom and salvation.

Jesus consistently engaged in both, providing both foundational proclamation and deeper instruction, just as He had done since the beginning of His public ministry (Matthew 4:23).

Significance and Application

Matthew 11:1 serves as a powerful reminder that the work of God's kingdom is ongoing and requires continuous effort from all who are called to it. Jesus' example teaches us several valuable lessons:

  • Leading by Example: Even after empowering others, Jesus continued to actively participate in the ministry He commissioned them for. This encourages leaders to remain engaged and model the behavior they expect from their followers.
  • The Comprehensive Nature of Ministry: True ministry involves both proclamation (preaching the good news) and instruction (teaching the depth of God's word). Believers are called to share their faith while also helping others grow in understanding.
  • Personal Responsibility: While God uses many laborers, each individual is called to participate in the spread of the Gospel in their own sphere of influence. The mission is too great for any one person or group alone.

This verse sets the stage for the next section of Matthew, where Jesus continues to define His identity and the nature of His kingdom, even as John the Baptist's disciples come with questions.

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.

  • Isaiah 61:1

    ¶ The Spirit of the Lord GOD [is] upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to [them that are] bound;

  • Isaiah 61:3

    To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

  • Luke 4:15

    And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.

  • Luke 4:21

    And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.

  • Luke 8:1

    ¶ And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve [were] with him,

  • Matthew 9:35

    ¶ And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.

  • Acts 10:38

    How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
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