Matthew 10:5

¶ These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into [any] city of the Samaritans enter ye not:

These {G5128} twelve {G1427} Jesus {G2424} sent forth {G649}, and commanded {G3853} them {G846}, saying {G3004}, Go {G565} not {G3361} into {G1519} the way {G3598} of the Gentiles {G1484}, and {G2532} into {G1519} any city {G4172} of the Samaritans {G4541} enter ye {G1525} not {G3361}:

These twelve Yeshua sent out with the following instructions: "Don't go into the territory of the Goyim, and don't enter any town in Shomron,

These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go onto the road of the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans.

These twelve Jesus sent forth, and charged them, saying, Go not into any way of the Gentiles, and enter not into any city of the Samaritans:

Commentary

Matthew 10:5 marks a pivotal moment in Jesus’ early ministry, as He commissions His twelve disciples for their first independent mission. This verse outlines a very specific, and seemingly restrictive, command regarding their outreach.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' charge to the twelve apostles (listed in Matthew 10:2-4) before sending them out to proclaim the kingdom of heaven, heal the sick, cleanse lepers, raise the dead, and cast out demons. The instructions given here are crucial for understanding the immediate scope of their mission. Unlike the later Great Commission, which commanded them to "go and make disciples of all nations," this initial sending was geographically and ethnically limited. The primary focus was on the "lost sheep of the house of Israel," as explicitly stated in the very next verse, Matthew 10:6.

Key Themes

  • Limited Scope of the Initial Mission: Jesus' instruction to "Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into [any] city of the Samaritans enter ye not" highlights a strategic, phased approach to evangelism. This mission was a training ground specifically for Jewish audiences.
  • Priority to Israel: God's covenant relationship with Israel meant that the message of the Messiah would first be offered to His chosen people, fulfilling ancient prophecies.
  • Divine Timing and Strategy: Jesus, in His wisdom, understood the necessity of establishing the foundational message within Israel before expanding to a global reach. This reflects a divine order in the unfolding of His redemptive plan.
  • Discipleship and Obedience: For the apostles, this command was a test of obedience and an integral part of their spiritual formation, preparing them for future, broader ministries.

Linguistic Insights

The term "Gentiles" comes from the Greek word ethne (ἔθνη), which literally means "nations" and refers to all non-Jewish peoples. The "Samaritans" were a distinct group inhabiting Samaria, north of Judea, who had a mixed heritage and religious practices, leading to significant animosity with the Jews of Judea (see John 4:9). Jesus' directive underscored the immediate focus on the Jewish population.

Related Scriptures

This verse provides a stark contrast to Jesus' later instructions. While the initial mission was limited, the ultimate plan was universal. After His resurrection, Jesus commanded His disciples to be His witnesses "in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth" (Acts 1:8). This shows a clear progression in God's redemptive plan, beginning with Israel and extending to all nations.

Practical Application

Matthew 10:5 teaches us that God's plans often unfold in stages. While God's love is for all people, there can be specific times and seasons for focused ministry or outreach. It reminds believers of the importance of understanding and obeying God's specific instructions for a given task, even when they may seem counter-intuitive in a broader context. It also highlights the principle of strategic evangelism, where initial efforts may be concentrated before a wider expansion.

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Cross-References

  • John 4:9 (11 votes)

    Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.

  • Acts 22:21 (8 votes)

    And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.

  • Acts 22:23 (8 votes)

    And as they cried out, and cast off [their] clothes, and threw dust into the air,

  • 2 Kings 17:24 (5 votes)

    ¶ And the king of Assyria brought [men] from Babylon, and from Cuthah, and from Ava, and from Hamath, and from Sepharvaim, and placed [them] in the cities of Samaria instead of the children of Israel: and they possessed Samaria, and dwelt in the cities thereof.

  • 2 Kings 17:41 (5 votes)

    So these nations feared the LORD, and served their graven images, both their children, and their children's children: as did their fathers, so do they unto this day.

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:16 (4 votes)

    Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.

  • Romans 15:8 (4 votes)

    Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises [made] unto the fathers: