COMMENTARY ON MARK
LESSON NUMBER 61
“ 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; 8 And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse: 9 But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats. 10 And He said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place.”
(Mark 6:7-10; Matthew 10:5-11; Luke 9:1-4).
JESUS SENDS OUT “THE TWELVE”
INTRODUCTION
Jesus has already chosen the twelve, naming them “apostles” (Lk 6:13-16; Matt 10:1-4; Mk 3:13-19). These were chosen for two reasons: (1) That “they should be with Him,” and (2) “that He might send them forth to preach” (Mk 3:14). These were men of special choice, distinct from other disciples so far as receiving and function are concerned. They were given to see and understand more because of their foundational role in the church (Eph 2:20; Rev 21:14). They have been “with Him” for approximately 11/2 years, hearing Him preach and beholding his wonderful works. Now, for the first time, Jesus will send them out to preach. He will empower them for their mission, and give them instructions on the manner in which they were to go. It ought to be noted that no person should preach or teach until they have spent time with Jesus – until they are acquainted with Him, His purpose, and the thrust of His work and message. Others, who seek to give a valid witness, are confined, as Jesus said, to a testimony of “how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee” (Mk 5:19). When it comes to preaching and teaching, human philosophy, opinion, and second-hand knowledge have no place. Divine power is never said to be granted for the transmission of such inferior knowledge. The modern church knows very little of this.
HE CALLS TO HIM THE TWELVE AND EMPOWERS THEM
“ Mk 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.”
HE CALLED TO HIM. Whether it is in the matter of initial salvation, or in Divine employment, human involvement commences with a “call” – a Divine initiative. Andrew and Peter were “called” to discipleship (Matt 4:18), as well as James and John (Matt 4:21). Those who are justified are first “called” (Rom8:30). The works of God are not accomplished by mere volunteers, but by those who have been summoned into the presence of the Lord.
THE TWELVE. The expression “the twelve apostles” is mentioned three times in Scripture (Matt 10:1 INITIAL CALL; Lk 22:14 THE LAST SUPPER; Rev 21:4 GLORIFIED CHURCH). These men are absolutely unique. They are referred to as “the twelve” twenty-three times (Matt 20:17; 26:14,20,47; Mk 4:10; 6:7; 9:35; 10:32; 11:11; 14:10,17,20,43; Lk 8:1; 9:12; 18:31; 22:3,47; John 6:67,71; 20:24; Acts 6:2; 1 Cor 15:5). He took them “apart” to teach them (Matt. 20:17; Mk 10:32), He sat down with them for special times of instruction (Matt 26:20; Mk 9:35). One time He went out to Bethany with them (Mk 11:11). He taught them in the evening (Mk 14:17). When He went preaching throughout the villages “the twelve were with Him” (Lk 8:1). When the hour of His sacrifice approached, He had the Passover with “the twelve apostles” (Lk 22:14). When the church was under way and a crisis arose, it was “the twelve” that called the multitude together to resolve the difficulty (Acts 6:2). Jesus made special post-resurrection appearances to “the twelve” (1 Cor 15:5).
Judas, who betrayed Jesus, is referred to as “one of the twelve” (Matt 26:14,47; Mk 14:10,20,43; Lk 22:47; John 6:71). However, “Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place” (Acts 1:25), and his place was filled by Matthias, fulfilling the Scripture (Acts 1:16-26). He was among “the twelve” in the book of Acts, and was among those to whom the resurrected Christ appeared, as in 1 Corinthians 15:5. These “apostles” stand in class by themselves, and are said to be “first” in the church (1 Cor 12:28).
BEGAN TO SEND THEM FORTH. By saying He “began to send them forth,” Mark means that this was the beginning of several occasions. In this Jesus did not accompany them. They would learn by experience to conduct themselves as stewards sent forth by their Master.
TWO AND TWO. Jesus sent the twelve out in pairs – six different groups – for “two are better than one” (Eccl 4:9). They could encourage one another, and discuss the things of God that they were sent forth to proclaim. There have been several holy pairs: Moses/Aaron (Ex 4:29), Joshua/Caleb (Num 32:14), Paul/Silas (Acts 17:4), Paul/Barnabas (Acts 13:2,43), and the “two witnesses” of Revelation (Rev 11:3). Later, when Jesus would send out seventy, He would also do it in pairs – “two and two” (Lk 10:1).
Matthew reports that Jesus sent them to “preach,” commanding them “Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
HE GAVE THEM POWER. Mark says Jesus “gave them power over unclean spirits.” Luke says He “gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases” (Lk 9:1). He summarizes Christ’s commission by saying He “sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick” (Lk 9:2). Matthew reports that Jesus said, “And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils” (Matt 10:7-8). He adds that they were not to charge for their ministry – “freely ye have received, freely give,” or “Freely (without pay) you have received, freely (without charge) give.” AMPLIFIED
Just as Jesus had “life in Himself,” and was therefore able to confer life (John 5:26), so Jesus had “authority and power” in Himself, and was thus able to delegate that power. This power is never said to have been communicated by the Apostles to other men. Jesus alone can delegate this such power over disease, the forces of darkness, and death itself.
This was not a power given to everyone! In this case, it was given only to “the twelve.” Later, and only when He was disposed to do so, Jesus gave power to “heal the sick,” and to cast out demons (Lk 10:9-17). Even then, these things were to accompany the message that He had given them. It is wholly inappropriate for people who have nothing to say to seek for gifts that are said to accompany and validate a message!
It ought to be noted that there is a purpose for spiritual gifts or abilities. If Jesus did not send “twelve” on a mission, they did not receive the power. Those who imagine that these aptitudes are given to every disciple, and that they ought always to be evident in the church, have erred in their judgment. Jesus never did give power in a wholesale and indiscreet manner. In this text, out of all of the multitudes that followed Him, only twelve were given the power. The healed Gadarene demoniac, for example, did not receive power to cast demons out of others. His commission was simply to tell what had been done to him. If Jesus gives this power, men have it. If He does not, they do not.
NO SCRIP, NO BREAD, NO MONEY, NOT TWO COATS
“ 8 And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse. 9 But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats.”
Jesus is going to send the twelve out with no resources. They are going to have faith, and learn to trust the Lord for their needs. Without faith, their mission will seem impossible under the circumstances that Jesus imposes upon them.
HE COMMANDED THEM. During our tenure with Jesus, at some point, we must be susceptible to the commands of the Lord. Twice Jesus “commanded” a multitude to sit down (Matt 14:19; 15:35). When He raised Jairus’ daughter from the dead He “commanded to give her meat” (Luke 8:55). When Jesus sent the disciples to get a colt on which He could ride, He “commanded” them what to do (Matt 21:6). When He broke the fish, He “commanded” the disciples to set them before the people (Mk 8:7). When Jesus heard Bartimaeus calling for mercy, He “commanded him to be called” (Matt 10:49). He told His disciples that if they did what He commanded them, they were His “friends” (John 15:14). When it came to the matter of His disciples loving one another, He commanded them to do so (John 15:17). It is always a matter of grave concern when people shrink back from obeying the Lord.
TAKE A STAFF, NOTHING ELSE. As Jesus sent the twelve out in pairs, they could not pack a suitcase. He said they could take a “staff,” no doubt to assist them in negotiating the rugged terrain. Luke reads, “Take nothing for your journey” (Lk 9:3). Both Matthew and Luke say that Jesus forbade them to take “staffs,” or “staves” – both are in the plural (Matt 10:10; Lk 9:3). The idea is that those who had a staff could take it, but those without one were not to procure one for their journey. In other words, if they ordinarily traveled with a staff, they could use one on this journey. If they did not, they were not to obtain one for this mission.
NO SCRIP. They could not take a “scrip” (not “script,” but “scrip,” or leather bag). This was used to carry supplies or provisions. Matthew reads, “nor scrip for your journey” – the normal supplies taken on a journey (Matt 10:10).
NO BREAD. They were to take no food with them – not even the bare minimum of supplies for their hunger.
NO MONEY. Matthew says, “provide neither gold, nor silver, not brass in your purses” (Matt 10:9). They could have nothing with them that would allow them to make a purchase.
PUT ON SANDALS, BUT NOT TWO COATS. Mark says they could put on “sandals.” Matthew says they were to take no “shoes.” Shoes and sandals are not the same thing. The word “sandal” refers to a sole made of wood or leather, and bound upon the foot with thongs. The word “shoes” refers to a more thorough covering of the feet. The idea is that they were to cumber themselves with two sets of shoes for negotiating different environments.
The phrase “two coats” means a change of raiment or clothing.
THE LESSON TO BE LEARNED. In these prohibitions, we see the avoidance of encumbrance, burden, or inhibition. Convenience is often a burden, and was thus to be avoided on this mission. In sending the twelve out, Jesus insisted that they not travel in an ordinary manner.
Matthew adds a word that shows why Jesus spoke in this way to His disciples: “for the workman is worthy of his meat” (Matt 10:10). Luke says, “for the laborer is worthy of his hire” (Lk 10:7). Paul wrote to Timothy, “The laborer is worthy of his reward” (1 Tim 5:18). That is, these early missionaries were going to have to depend on the hospitality of their hearers. They would have to learn to trust the Lord to supply their needs through those to whom they preached, and upon whom they showed compassion.
This time, the “twelve apostles” would be more generally received than later. That is why they were not to provide for their journey. Later, however, this would not be the case. Following Christ’s death, the religious landscape was changed. Preparing His disciples for this, and prior to His death, Jesus spoke of this change. “When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing. Then said He unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one” (Luke 22:35-36). Jesus was not advocating physical warfare. Rather, He was alerting His disciples to the hostility that would arise after He had returned to heaven. The reason for this change should be obvious. While Jesus was among men, the devil focused upon Him, tempting Him, and raising up the people against Him. When Jesus returned to heaven, Satan was expelled from those lofty climes (Rev 12:9). It is then that launched an initiative with the “remnant of the woman’s seed, which keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus” (Rev 12:17).
In our text, however, the disciples would be more readily received, and would become acquainted with some ways in which the Father would provide their daily bread.
ABIDE UNTIL YOU DEPART FROM THAT PLACE
“ 10 And He said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place.”
ENTER INTO A HOUSE. There would be no need for “the twelve” to take provisions with them, for others would entertain them. Since Jesus was sending them out in pairs, no household would be unduly burdened by entertaining all twelve of them at once – another practical reason for sending them out “two by two.”
Matthew provides a little further insight into this matter. The apostles did not impose themselves upon anyone. Neither, indeed, were they to go from house to house in an effort to find who was hospitable. Jesus said to them, “And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, inquire who in it is worthy” (Matt 10:11). Upon arriving in a town, the apostles were to search for a man who was “worthy,” “respected,” BBE “godly,” LIVING “good,” WEYMOUTH or “deserving.” WILLIAMS They were to inquire concerning any person who was upright and feared the Lord, ands were thus ready to receive the “gospel of the kingdom.” I do not doubt that such people were also noted for their hospitality, and proneness to “entertain strangers” (Heb 13:2).
This, of course, exposes the utter fallaciousness of those who would have us neglect the righteous in preference for the unrighteous. When Jesus walked among men, these were the people who sought Him out, and not vice versa (Matt 9:10; Mk 2:15). Such also came to John the Baptist (Lk 7:29). The message of the forgiveness of sins that John announced and Jesus expounded, was appealing to those who had a deep sense of their sin.
If a holy entourage like “the twelve apostles” came to our town, and inquired concerning who was “worthy,” would our names be mentioned? Who would be among those whose homes were open to them? Jesus taught His disciples to be particular about the houses in which they resided. In fact, He will make a very strong point of it in the succeeding verses.
While there is certainly a sense in which the best of men are “not worthy of the least” of God’s benefits (Gen 32:10), there is a perspective of men in which worthiness is legitimate, and even must be apparent. The disciples once recommended a centurion as being “worthy” because his kindness to the Jews (Lk 7:4). Jesus spoke of those who would be “counted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection of the dead” (Lk 20:35), and “counted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass” (Lk 21:36). We are urged to “walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called” (Eph 4:1), and “walk worthy of the Lord” (Col 1:10). The apostles were to seek out such souls, and abide with them. That is how Jesus reasoned on the matter.
ABIDE UNTIL YOU DEPART. Once the appropriate house had been determined, the laborers were to remain there until they left that area: “stay there until you leave town.” NKJV Matthew says, “and there abide till ye go thence,” or “until you leave.” NIV (Matt 10:11). Luke says, “whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart,” or “take your leave from there” (Luke 9:4). Jesus said something similar to the seventy when He sent them out: “And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the laborer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house” (Luke 10:7).
SOME APPLICATIONS. There are several things to be seen here.
First, the particular mission on which they were sent forbade them to longer long in one place. They were to conduct their ministry like Jesus conducted His. It is said of His ministry, “And when it was day, He departed and went into a desert place: and the people sought Him, and came unto Him, and stayed Him [tried to keep Him] NKJV, that He should not depart from them. And He said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent” (Luke 4:42-43). They were not to settle down in one place, but spread the Gospel as far and wide as possible.
Second, they were not to be an imposition on their host. As long as their ministry required, they could enjoy the gracious hospitality of their host – but not one moment longer.
Third, moving about “from house to house” would take away from their ministry, having to repeatedly locate someone who was “worthy” to entertain them.
Fourth, moving about “from house to house” leave an impression of instability, and not provide for the optimum blessing of their gracious host. It would appear as though they were difficult to be pleased, and thus neutralize their message.
Fifth, the laborer must learn contentment, for “godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Tim 6:6). Moving about tends to develop a spirit of discontentment, which is a great sin, and is to be avoided at all cost.
The servant of the Lord must develop a godly practicality that allows for the maximum amount of labor for the Master, the least burden upon gracious souls, the development of a contended spirit, and the ready recognition “worthy” souls. All of these require that the disciple spend a lot of time with the Master. The words that Jesus delivered to these twelve men were more easily received within the context of His own ministry, where He had already lived them out.