The Ministry of the Twelve

Matthew 10:5–15

⁵Jesus sent these twelve out, and commanded them, saying, “Don’t go among the Gentiles, and don’t enter into any city of the Samaritans. ⁶Rather, go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. ⁷As you go, preach, saying, ‘The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!’ ⁸Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, and cast out demons. Freely you received, so freely give. ⁹Don’t take any gold, silver, or brass in your money belts. ¹⁰Take no bag for your journey, neither two coats, nor shoes, nor staff: for the laborer is worthy of his food. ¹¹Into whatever city or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy; and stay there until you go on. ¹²As you enter into the household, greet it. ¹³If the household is worthy, let your peace come on it, but if it isn’t worthy, let your peace return to you. ¹⁴Whoever doesn’t receive you, nor hear your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet. ¹⁵Most certainly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city.