He tells them what they should suffer, and from whom. Christ foretold troubles, not only that the troubles might not be a surprise, but that they might confirm their faith. They were to avoid all things which gave advantage to their enemies, all meddling with worldly or political concerns, all appearance of evil or selfishness, and all underhand measures. Verses 16-42 Our Lord warned his disciples to prepare for persecution. This should be seriously laid to heart by all that hear the gospel, lest their privileges only serve to increase their condemnation. The whole counsel of God must be declared, and those who will not attend to the gracious message, must be shown that their state is dangerous. They are directed how to act as to those that refused them. ![]() It becomes us to pray heartily for all, and to conduct ourselves courteously to all. His message is even to the vilest sinners, yet it behoves him to find out the best persons in every place. The servant of Christ is the ambassador of peace to whatever place he is sent. They are directed what to do in strange towns and cities. In proclaiming the gospel of free grace for the healing and saving of men's souls, we must above all avoid the appearance of the spirit of an hireling. It showed that the intent of the doctrine they preached, was to heal sick souls, and to raise those that were dead in sin. This is not necessary now that the kingdom of God is come. Christ gave power to work miracles for the confirming of their doctrine. They preached, to establish the faith the kingdom, to animate the hope of heaven, to inspire the love of heavenly things, and the contempt of earthly which is at hand, that men may prepare for it without delay. Wherever they went they must proclaim, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. This restraint on the apostles was only in their first mission. Verses 5-15 The Gentiles must not have the gospel brought them, till the Jews have refused it. ![]() There names are recorded, and it is their honour yet they had more reason to rejoice that their names were written in heaven, while the high and mighty names of the great ones of the earth are buried in the dust. There is no spiritual disease, but there is power in Christ for the cure of it. In the grace of the gospel there is a slave for every sore, a remedy for every malady. ![]() Christ gave them power to heal all manner of sickness. Verses 1-4 The word "apostle" signifies messenger they were Christ's messengers, sent forth to proclaim his kingdom. (1-4) The apostles instructed and sent forth.
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