The Book of Matthew - Part 22

The lesson on January 26, 2025 was part 22 of “The Book of Matthew” study. We quickly reviewed what we learned from the previous lesson and set the stage for us to learn the calling of the disciples in Matthew 10 is to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. This is in contrast to the calling we have received from the Apostle PAul who was sent to the Gentiles. We specifically looked at the conditions the apostles were sent, to not take any food, clothing, or anything as the Lord would provide it. The powers that were given them are specific to that ministry and timeframe. It would be unwise to send missionaries out today with those restrictions. In the Gospels, it is for the lost sheep of Israel, in the post Acts context, it is to the Gentile where God created a new man in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 3:1; 4:1). We studied the phrase “but now” in the New Testament (Luke 16:25; 19:42; 22:36; John 8:40; 9:41; 15:22,24; 16:5; 18:36; Acts 17:30; Romans 3:21; 6:22; 7:6; 15:23, 25; 16:26; 1 Corinthians 5:11; 7:14; 12:18, 20; 15:20; 2 Corinthians 8:22, 12:6; Galatians 4:9; Ephesians 2:13; 5:8; Philippians 2:12; Colossians 1:26; 3:8; 1 Thessalonians 3:6; Philemon 1:11; Hebrews 2:8; 8:6; 9:26; 11:16; 12:26; James 4:16; 1 Peter 2:10). We went through some of these passages to see the contrast. It is so important to practice right division as we read through Matthew. In the Acts period, we learn that it is Jew first as Paul went to the synagogues in each city, and then went to the Gentiles. This ties back to the acronym TWA (salvation Through Israel – Gospels, With Israel – Acts, Apart from Israel – Post Acts)

The Scripture reading was from Matthew 10:6-16 KJV “6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. 9 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, 10 Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. 11 And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, inquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence. 12 And when ye come into an house, salute it. 13 And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. 15 Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. 16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.”