What is the context?
Jesus gives the twelve a specific first assignment. They are to go to the lost sheep of Israel rather than Gentile roads or Samaritan towns. This continues His concern for the crowds pictured as sheep without a shepherd in Matthew 9:36. Their message and help are directed first toward His own people.
The message is that the kingdom of heaven is near. It is the message already announced by John in Matthew 3:1–2 and Jesus in Matthew 4:17. The apostles are sent to carry His announcement, rather than invent one of their own.
The word translated preach is κηρύσσω, kērussō (kay-ROOS-soh), to proclaim as a herald. Thayer's Greek Lexicon explains this sense of announcing a message with authority. Here the instruction concerns telling people what God is doing through His King; it is not limited to speaking from a pulpit in a church building.
The works they are to do also continue Jesus' ministry: healing, restoring life, cleansing lepers, and driving out demons. The authority has been given to them by Him. His command to give freely keeps that gift at the center; they are not to turn His help into something people must purchase.
The restriction to Israel belongs to this assignment. The same Gospel later records the risen Jesus sending His followers to all nations in Matthew 28:18–20. The first mission's boundaries therefore should not be made into a permanent exclusion of other peoples.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Christians commonly read this as an initial mission to Israel, carrying Jesus' kingdom message and freely sharing the help He authorizes. Wesley on Matthew 10:5 distinguishes this restricted commission from the later mission to Gentiles, and the Catholic Catechism, 543, likewise describes the kingdom as first announced to Israel and intended to welcome all nations.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
The order fits God's faithfulness to His promises. Romans 15:8–12 describes Christ serving Israel to confirm the promises to the patriarchs, so that the nations may glorify God for His mercy. Israel's place and the nations' welcome belong within the same saving purpose.
The free gift also gives the mission its character. 1 Peter 4:10–11 describes God's varied grace being entrusted to His people for service, with God glorified through Jesus Christ. What is received from Him is used for others' good. The apostles' freely given help is part of that larger pattern of grace reaching people through willing servants.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.