What does Matthew 10:5 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 10:5 records Jesus giving specific instructions to the twelve apostles as He sends them out on a mission.

He instructs them not to go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans but rather to go to "the lost sheep of the house of Israel." This directive focuses their mission on their own Jewish people initially.

The reason for this could be manifold, including fulfilling prophecies and focusing on a group that was already familiar with the Scriptures and concepts of the Messiah.

Historical Context

The historical context of this verse is grounded in the deep-seated hostilities and differences between Jews, Samaritans, and Gentiles during Jesus' time.

Jews considered Samaritans as heretics, and both Jews and Samaritans generally viewed Gentiles as pagans.

Jesus' instruction here reflects an understanding of the existing cultural and religious barriers.

The first-century Jewish society was one awaiting a Messiah to liberate them, and Jesus' ministry begins with His own people who were the original recipients of God's covenant promises.

Theological Insights

Theological insights into this verse offer a few interpretations.

One view argues that Jesus' initial focus on Israel is to fulfill the promise that God's salvation would come from the Jews.

Another perspective suggests that it was practical: begin the mission with those more likely to be receptive due to their background in the Hebrew Scriptures.

Some theologians emphasize that this instruction was temporary and that Jesus later commissions the disciples to make disciples of all nations in Matthew 28:19, indicating the expansion of the Gospel mission beyond Israel.

Practical Applications

From a practical standpoint, this verse can teach the importance of strategic and intentional ministry.

It can encourage individuals to start their outreach efforts within their communities or with those who may be more open to their message before branching out to a wider audience.

It also tells believers that there may be specific seasons for different missions, reminding them to seek guidance on where and to whom they should focus their energies at different times.

Cross-References

• Matthew 28:19: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."
• Acts 1:8: "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
• Romans 1:16: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the term "Gentiles" (ἔθνη, "ethne") generally refers to non-Jewish nations or people.

The word "Samaritans" (Σαμαρίτης, "Samarites") indicates the inhabitants of Samaria, a region between Galilee and Judea.

The phrase "enter ye not" (μὴ εἰσέλθητε, "me eiselthete") carries a strong prohibition, emphasizing that they should not even go into these areas during their mission.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This directive of Jesus can be compared to various cultural and religious contexts where a message or reform starts within a specific in-group before reaching out to others.

For example, the spread of Buddhism initially started in India before branching out to other Asian countries.

Similarly, the Islamic mission in its early stages was primarily focused on the Arab people before it extended to other regions.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, understanding human behavior and social dynamics might shed light on why Jesus gave such specific instructions.

Group cohesion, identity, and the likelihood of accepting new ideas are often stronger within homogenous groups.

By focusing on those with similar backgrounds and beliefs, Jesus' strategy reflected an awareness of these sociological principles that would potentially maximize the impact and receptivity of His teachings.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Matthew 10:5 often stress the preparatory nature of Jesus' instruction. They discuss Jesus' methodical approach to ministry, starting with Israel and later expanding to all nations.

Commentators like Matthew Henry explain that the restriction was because the Jews were to be the first offered the gospel, as they were the children of the prophets and the covenant.

Meanwhile, other scholars highlight how the later mission in Acts breaks these initial boundaries, showing a progressive revelation and the unfolding plan of God for all humanity.