Matthew 10.9..10Take no money

Commentary on Matthew 10:9-10

Other Rabbinical ordinances, however, are not so easily explained, unless on the ground of the avoidance of every occupation and undertaking other than worship. Thus ‘no man might go on the Temple Mount with his staff,’ as if on business or pleasure; nor yet ‘with shoes on his feet’—sandals only being allowed; nor ‘with the dust upon his feet;’ nor ‘with his scrip,’ nor ‘with money tied to him in his purse.’ Whatever he might wish to contribute either to the Temple, or for offerings, or for the poor must be carried by each ‘in his hand,’ possibly to indicate that the money about him was exclusively for an immediate sacred purpose. It was probably for similar reasons that Jesus transferred these very ordinances to the disciples when engaged in the service of the real Temple. The direction, ‘Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves,’ must mean, Go out in the same spirit and manner as you would to the Temple services, and fear not— ‘for the workman is worthy of his meat.’1 In other words: Let this new Temple service be your only thought, undertaking, and care.2 [2]

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1 Matt. 10:9, 10.

5 Jesus sent the twelve disciples out with these instructions: “Don’t go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans, 6 but only to the people of Israel—God’s lost sheep. 7 Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near.* 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!

9 “Don’t take any money with you. 10 Don’t carry a traveler’s bag with an extra coat and sandals or even a walking stick.[1]

2 On the reverence due in prayer, see a subsequent chapter.

[2]Edersheim, A. (2003). The Temple, its ministry and services as they were at the time of Jesus Christ. (Page 65). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.