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Explanation for:
Matthew
10
:
10
Nor scrip for your journey, nor two coats, nor shoes, nor a staff; for the workman is worthy of his meat.
11
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Not a traveler's sack. With this directive, He rebukes those thinkers often referred to as Bactroperites, who carried a staff—baculum—and a pouch—rega. These individuals, scorning worldly possessions and viewing everything as insignificant, preferred to transport a container for their provisions. Not two garments. The mention of two garments, I believe, illustrates the notion of clinging to a second garment out of unnecessary caution. This does not suggest that individuals in the frigid and snow-laden regions, like the Scythians, should settle for merely one tunic; rather, it indicates that we should refrain from hoarding an extra garment while being clothed in one. Nor shoes. Plato warned against overindulging the body's extremities, particularly the head and feet, suggesting that when those areas are strong, the rest of the body can endure hardship better. No staff. With the Lord's support, what need have we for security in a mere stick? Yet, as He dispatched the apostles in a state of partial nudity and barefoot to proclaim the message, and recognizing the challenging status of teachers, He softened the strictness of the previous command with the assurance: The laborer is worthy of his sustenance. He instructs them to take only what is essential for survival and clothing. Thus, the apostle reinforces this view by stating: Having sustenance and clothing, let us be satisfied with these 1 Tim. 6:8. In another text, he writes: Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches Gal. 6:6, emphasizing that disciples ought to share in the material blessings of those from whom they receive spiritual nourishment. This refers to an historical literal interpretation. Conversely, in a figurative sense, teachers should not possess gold, silver, or brass in their belts. In scripture, gold often symbolizes the intellect, silver represents eloquence, and copper signifies voice. We must not seek these from others but instead utilize the blessings provided by the Lord. Furthermore, we should not embrace the corrupt teachings of heretics or philosophers, nor should we burden ourselves with worldly concerns or harbor a double mind, nor should we feel constrained by mortal limitations. We should enter the Holy Land in a state of simplicity. We must neither take the staff that becomes a serpent nor rely on any human supports; for such a staff merely serves as a fragile reed that, when bent, can injure the one who depends on it."},{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Indeed, there is nothing as beneficial for one's peace of mind as the absence of concerns and anxieties, particularly when one finds complete fulfillment with God as their support, who replenishes all needs. In response to the question, \\"From where shall we obtain our daily provisions?\\" He does not remind them of His previous words, \\"Look at the birds of the air\\" (Matt. 6:26), a commandment they were yet unable to fulfill. Instead, He states, \\"The laborer is worthy of his food,\\" revealing that they should receive sustenance from the disciples. This was meant to humble the disciples, ensuring that while they managed all their needs, they borrowed nothing from others, and the disciples, despite being looked down upon, remained connected to them. \\n\\nTo prevent the disciples from feeling ashamed of relying on charity, Christ refers to them as workers, making it clear that their gifts are due to labor, and thus should be understood as just compensation. Though your task is primarily teaching, do not underestimate the significance of your service; your calling requires immense effort. What is offered to you by those you instruct is not given without purpose but as a rightful reward: the laborer is indeed worthy of his sustenance. His intention was not to imply that the labor of the apostles was merely minimal in value—far from it. Rather, He was setting forth a guideline for His disciples to avoid demanding excess and was teaching those who provide for them that their actions were not acts of mere kindness but rather obligations."},{"author-name":"Hilarius of Poitiers","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88cb92f12b3278598f946_Hilarius%20of%20Poitiers.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Christ instructs the apostles not to carry gold, silver, or brass in their belts, to bring no provisions for their journey, nor to take extra clothing, shoes, or a staff, for the laborer deserves his support. While wealth itself isn't inherently negative, what does the directive against carrying gold, silver, and copper signify? The belt represents the tools of ministry, and one girds themselves to successfully fulfill their responsibilities. Thus, the Lord calls us to commit to a selfless ministry, ensuring that the need for riches does not interfere with the calling of our apostleship. No purse for the journey implies that we should abandon concerns for material possessions, as earthly treasures will ultimately fade away, and our hearts are aligned with where our treasures lie. No extra tunics are needed. Once we have clothed ourselves with Christ, we should not allow our minds' corruption to lead us to don alternative garments—be they heretical beliefs or the law. No shoes are permitted either. Are frail human feet truly capable of going barefoot continuously? Yet, Christ invites us to stand unshod on sacred ground, unencumbered by the thorns of sin, as Moses was instructed that our journey requires no footwear other than what we have received from Christ. No staff in our hands signifies that we relinquish any claim to worldly authority. We should carry no staff that is not rooted in Christ, and instead, guided by the wisdom of this teaching, we embark on our journey through this world equipped with grace, devoid of worldly concerns, extraneous clothing, and claims to power. By adhering to this guidance, we demonstrate our worthiness for the reward, thus securing the hope of the heavenly kingdom."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"To prevent their complaint of needing sustenance, He asserts, \\"He that laboureth is worthy of sustenance.\\" This indicates that the disciples are to provide for you, as they are also laborers. It is about provision, not extravagance, since teachers are not meant to indulge in luxury."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"The apostles, while proclaiming the kingdom of heaven, needed to conduct themselves as if they were heavenly messengers, moving lightly and unencumbered, free from worldly distractions, while focused solely on the divine mission entrusted to them. The term \\"purse\\" refers to the bag intended for carrying bread during their journey. One should also consider why Matthew and Luke (Luke 9:3) mention Christ instructing the Apostles to carry neither sandals nor staff, while Mark (Mark 6:8, 9) records that He permitted them only this one item. The interpretation of this is that initially, as noted by Matthew and Luke, He directed them not to have such items, but later allowed the use of sandals and a staff for their protection and support, in consideration of their frailties, reflecting the challenges of their journey as Mark described. Instead of stating “steal not” (Luke 9:3), He uses the phrase “Take not.” To address any concerns they may have about their sustenance if they travel without provisions, He assures them that “He that laboureth is worthy of food.” He emphasizes that they need not carry supplies, as they merit nourishment from those they assist through their labors. This sustenance is not a mere gift, but rather a rightful reward for their efforts.\\n\\nEuthymius Zigabenus, in his commentary on Matthew, expresses confusion regarding the number of garments belonging to the Lord. Some speculate there were five: four distributed to the soldiers and one unstitched chiton. He finds this view implausible, as the Lord valued moderation and did not favor excess; it is uncommon for others to wear so many clothes. He conjectures that the Lord had three garments: one chiton, which is the unstitched garment, a second garment layered over it, and a third on top of that. The soldiers divided the latter two into four parts, not out of value, but as a form of sacrificial action, casting lots for the unstitched chiton, or shirt. As for why Christ instructed the Apostles to forgo two garments when He Himself had two, he clarifies that the Lord possessed only one chiton directly on His body, as a chiton is the simplest garment, while the others were not chitons, but different garments."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The apostles had to be satisfied with the offerings provided by the believers for their sustenance, which were given freely and without coercion in gratitude for their preaching efforts. The Lord stated, “You shall not lay up gold, nor silver, nor brass at your girdles, nor feasts, nor bread, nor two garments, nor boots to spare, nor a rod: for worthy is the worker of his wages.” Free from worldly worries, they were all the more enthusiastic in committing themselves to the ministry entrusted to them."},{"author-name":"Bogolepow D.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"As they embarked on their journey, they should not be overly concerned about their material needs, for the laborer deserves his pay (Luke 10:7). Thus, they ought not to gather extra money, nor should they bring more than one set of clothing, sandals, or a walking stick for the trip. In the Gospel according to Mark, the Lord permits the apostles to carry only a single staff and to wear sandals. However, the essence of the instruction in both Gospels remains consistent, with only slight variations in wording."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"In summary, take no extra provisions; submit to God's will and go as you are: God will provide a staff, sandals, and garments when your old ones are ineffective. St. Chrysostom remarks, “By this command, the Savior accomplished many things. First, He dispelled any doubts among His disciples; second, He liberated them from all worldly concerns so they could focus solely on preaching; third, He demonstrated His authority.” Hence, He later asks them, “Did you lack anything when I sent you without clothing and without sandals?” Initially, He does not instruct them, “Do not take,” but first commands, “Heal the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons,” adding, “Freely you have received, freely give.” He aimed to prepare them for a life of simplicity, just as He did not allow them to worry about tomorrow. He was equipping them to be teachers to all nations, transforming them, in a manner of speaking, into angels by freeing them from all earthly cares so they would concentrate solely on one mission. Anticipating the question, “How will we obtain necessary provisions?” He didn’t say, “You have heard me instruct you to consider the birds of the air,” a directive they were not yet ready to follow; instead, He simply stated, “FOR THE WORKER IS WORTHY OF HIS FOOD,” meaning they would be supported by their disciples; it is their obligation to provide for them as laborers. However, blessed Theophylact notes that He referred to “worthy of food,” meaning basic sustenance, not a lavish feast; teachers should not indulge like pampered cattle but eat only what is necessary for life. St. Chrysostom explains that the Apostles should receive their sustenance from their disciples to avoid any pride or feelings of superiority, ensuring that the disciples would not grow indifferent towards them. Furthermore, to prevent the apostles from thinking, “Do you instruct us to survive on charity?” and feeling embarrassed by it, He referred to them as laborers, deserving of their compensation. Though your task, He indicated, is teaching, it entails significant effort, and what your disciples provide you will not be given without purpose; for the laborer is deserving of sustenance. He did not express all this because their work was inherently meritorious; rather, He provided guidelines for His disciples not to demand excessive support, reminding those who provided their needs that it was a matter of obligation rather than mere generosity."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"They were instructed to carry no bag for provisions on their journey, as they should not possess anything unnecessary. The pouch, typically crafted from cloth or leather, was often slung across the back. They were to have only one cloak, either worn or kept as a spare for the future, and no extra shoes aside from those they wore on their feet. Likewise, they were to carry no extra staff, save for what was customary for travelers. Instead of encumbering themselves with additional items, they were to yield to God's purpose and travel as they were, trusting that the Lord would provide them with shoes and a staff when the need arose. He aimed to acclimate them to a life of simplicity, forbidding them from worrying even about the next day. He was preparing them to be teachers to all nations, transforming them into, in a sense, heavenly messengers, liberating them from worldly concerns, so that, unburdened by material distractions and solely focused on their divine mission, they could commit themselves entirely to it. As the Scriptures tell us, \\"the labourer is worthy of his hire\\"; those whom they would minister to and perform miracles for would meet their basic needs. They were not to insist on payment for their services and acts of kindness, but they could accept support as both a gracious gift and something justly owed for their efforts."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"When Jesus Christ was giving instructions to His apostles, He anticipated that worries regarding food, clothing, and shelter could divert their attention from spreading the Gospel. Therefore, He advised them, “Do not carry gold, silver, or copper in your belts, nor a bag for the journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor a staff. For you are to proclaim the imminent arrival of the Kingdom of Heaven and to guide your listeners on how to enter this Kingdom; you will face significant challenges and hardships for the sake of your neighbors, and every laborer is deserving of provisions from those to whom he serves: the laborer is worthy of his food.” It is important to note, however, that not every worker merits such reward. For instance, a thief who forces entry into another's home to steal or a dishonest treasurer who fabricates reports are engaged in a form of labor that demands a different type of recompense than that referenced by Jesus. Only those who demonstrate genuine love for their neighbors can rely on God's support as a reward for their efforts; truly, they alone are deserving of sustenance. The Gospel writers do not elaborate on the preaching efforts of the Apostles among the Jewish community; however, from a query posed by Jesus to the Apostles upon their return—“Did you lack anything when I sent you?”—it becomes clear that the Apostles, having journeyed without money, a bag of provisions, or extra garments, did not find themselves in want of anything essential."},{"author-name":"Lopuchin A.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c891400ee1341634d2276d_Lopuchin%20A.P..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Before their departure, the Saviour provided guidance regarding their behavior and actions during this missionary journey. They were instructed to focus their efforts on the lost sheep of the house of Israel and to refrain from reaching out to the Samaritans and Gentiles. Their message was to center on the imminent arrival of the kingdom of heaven, reinforced by acts of healing and kindness. They were to take no provisions with them—neither a bag for food, nor money in their belts, nor an extra set of clothes, nor shoes beyond the customary sandals made from palm bark; they were even to forgo a walking stick unless they happened to possess one already."}]}
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