The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1898-02-19
Sunday School Lesson for February TO-
The Twelve Sent Forth.
Matt. X; 2-l5.
BY j. e. GILBERT, ID. D., IL. D.,
Secretary of American Society of Religious Education
Matt. X; 2-a5.

as they went, becoming itinerant, not set
tied ministers. Their preaching treated
the same theme as that of John the Bap-
tist and of Jesus Matt ill.,, l; iV., 10, the
ushering in or the new dispensation, and
the proper preparation for it Mark vi,
12). In unfolding their theme they doubt
less interpreted the prophets dan. H.. 44,
showing that the time and the Person
expected by pious Jews had actually
come luke will, ~; John w., 26. They
probably dwelt most on the nature of the
kingdom-not an outward and temporal
affair, with pomp and power, but in
ward and spiritual Matt. ILL.,, 2; John ill.,,
3; Rom. xiv. 10. The power which they
received and exercised (Acts ix., 36), was
designed to attest their commission and
exhibit the benevolent character of the
kingdom. This work was to be done
freely, without price. even as they had re-
ceived the grace of Christ. They were
not to be hirelings.
THE OUTFIT (Verses and 1OJ.-What
shall these men take with them in doing
their work? Neither gold. nor silver,
nor brass" s")-the three kinds of money
then used must be refused. Nor script"
that is bag or knapsack commonly
made of skin or coarse cloth, in which
provisions were carried Il Sam xvii, 40).
Neither two coats, nor extra shoes, nor
more than one staff" In short, they
were to go in light marching order, with
out money, without provisions, without
extra clothing. Nearly the same com
mand was afterward given to the seven
ty Uuke X, LID. But why? Not be-
cause that would be the permanent out
fit of minister, for Jesus Himself sub
sequently gave other directions Luke
xii, 35). But now He intends that apos-
ties shall be unincumbored, and that they
shall live on the people to whom they go
Int iX h Il
company of ministers lightly attired,
possessing none of the worlds goods,
bearing a heavenly message would more
quickly gain public confidence and more
easily and surely win success.
THE HOSPITALITY (Verses II to 49,
The direction concerning their outfit re-
uuired some instruction in regard to the
support of the apostles. How and where
shall they abide? Enter a city and seek
a worthy family. salute 1t, there abide
and let your peace, or blessing, come
upon it," They must enter the homes
of good people after little inquiry This
was a very important direction. Home
life would be better than public life. AS
| sociation with pious families, pastoral
visitation. is excellent service for the
| Master. BY observing this rule every one
knew where the missionary might be
! found (Acts X, 6. And great blessings
would come in this way to many house
holds (Acts xxi, 81. And so it came to
| pass that the first churches were formed
| in homes (Acts xvi, 81; Rom. xvi, -,
| among those who were expecting the
| Messiah John t., As: Luke XII, 25). And
| there. in good soil, the seed, early plant
ed. terminated and bore fruit (Acts
| xvi, 15).
| THE REJECTION (Verses IA and 15).-
| The apostles must not always expect
I kindly greetings. If men refused them
and their message, what shall they do?
| Go quietly away to some other place, as
| if their mission were unimportant and
their rejection small matter? Oh, no,