Christ's charge to his apostles.
After a night spent in prayer, Jesus called his twelve disciples and constituted them into an apostolic college. With his commission he gave them his charge. Notice—
I. THE PERSONS COMMISSIONED AND CHARGED.
1. They were twelve in number.
2. Their names are given in order.
II. THE CHARGE.
1. As to the apostles preaching.
(a) Not to the Gentiles.
(b) Not to the Samaritans.
(c) They were to limit their preaching to the "lost sheep of the house of Israel"
(cf. Isaiah 53:6; Jeremiah 1:1-19.6; Matthew 12:1-50; Romans 9:1-4). The gospel must first be preached to the Jews (cf. Matthew 15:24; Romans 15:8). The restriction, however, was temporary (see Acts 1:8; Acts 3:26; Acts 13:46).
(a) The gospel of the "kingdom." Its spiritual nature. Spiritually, as well as literally, they were to "heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out devils."
(b) Its near approach. "At hand," viz. when the Spirit should be given on the Day of Pentecost.
(c) Therefore the need of preparation for it, viz. by repentance.
2. As to its authentication.
3. As to their maintenance.
1. This sin is worse than that of the men of Sodom (Ezekiel 16:48, Ezekiel 16:49). Who sin against the clear light of revelation are more guilty than those who offend against the dim light of tradition.
2. The full judgment upon sin is reserved to the last great day.