Matthew 10 ... Did Jesus's Disciples go out and heal ...

[Yesua888]

Matthew 10's reading has brought up some very interesting facts for me, I hope for your too : )

Please feel free to bring up what touches your heart.

Matthew, CHAPTER 10

Daily Bible Readings, Podcast Audio and Videos and Prayers brought to you by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

bible.usccb.org

Before we get to the verses showing that the disciples did heal in Jesus name, I think this is quite important to know:

5. Jesus sent out these twelve* after instructing them thus, “Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town.
6 Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel

* [10:5–6] Like Jesus (Mt 15:24), the Twelve are sent only to Israel. This saying may reflect an original Jewish Christian refusal of the mission to the Gentiles, but for Matthew it expresses rather the limitation that Jesus himself observed during his ministry.

With limited understanding when reading Mat 10:5, I was wondering whether in today's time, that verse could meant to avoid anything evil, and rather turn away ... so I did a bit of research from:
Source: 20 Bible verses about Avoiding Evil

Then I saw this: 1 Thessalonians 5:22 "abstain from every form of evil"
and this: 1 Timothy 6:11 "But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness."

And this: Proverbs 1:15 "My son, do not walk in the way with them.
Keep your feet from their path,"

I am being selective, because they are jumping out for me ... other verses may trigger things for you?

Just a little bit of digression ... whilst looking for a suitable verses/s to back up my theory/question, I thought I would throw this one in too, because it talks to me about pushing points of view, which are "unprofitable and worthless", especially in this Global Climate that we are caught up in:

Titus 3:9 "But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless"

Continuing from Matthew 10, the pertinent question:

8. * Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.

More digging on "did Jesus's disciples actually heal"?

The Bible affirms that Jesus’s disciples healed people primarily in the Book of Acts, which documents the early church’s continuation of Jesus’s ministry. Key passages include:

• Acts 3:1–10: Peter and John heal a man lame from birth, declaring, "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!" (v. 6), and the man is immediately healed.
• Acts 5:12–16: The apostles perform many signs and wonders, with people bringing the sick into the streets so that Peter’s shadow might fall on them—and all were healed (v. 16).
• Acts 8:4–8: Philip heals the sick and casts out evil spirits in Samaria, causing great joy.
• Acts 9:17–18: Ananias heals Saul (Paul) of blindness after his conversion.
• Acts 9:32–35: Peter heals Aeneas, a paralyzed man, by saying, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed."
• Acts 14:8–10: Paul heals a man crippled from birth at Lystra, who then stands and walks.
• Acts 16:18: Paul casts out a spirit of divination from a slave girl.
• Acts 19:11–20: Handkerchiefs and aprons touched by Paul are used to heal the sick and drive out evil spirits.
• Acts 20:7–12: Paul raises Eutychus from the dead after he falls from a window during a sermon.
• Acts 28:8–9: Paul heals the father of Publius, the chief man of Malta, and others on the island.

These accounts consistently affirm that the disciples’ healing power came through the name of Jesus Christ and was part of the apostles’ mission to confirm the gospel (Acts 4:29–30).

Getting back to: 5. Jesus sent out these twelve* after instructing them thus, “Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town.

I thought this was a "contradiction", until I delved deeper:

The apparent contradiction is resolved by understanding the evolving mission of the early church and the contextual nature of Jesus’ earlier instructions.

'Initially, during His earthly ministry, Jesus instructed His disciples not to go into Gentile or Samaritan towns (Matthew 10:5–6), focusing their mission on the “lost sheep of Israel.” This was due to the Samaritans’ long-standing religious and ethnic hostility with the Jews, as well as the need to establish the gospel’s foundation among the Jewish people first.

However, after Jesus’ resurrection, He gave the Great Commission, which expanded the mission:

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

Philip’s ministry in Samaria (Acts 8) was a direct fulfillment of this command. Guided by the Holy Spirit and empowered after Pentecost, Philip preached and performed miracles in Samaria—demonstrating that the gospel was now open to Samaritans, who were ethnically and religiously distinct from Jews but not fully Gentile.

The success of this mission marked a crucial step in the spread of Christianity beyond Jewish boundaries, later extending to Gentiles like the Ethiopian eunuch (also evangelized by Philip) and Cornelius (Acts 10).'

Every time that I think there is a contradiction in the Bible, God clears it up for me : )
Before I started "Bible Study" (this forum) I would see things in isolation and believed that the bible did have contradictions ... everyday I learn more

Back to Matthew 10:

9. Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts;
10. no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick. The laborer deserves his keep.

Luv this: (9) Hebrews 13:5: "Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, (10) “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,” He will always provide for us, in His way, and the more I learn Scripture, the stronger my faith becomes ... Hallelijah!

Matthew 28:16–20 is our greatest opportunity because it contains Jesus’ final command to His disciples—to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey everything He commanded. This mission is not just a suggestion but the central purpose of the Church, rooted in the authority of the resurrected Christ, who declares, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.”

The opportunity lies in partnering with Jesus Himself in His redemptive work. As the risen Lord, He has ultimate power, and He invites us to participate in spreading His Gospel to the ends of the earth. This mission transcends human limitations—no matter our background, ability, or past failures, Jesus uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.

Moreover, Jesus promises His constant presence: “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” This assurance gives us confidence and strength to step into the unknown, overcome doubt, and persevere in the face of opposition.

The greatest danger is not lack of resources or ability, but distracted hearts—focusing on comfort, programs, or personal goals instead of the mission. When we prioritize the Great Commission, we align our lives with God’s eternal plan, fulfill our purpose, and become part of a global movement that will one day see every nation, tribe, and tongue worshiping the Lord.



I loved learning more about Our Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit and His Disciples, and hope that you enjoyed this study as much as I did : )

Thank You Holy Spirit

 

[David]

Please feel free to bring up what touches your heart.

bible.usccb.org is a Roman Catholic website, and its notes and explanations interpret Scripture through Catholic tradition and theology, not Scripture alone.
I’m going to speak plainly, because clarity matters more than sentiment.

What you’ve posted leans heavily on Catholic sources and Catholic framing, not on Scripture alone. The USCCB notes are not neutral explanations. They insert ideas the Bible itself never states. For example, the claim that Matthew 10 reflects a “Jewish Christian refusal” of Gentile mission is not in the text. That is speculation added after the fact. Scripture warns us directly not to do this. “That ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written” ~1 Corinthians 4:6.

Matthew 10 is simple if we let it speak. Jesus Himself limited the mission to Israel at that moment ~Matthew 10:5–6. Later, the same Jesus expanded the mission to all nations ~Matthew 28:18–20, ~Acts 1:8. No correction. No evolution. No theological tension. One Lord issuing commands according to His timetable. When commentary has to invent motives or community struggles to explain Jesus’ words, it is no longer explaining Scripture. It is overriding it.

Be careful with the subtle shift happening here. Once Catholic commentary is allowed to frame the text, authority quietly moves away from God’s Word to human interpretation. Jesus rebuked that very approach. “Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition” ~Mark 7:13. The Bible does not need institutional footnotes to rescue it from supposed contradictions.

The issue is not enthusiasm or sincerity. The issue is authority. Either Scripture interprets Scripture, or something else does. God has already spoken clearly and finally in His Son ~Hebrews 1:1–2. Anything that adds explanations the text itself does not give is fog, not light.

So the question Scripture presses on all of us is this. Are we letting the Word of God say what it says, or are we letting outside systems tell us what it is allowed to mean ~Isaiah 8:20?

 

[Yesua888]

bible.usccb.org is a Roman Catholic website, and its notes and explanations interpret Scripture through Catholic tradition and theology, not Scripture alone.

Matthew, CHAPTER 10

Daily Bible Readings, Podcast Audio and Videos and Prayers brought to you by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

bible.usccb.org

I was unaware that this site was catholic ... lots to learn ... thanks for the teaching!

I will certainly look closer next time ...

Most of my adult I have wondered why the pope is revered (for want of a better word) by so many, and who chose him to be a "father" to the nations. The kissing of his hand was also something that did/does not go down with me. I have heard many rumblings that the pope makes his own version of the bible, but do not have actual proof of this.

When I officially become a Christian a few years ago (was always a Christian at heart though), I joined a Catholic forum site (briefly), and asked many uncomfortable questions eg. why do they put Mary so high, and pray to her so much, asking for apparitions etc. ... I was kicked off the forum.

Anyway apart from quoting from "a Roman Catholic website", I learned a lot about the disciples, that I did not know about, and thought that perhaps others might find interesting too.

 

[bobinfaith]

When I officially become a Christian a few years ago (was always a Christian at heart though), I joined a Catholic forum site (briefly), and asked many uncomfortable questions eg. why do they put Mary so high, and pray to her so much, asking for apparitions etc. ... I was kicked off the forum.

Good morning, Linda;

Your getting banned was probably years ago and I have to say I'm sorry that happened. You weren't posting long novels contrary to theirs, but asked the hard questions. This should have been welcomed.

Most Christian forums that practice sound doctrine (how do we discern? Know the Bible) would welcome the hard questions as an opportunity to share what God teaches. This helps the disciple distinguish between the Word versus customs, traditional beliefs, etc...

Regarding healing, Jesus did commission his disciples the power to administer many things including healing. But this does not include all Christians have the gift of healing. Years ago I was told by believers who strongly believe all Christians have this gift and are empowered to heal.

With that said, I have never been able to command a person with chronic back problems, cancer, Covid, etc...to heal instantly or within reasonable time to heal.

I tell you the truth. I have never witnessed in my life a person gifted to heal. I'm sure they're out there but none have crossed my path.

I pray regularly the prayer of faith in James 5, specifically verse 14 - 15, 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. - ESV

But with that prayer I'll speak with God and express why I'm praying for healing, "so my brother or sister can serve God physically besides spiritually."

Also, being aware the prayer of healing is granted by the will of God. I've officiated many funerals in 2024 and 2025 not only because of old age but many kinds of illnesses or fatal accidents.

God bless you, Linda, thank you and David for sharing.

Bob

 

[David]

Anyway apart from quoting from "a Roman Catholic website", I learned a lot about the disciples, that I did not know about, and thought that perhaps others might find interesting too.

Thank you for your candor and I will be honest with you in return. The issue isn’t that Catholics quote the Bible. They do that. The issue is authority. Rome does not hold Scripture as final authority. Catholic doctrine plainly puts church tradition and papal authority along side scripture and above scripture. That’s the line. Jesus said flat out “In vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” ~Matthew 15:9. Filter scripture through tradition and pretty soon scripture isn’t ruling.

As far as the pope goes, scripture never confers the title or the authority Rome attributes to him. Scripture never states nor allows any man to take a spiritual title that puts them ABOVE another man. “Call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven” ~Matthew 23:9. Pope honored with kisses and claims over the entire earth? You do know Peter kicked that kind of behavior when Cornelius got down on his feet before him? “Stand up; I myself also am a man” ~Acts 10:26.

Mary is spoken of in Scripture as a worthy example of faithful servant. Never is she prayed to. Never is she exalted as above another faithful saint. NEVER is she given attributes that belong to God alone. “There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” ~1 Timothy 2:5. Scripture never teaches prayer to anyone but God. Apparitions, relics, prayers to a saint. Those are extra biblical traditions.

As for “making their own Bible,” Rome does not have a different gospel text, but they do add books that Jesus and the apostles never treated as Scripture. Even worse? They insist that their teachings trump what the Bible says when the two come in conflict. That is why notes and explanations matter. Interpretation shapes belief. “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation” ~2 Peter 1:20.

True historical facts about Jesus, the disciples lives and times can be fascinating. But fascinating is not the benchmark; truth is. Just because something might seem informative does not mean it leads us TO Christ. If it isn’t biblical it will ultimately lead from Christ. “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good” ~1 Thessalonians 5:21.

Please don’t think I’m saying you were wrong to ask the tough questions. Quite the opposite. You SHOULD ask questions. The Bible tells us to. When you got thrown out for asking biblical questions about their beliefs you should know something VERY important about the gospel they are representing. It can’t withstand scrutiny. “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” ~Isaiah 8:20.

Don’t stop asking questions. But test the answers against the Word. When Scripture speaks, we stand. When it is silent, we don’t fill in the blanks. That isn’t anti Catholic. Christianity just demands obedience to GOD.