Matthew 10:1

Called unto him. The account of the sending forth of the Twelve begins with ch. 9:36 (see comment there). The instruction here given consists essentially of two parts, counsel that applied particularly to the immediate missionary journey (ch. 10:5-15), and counsel of a more general nature applicable to all who go forth in the service of Christ and His kingdom (vs. 16-42; see DA 352). See on ch. 24:3.

His twelve disciples. This is Matthew’s first mention of the Twelve, either by name or as a group. It is clear from the expression, “his twelve disciples,” that Matthew recognizes that the Twelve already existed as an officially recognized group before the time came for the Third Galilean Tour. It should be noted that Matthew does not say that the Twelve were appointed as apostles at this time, but simply that Jesus called them “unto him” in anticipation of sending them forth to preach and to heal.

Power. Gr. exousia, literally, “authority” (see on Luke 1:35). The Twelve received authority both to perform miracles, as stated here, and also to “preach” the gospel of the kingdom (Matt 10:7). Previously, it would seem, the disciples had simply assisted Jesus and had neither performed miracles nor taught publicly (see DA 349).

Sickness. See on ch. 4:23.