genius of that gospel which they came to preach, and of that kingdom which they were employed to set up. By this it would appear, that they were the servants of that God who is good and does good, and whose mercy is over all his works; and that the intention of the doctrine they preached, was to heal sick souls, and to raise those that were dead in sin; and therefore, perhaps, that of raising the dead is mentioned; for though we read not of their raising any to life before the resurrection of Christ, yet they were instrumental to raise many to spiritual life.
2. In doing good freely; freely ye have received, freely give. Those that had power to heal all diseases, had an opportunity to enrich themselves; who would not purchase such easy, certain cures at any rate? Therefore they are cautioned not to make a gain of the power they had to work miracles: they must cure gratis, further to exemplify the nature and complexion of the gospel-kingdom, which is made up, not only of grace, but of free grace. Gratia gratis data, (Rom. 3. 24.) freely by his grace. Buy medicines without money and without price, Isa. 55. 1. And the reason is, because freely you have received. Their power to heal the sick cost them nothing, and, therefore, they must not make any secular advantage to themselves of it. Simon Magus would not have given money for the gifts of the Holy Ghost, if he had not hoped to get money by them; Acts 8. 18. Note, The consideration of Christ's freeness in doing good to .us, should make us free in doing good to others.
IV. The provision that must be made for them in this expedition; it is a thing to be considered in sending an ambassador, who must bear the charge of the embassy. As to that,
1. They must make no provision for it themselves, v. 9, 10. Provide neither gold nor silver. As, on the, one hand, they shall not raise estates by their work, so, on the other hand, they shall not spend what little they have of their own upon it. This was confined to the present mission, and Christ would teach them, (1.) To act under the conduct of human prudence. They were now to make but a short excursion, and were soon to return to their Master, and to their head-quarters again, and, therefore, why should they burden themselves with that which they would have no occasion for? (2.) To act in dependence upon Divine Providence. They must be taught to live, without taking thought for life, ch. 6, 25, &c. Note, They who go upon Christ's errand, have, of all people, most reason to trust him for food convenient. Doubtless he will not be wanting to those that are working for him. Those whom he employs, as they are taken under special protection, so they are entitled to special provisions. Christ's hired servants shall have bread enough and to spare: while we abide faithful to God and our duty, and are in care to do our work well, we may cast all our other care upon God; Jehovah-jireh, let the Lord provide for us and ours as he thinks fit.
2. They might expect that those to whom they were sent, would provide for them what was necessary, v. 10. The workman is worthy of his meat. They must not expect to be fed by miracles, as Elijah was: but they might depend upon God to incline the hearts of those they went among, to be kind to them, and provide for them. Though they who serve at the altar may not expect to grow rich by the altar, yet they may expect to live, and to live comfortably upon it, 1 Cor. 9. 13, 14. It is fit they should have their maintenance from their work. Ministers are, and must be, workmen, labourers, and they that are so are worthy of their meat, so as not to be forced to any other labour for the earning of it. Christ would have disciples, as not to distrust their God, so not to distrust their countrymen, so far as to doubt of a comfortable subsistence among them. If you preach to them, and endeavour to do good among them, surely they will give you meat and drink enough for your necessities; and if they do, never desire dainties; God will pay you your wages hereafter, and it will be running on in the mean time.
V. The proceedings they were to observe in dealing with any place, v. 11—15. They went abroad they knew not whither, uninvited, unexpected, knowing none, and known of none; the land of their nativity was to them a strange land; what rule must they go by; what course must they take? Christ would not send them out without full instructions, and here they are.
1. They are directed how to conduct themselves toward those that were strangers to them: How to do,
(1.) In strange towns and cities; when you come to a town, inquire who in it is worthy. [1.] It is supposed that there were some; such in every place, as were better disposed than others to receive the gospel, and the preachers of it; though it was a time of general corruption and apostacy. Note, In the worst of time and places, we may charitably hope, that there are some who distinguish themselves, and are better than their neighbours; some who swim against the stream, and are as wheat, among the chaff. There were saints in Nero's household. Inquire who is worthy, who there are that have some fear of God before their eyes, and have made a good improvement of the light and knowledge they have; the best are far from meriting the favour of a gospel-offer; but some would be more likely than others to give the apostles and their message a favourable entertainment, and would not trample these pearls under their feet. Note, Previous dispositions to that which is good, are both directions and encouragements to ministers, in dealing with people. There is most hope of the word being profitable to those who are already so well inclined, as that it is acceptable to them; and there is here and there one such. [2.] They must inquire out such; not inquire for the best inns; public houses were no proper places for them that neither took money with them, (v. 9.) nor expected to receive any; (v. 8.) but they must look out for accommodations in private houses, with those that would entertain them well, and expect no other recompense for it but a prophet's reward, an apostle's reward, their praying and preaching. Note, They that entertain the gospel, must neither grudge the expense of it, nor promise themselves to get by it in this world. They must inquire, not who is rich, but who is worthy: not who is the best gentleman, but who is the best man. Note, Christ's disciples, wherever they come, should ask for the good people of the place, and be acquainted with them: when we took God for our God, we took his people for our people, and like will rejoice in its like. Paul in all his travels found out the brethren, if there were any, Acts 28. 14. It is implied, that if they did inquire who was worthy, they might discover them. They that were better than their neighbours would be taken notice of, and any one could tell them, there lives an honest, sober, good man; for this is a character which, like the ointment of the right hand, betrays itself, and fills the house with its odours. Every body knew where the seer's house was, 1 Sam. 9. 18. 3. In the house of those they found worthy, they must continue; which intimates that they were to make so short a stay at each town, that they needed not change their lodging, but whatever house providence brought them to at first, there they must continue till they left that town. They are justly suspected, as having no good design, that are often changing their quarters. Note, It becomes the disciples of Christ to
