⁵Jesus sent these 12 out with the following orders. “Do not go among those who aren’t Jews,” he said. “Do not enter any town of the Samaritans. ⁶Instead, go to the people of Israel. They are like sheep that have become lost. ⁷As you go, preach this message, ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’ ⁸Heal those who are sick. Bring those who are dead back to life. Make those who have skin diseases ‘clean’ again. Drive out demons. You have received freely, so give freely.

⁹“Do not take along any gold, silver or copper in your belts. ¹⁰Do not take a bag for the journey. Do not take extra clothes or sandals or walking sticks. A worker should be given what he needs.

¹¹“When you enter a town or village, look for someone who is willing to welcome you. Stay at that person’s house until you leave. ¹²As you enter the home, greet those who live there. ¹³If that home welcomes you, give it your blessing of peace. If it does not, don’t bless it.

¹⁴“Some people may not welcome you or listen to your words. If they don’t, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. ¹⁵What I’m about to tell you is true. On judgment day it will be easier for Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town.

¹⁶“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. So be as wise as snakes and as harmless as doves.

¹⁷“Watch out! Men will hand you over to the local courts. They will whip you in their synagogues. ¹⁸You will be brought to governors and kings because of me. You will be witnesses to them and to those who aren’t Jews.

¹⁹“But when they arrest you, don’t worry about what you will say or how you will say it. At that time you will be given the right words to say. ²⁰It will not be you speaking. The Spirit of your Father will be speaking through you.

²¹“Brothers will hand over brothers to be killed. Fathers will hand over their children. Children will rise up against their parents and have them put to death. ²²Everyone will hate you because of me. But anyone who stands firm to the end will be saved.

²³“When people attack you in one place, escape to another. What I’m about to tell you is true. You will not finish going through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

Read in Logos