no time left over to provide for themselves: in this connexion see Jesus’ promise in Mt 10:40–42. 10:11–15. “Peace” was, and still is, the normal Jewish form of greeting. On the apostles’ lips it is meant to have a deeper meaning—to be a sign of God’s blessing which Jesus’ disciples, who are his envoys, pour out on those who receive them. The commandment our Lord gives here affects not only this specific mission; it is a kind of prophecy which applies to all times. His messenger does not become discouraged