Page:PracticalCommentaryOnHolyScripture.djvu/566

 Bartholomew ; Thomas  and  Matthew  the  publican;  James,  son  of Alpheus,  and  Thaddeus;  Simon  called  the  Zealot ,  and  Judas Iscariot.

Having chosen  His  apostles,  Jesus  commanded  them  to  go  to the  lost  sheep  of  the  house  of  Israel,  and  announce  to  them  that the kingdom  of  heaven  was  at  hand. He also  gave  them  power to heal  the  sick,  raise  the  dead,  cleanse  lepers,  and  cast  out devils. He told  them  not  to  take  anything  with  them  on  their journey, because  the  labourer  is  worthy  of  his  hire.

Jesus spoke:  “When  you  come  into  a house,  say:  ‘Peace  be to  this  house!’  And  if  that  house  be  worthy,  your  peace  shall come upon  it;  but  if  it  be  not  worthy,  your  peace  shall  return to you. And whosoever  shall  not  receive  you,  going  forth  out  of that  house  or  city,  shake  off  the  dust  from  your  feet. Amen, I say to  you,  it  shall  be  more  tolerable  for  the  land  of  Sodom and Gomorrha  in  the  day  of  judgment  than  for  that  city.

“Behold, I send  you  as  sheep  in  the  midst  of  wolves. Be ye, therefore,  wise  as  serpents  and  harmless  as  doves. Beware