Verse 1
This is Matthew’s first reference to Jesus’ 12 disciples, though here He implied their previous identity as a group. He "summoned" (Gr. proskaleo) these men as a king commands His subjects. He who had all authority now delegated some of it to this select group of disciples. Perhaps Jesus chose 12 close disciples because Israel consisted of 12 tribes.
"As soon as he [Jesus] remarked that number, every Jew of any spiritual penetration must have scented ’a Messianic programme.’" [Note: Hunter, The Message . . ., p. 62.]
If Israel had accepted Jesus, these 12 disciples probably would have become Israel’s leaders in the messianic kingdom. As it turned out, they became leaders of the church.
Until now, there is no evidence that Jesus’ disciples could cast out demons and heal the sick. This was new power He delegated to them for the mission on which He would shortly send them. This ability is a clear demonstration of Jesus’ unique greatness.
"This was without a precedent in Jewish history. Not even Moses or Elijah had given miraculous powers to their disciples. Elijah had been allowed to transmit his powers to Elisha, but only when he himself was removed from the earth." [Note: Plummer, p. 147.]
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