Definition: The word 'Matthew' in Hebrew means "twelve", since it corresponds to the number 12, which is divisible by twelve (twelve times twelve equals one hundred twenty). It is therefore an abbreviation for twelve chapters. The Bible consists of thirteen books. The first four books are called the Old Testament, and the last nine (called the New Testament) are called the Gospel of Matthew. In the context of biblical studies, 'Matthew' refers to all 12 books of the Bible. It's often used in conjunction with other books or passages from the Bible. Here’s a detailed definition: - 'Matthew' is the first of four books of the New Testament. - It contains twelve chapters; each chapter corresponds to one chapter from the Old Testament. - The purpose of Matthew is to give an overview of the events that took place in Israel at different times during its history, beginning with the Creation and ending with the end times. In modern scholarship, 'Matthew' has become a major text for studying early church history. It is also considered one of the most important books of the Bible due to its close connection to the history and legacy of Jesus Christ. The word Matthew refers to the twelve chapters of the Old Testament that form the first four books of the New Testament.

(in the Bible) Matthew

Definition: And when he had called unto [him] his twelve disciples, he gave them power [against] unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 10:1. It’s a really significant passage about Jesus’ ministry and his authority. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: Basically, it means: Jesus started sending out twelve people to help him serve others. As he did this, he gave them something special – the power to remove and erase those who were possessed by evil spirits (like ghosts or negative energy). He also gave them the ability to heal anyone who was sick or suffering. Let’s unpack it a bit more: “And when he had called unto [him] his twelve disciples…” – This means Jesus started inviting people to join him as his followers. “…he gave them power…” - He gave them a special gift, like a tool or ability. “…against unclean spirits…” – This is the key part. “Unclean spirits” refers to negative influences, things that are not good and can cause harm, like fear, doubt, and negativity. They were believed to be causing problems for people. “…to cast them out…” - Jesus instructed his followers to gently remove these evil spirits from the people. “…and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.” – This is the result of their power. They could now use their gift to help people who were sick, wounded, or suffering. What’s the significance? This verse shows that Jesus has the authority to: Remove evil: He's not just a teacher; he’s actively combating negativity and helping people find healing. Heal: He can restore health and well-being to those who are suffering. Important Note: This story is often interpreted as a sign that Jesus has the power to cleanse areas of negative energy, which was very important in his time. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage (when it was written)? Talk about the significance of the twelve disciples?

Definition: Nor scrip for [your] journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 10:10. It’s a really interesting and important message about our purpose in life! Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that we are meant to live out our lives doing our job – fulfilling our role in the world – without worrying about material possessions. Let’s unpack it word by word: “Nor scrip for [your] journey” : "Scrip" means a contract or agreement. So, this part is saying that you are meant to live your life and fulfill your purpose. It’s not about getting rich; it's about living a meaningful life. “neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves” : These are all things we need to survive and function in the world - clothing, footwear, tools. “for the workman is worthy of his meat” : This is the key part! The word "workman" means a person who does work or labor. It's about being productive and engaged with life. So, what does it all mean? It’s saying that we are called to dedicate ourselves to our work, to serving others, and to making a positive impact on the world. It doesn’t mean we have to be famous or rich – it means we need to do what we're meant to do. It emphasizes that our value isn’t measured by what we own, but by how well we use our time and talents. In short: God has given us a purpose, and we are called to live a life of service and productivity, focused on fulfilling our role in the world. Does this have any deeper meaning for you? Would you like me to explain anything further or perhaps connect it to a specific theme in the Bible?

Definition: And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, inquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 10:11. It’s a really important piece of advice for the early Christian missionaries! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: When you arrive in a new town or city, don’t just rush to find the most impressive buildings or people. Instead, focus on finding worthy people – those who are living right and true according to God’s word. Let's unpack it further: "Into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter..." This is a general invitation to come into any place. It doesn’t mean you have to go to the biggest, most famous city. It means anywhere you’re starting your mission. "...inquire who in it is worthy..." This is the key part! You need to evaluate people – look for signs of faith, obedience, and a good heart. "...and there abide till ye go thence." This means “stay here until you leave.” You don’t just wander around looking for someone worthy; you wait patiently until you get to the point where you can decide if that person is truly ready to follow God's will. In a nutshell: Jesus is telling us to be discerning and look for those who are already on the right path, so we can guide them toward salvation. It’s about assessment rather than just immediate judgment. Why is this important? It emphasizes that God wants people to live a life that pleases Him, and that requires careful consideration of their character and actions. --- Do you want me to: Explain it in a different way? Give an example of what “worthy” might look like?

Definition: And when ye come into an house, salute it.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from Matthew 10:12: “And when ye come into a house, salute it.” Basically, it's a really simple instruction to show respect and courtesy. Here’s what it means in plain English: What it’s saying: When you enter someone else’s home – whether it’s your own or someone else’s – you should give them a polite greeting. You should say “Hello” or “Good to see you.” Why it's important (from a biblical perspective): Showing Respect: The Bible emphasizes treating others with respect, especially those who are different from us. This verse is a gentle reminder of that principle. Hospitality: It’s about being welcoming and friendly. It suggests that entering someone else’s home is an honor – it’s a welcome! Love & Compassion: Showing respect and greeting someone with a smile can be seen as an expression of kindness and love. It's not just about politeness; it’s a symbol of deeper connection. It suggests that we are entering into a relationship, even if it’s just a brief one. Important Note: The exact context of this verse is debated among theologians, but it generally points to a focus on building relationships and showing love. --- Would you like me to: Explain another Bible verse? Give you some more historical context about this passage?

Definition: And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this famous verse from Matthew 10:13. It's a really important message about how we should approach life and our responsibilities. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it’s saying: "The house is worthy?" – This refers to our lives , our relationships, our work, or anything we’re involved with. It's about whether we’re living a good and righteous life. “Let your peace come upon it” – This means that when we’re doing something right, when we’re being good, and when we’re contributing positively to the world, we should feel a sense of calm and contentment. It's about inner peace. “But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you” – This is the key part. If we’re struggling, feeling stressed, or even upset, we need to step back and find our own peace. It means that when things are difficult , instead of reacting with anger or frustration, we should take a moment to calm down and refocus on what's right and good. Think of it like this: A house needs care and maintenance – it needs to be kept tidy and in good shape. Similarly, our lives need care and attention too. When we’re living well and doing good, we naturally feel more peaceful and satisfied. But when we're struggling, we need to take a break and find our own inner peace. The context of the verse is about Jesus calling his disciples to be leaders. He wants them to be strong and confident, but also to have a calm and steady spirit. It’s a reminder that true leadership isn’t just about power – it's about having a good heart and being peaceful. In short, it encourages us to live right and be peaceful, even when things are tough! --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how peace can come about? Discuss the significance of this verse within a broader context of biblical teachings?

Definition: And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 10:14. It's a really important message about how we should treat others and the impact our choices have on them. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse is essentially saying that if you don’t welcome or accept people, and if they don’t receive your words or teachings, then you'll be left behind. It’s a warning about being unfriendly to others. Let’s unpack it word-by-word (a little): “Matthew 10:14” : This is the verse itself – we’re talking about a specific passage from the New Testament. “And whosoever shall not receive you…” : This means "anyone who doesn't welcome you" or "those who don’t accept you." It’s a general statement about being rejected. “…nor hear your words…” : This is crucial. It’s not just about ignoring them; it’s about hearing and understanding what we say. It means not listening to our teachings, sermons, or even just our conversations. “…when ye depart out of that house or city…” : “That house or city” refers to the community where you are – a church, a neighborhood, or wherever you’re gathering. “Depart out of” means leaving it. “…shake off the dust of your feet.” : This is the shocking part! It's a powerful metaphor. "Shake off the dust of your feet" means to be left behind, discarded, and forgotten. It suggests a feeling of being unvalued or abandoned. What does this mean practically? This verse encourages us to: Be welcoming: Make an effort to welcome people into our lives. Be respectful: Treat everyone with kindness and consideration. Don't be dismissive: Avoid speaking negatively about others, even if they disagree with you. Protect our community: Think of the impact your actions have on those around you. In essence, it’s a call to action – be friendly, be kind, and don't let people drift away. Why is this important? Jesus says this verse was given to him before his death. It speaks to the importance of our relationship with others and the consequences of not treating them well. It emphasizes that we are called to build up and protect those around us. --- Would you like me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Give some examples of how this verse might apply to different situations?

Definition: Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from Matthew 10:15. This verse is a powerful warning about the future and highlights the importance of righteousness. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse essentially says that the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah – two ancient cities destroyed in the biblical story of Noah’s Ark – would be much more bearable to live in than modern-day cities like our own. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "Matthew 10:15" : This is a chapter in the New Testament Bible, specifically Matthew, which tells about Jesus’s disciples before they left him. “Verily I say unto you” : This is Jesus’s way of emphasizing the seriousness of what he's about to tell us. “Verily” means truly and honestly. It’s a strong statement. “It shall be more tolerable…” : This is the core of the message. "More tolerable" means less harsh or difficult . What does it mean in practice? The Bible describes Sodom and Gomorrah as cities that were incredibly wicked – they built their houses on a hill overlooking the city, deliberately destroying others, and generally practicing evil. It was a place of great wickedness. So, what does this verse say about judgment? The verse implies that God will ultimately judge these cities with extreme severity. It suggests that if those cities were to be found in the future after the end of time – after all humanity is gone and there are no more people on Earth - they would be far worse than any place we have today. It’s a stark warning about the consequences of wickedness. Important Context: The story of Sodom and Gomorrah is part of Noah's Ark narrative. God sent a great flood to cleanse the earth, wiping out all life except for those who were safely on the ark. The cities were deliberately destroyed, and this verse is a warning about the consequences of such wickedness. In short, this verse tells us that we should strive to live a righteous and moral life, because God will ultimately judge those who are truly wicked. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this passage? Discuss its significance in the context of the Bible as a whole? Give you a simpler analogy to help understand the idea?

Definition: Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this really interesting Bible passage! It's a bit complex, but we can understand it with a few key ideas. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Core Idea: Jesus is telling his followers to be cautious and strategic in their lives. He wants them to be both strong and gentle, ready for danger and safe from harm. Let's unpack the parts: "Matthew 10:16 Behold, I send you forth..." – This is Jesus’ way of saying, “I’m trusting you.” He’s giving them a big responsibility. "...as sheep in the midst of wolves:" - Think of sheep as vulnerable and easily harmed. Wolves are dangerous predators. Jesus wants his followers to be protected from these threats. "be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." – This is the crucial part! He’s giving them a specific set of instructions: Wise as Serpents: This means they need to be cautious and observant . They should be aware of their surroundings, quick to react to danger, and always watchful. Just like a snake, they shouldn't get too comfortable or complacent. Harmless as Doves: This means they need to be gentle , peaceful , and avoid causing trouble or conflict. They should strive to remain calm and don’t want to provoke anyone. So, what does this mean practically? Jesus is telling us to: Stay alert: Always be aware of potential dangers around you. Don't get complacent: Don't let your guard down – always be ready to defend yourself or others. Be careful and thoughtful: Think before you act, and avoid actions that could escalate a situation. Maintain peace: Avoid arguments, conflict, and causing trouble. In essence, Jesus is urging his followers to be strong enough to protect themselves and gentle enough to avoid getting into problems. It’s about balance – being prepared for the worst but also avoiding unnecessary conflict. Does that make sense? Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail or perhaps give some examples of how this principle might apply in real life? For instance, could we talk about it in a specific situation like facing a difficult person?

Definition: But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 10:17. It’s a pretty serious warning, but it’s about protecting believers. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is telling us that Christians – those who follow Jesus – need to be careful and vigilant because men (and sometimes groups of men) will try to harm or persecute them. It’s not just a general warning; it specifically mentions “conquests” and “scourging.” Let's unpack it piece by piece: "But beware of men:" This is the core message – be aware of potential threats. "...for they will deliver you up to the councils..." “Councils” in this context refers to groups of people who are trying to silence or oppose Christians. Think of it like a group of people actively working to stop your faith and beliefs. "...and they will scourge you in their synagogues:" “Scourging” is a harsh word – it means to beat, harass, or even kill someone. It's happening in the synagogues , which are places where Christians gathered for worship and fellowship. What does this mean practically? This verse isn’t just about general threats; it suggests that men might actively try to: Stop your meetings: They could try to prevent you from gathering with others. Discourage your beliefs: They might try to convince people not to follow Jesus. Harass and threaten you: This could involve insults, intimidation, or even physical violence. Important Context - It’s about Protection The Bible often uses this verse to remind believers that they're not alone. Jesus says, "My kingdom is not of this world." This verse emphasizes the importance of standing firm in your faith and protecting yourselves from those who would try to harm you. It’s a call to vigilance and prayer. In short, it’s a warning to stay safe and steadfast in your faith. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some examples of how this verse might be used in real life?