Jesus gathered his disciples and empowered them after they had heard his words for a long time, seen his works, and become strong in faith through his presence, until they received his power, and understood his designs. Christ wished to multiply the glory of his love, so he commanded his followers not only to preach, but also to cast out demons, and cure diseases. He gave them authority over all unclean spirits and all diseases, and sent them as the Father had sent him filled with the powers of the Holy Spirit to effectuate the kingdom of God, where Christ himself is King, Center, and Source of all power, for out of him power flowed to those who had no authority, and grace to those who were unworthy.
Dear brother, the command of our King is needful, and the time in which we can behave openly is short. Who hears Christ’s call to ministry? Who comes preparedly to him? Is your faith growing so that Christ may send you and equip you as a delegate to your surroundings? Do not preach philosophies, but communicate the power of Christ to those that are dead in sins that they may rise in truth and truthfulness. Set free in the name of Jesus the prisoners of the devil that they may enter into the light, and leave darkness. The fullness of the kingdom dwells in all those who obey the gospel. All humble followers of Christ, with all the saints who had fallen asleep are the kingdom of God that is passing through time and present among us.
Christ gave practical remarks to his servants that they might know how to behave wisely in their service. First he prevented them from worrying about money and bread, and commanded them not to bear treasures, loads, or weapons in their missionary journeys, so that they might be able to travel easily and not become exposed to theft. The kingdom of Christ is not out of this world, but is spiritual. This is why the gifts of Christ are spiritual and not material. Christ did not give his apostles salaries, cars, or earthly equipment, but said to them, "Wherever you may be, eat and drink what is offered to you by your hearers." This command belongs to the people of the Old Testament in the first place, for that people was used to look after the ministers of the Lord with respect to their sustenance and food.
Christ made his disciples understand beforehand that they should experience the same as he had experienced: that some hearers would accept them, and others would reject them with dislike. It was advisable to keep the truth for the firstfruits of faith into whatsoever village they passed by, even if rich and clever friends were renewed thereafter and offered them more comfortable shelter, for faithfulness is the principle in ministering.
But where the hatred of hell hardens the hearts, the apostles should not compel the rejecters to accept the blessing, but they should go out simply shaking off all the dust from their clothes in token of the knowledge that they would not partake of God’s condemnation, which falls on all those who reject the gospel. Woe to the house, town, city, or country that rejects Christ and his salvation. The Lord’s condemnation and deadly wars will destroy them.
The apostles obeyed the words of their Lord, and walked to the towns, two by two. They revealed the triumph of Christ, preached with what they saw and heard, put their hands on the sick and healed them in the name of Christ, and experienced that the Lord himself accompanied them without their knowledge. His power was made perfect in their weakness.