This chapter can be broadly characterized as having three sections.
Section 1: Calling the 12 Disciples together (verses 1-4)
Section 2: Marching orders (verses 5-15)
Section 3: Further implications (verses 16-42). These show future and far future prophetic insights into persecution and martyrdom.
Psalm 41 and 109 have a detailed description of the last Disciple Judas Iscariot; interestingly the only one prophesied about in the O.T. As being both part of the Godhead and man (or the Son of Man) in human logic it would appear insane to pick Judas Iscariot. Not only would he ultimately betray Christ leading to His execution; but he was a thief, and no doubt would have many other bad influences on the remaining disciples. If that weren't enough the rest of the motley crew weren't exactly the cream of the crop of society being lowly fishermen and worse the hated tax collector with Matthew who apparently was a poll tax collector sitting at intersections where were hated the most. With their deverse backgrounds it would have been intersting to see what conversations that had amongst themselves; but the scriptures are limited to interactions with Christ interspersed with their questions.
The next section through verse 15 gives the basic early "marching orders" of the disciples who later would indeed be told to bring money and provisions. For this initial thrust such provisions while Christ was still around were unnecessary. Given the upbraiding in the very next chapter it appears that with such miraculous abilities given to these individuals through Christ's authority for that time would indeed mean almost instant condemnation and judgment for rejecting this message of the Kingdom of God coming soon along with undeniable signs of healing and casting out demons.
The last section is the most extensive and mentions death; fractured families; and speaking before kings. Clearly it is relevant until the time of the end meant for us all.
Concerning Judas Iscariot, Jesus did indeed know who Judas was and what He would do because He was there with the Father and the Holy Spirit in eternity past before creation when the Godhead agreed to the eternal decree that would fulfill God's purpose in creation to be accomplished through the electing of those who would be saved (vessels of mercy) and non-electing those who will be judged according to God's justice and wrath (vessels of wrath).
At the moment this decree was thought and willed, it was set in place to sovereignly come to pass without the input of any creature God would create in time. So, at that point in eternity Jesus knew all things from eternity past through time and throughout eternity future without exception and all would come to pass according to this divine decree immutably.
Jesus knew if Judas was elected to salvation or not. He knew Judas' character and every moment of His life from beginning to His last. He knew Judas was appointed to betray Him not just because it was prophesied to occur, but because, as the divine Son, Jesus all of Judas eternally.
So from a human perspective, none of us would choose Judas as our companion in ministry if we knew beforehand what he was like. But Jesus was not like us in this way. He was always obedient to the Father and did all things according to this eternal divine decree that was put into effect before creation when He assented to be the Savior of God's chosen elect, being slain from before the creation of the world.
An awesome doctrinal truth to consider with humility and reverence, for sure.
This chapter can be broadly characterized as having three sections.
Section 1: Calling the 12 Disciples together (verses 1-4)
Section 2: Marching orders (verses 5-15)
Section 3: Further implications (verses 16-42). These show future and far future prophetic insights into persecution and martyrdom.
Psalm 41 and 109 have a detailed description of the last Disciple Judas Iscariot; interestingly the only one prophesied about in the O.T. As being both part of the Godhead and man (or the Son of Man) in human logic it would appear insane to pick Judas Iscariot. Not only would he ultimately betray Christ leading to His execution; but he was a thief, and no doubt would have many other bad influences on the remaining disciples. If that weren't enough the rest of the motley crew weren't exactly the cream of the crop of society being lowly fishermen and worse the hated tax collector with Matthew who apparently was a poll tax collector sitting at intersections where were hated the most. With their deverse backgrounds it would have been intersting to see what conversations that had amongst themselves; but the scriptures are limited to interactions with Christ interspersed with their questions.
The next section through verse 15 gives the basic early "marching orders" of the disciples who later would indeed be told to bring money and provisions. For this initial thrust such provisions while Christ was still around were unnecessary. Given the upbraiding in the very next chapter it appears that with such miraculous abilities given to these individuals through Christ's authority for that time would indeed mean almost instant condemnation and judgment for rejecting this message of the Kingdom of God coming soon along with undeniable signs of healing and casting out demons.
The last section is the most extensive and mentions death; fractured families; and speaking before kings. Clearly it is relevant until the time of the end meant for us all.
Concerning Judas Iscariot, Jesus did indeed know who Judas was and what He would do because He was there with the Father and the Holy Spirit in eternity past before creation when the Godhead agreed to the eternal decree that would fulfill God's purpose in creation to be accomplished through the electing of those who would be saved (vessels of mercy) and non-electing those who will be judged according to God's justice and wrath (vessels of wrath).
At the moment this decree was thought and willed, it was set in place to sovereignly come to pass without the input of any creature God would create in time. So, at that point in eternity Jesus knew all things from eternity past through time and throughout eternity future without exception and all would come to pass according to this divine decree immutably.
Jesus knew if Judas was elected to salvation or not. He knew Judas' character and every moment of His life from beginning to His last. He knew Judas was appointed to betray Him not just because it was prophesied to occur, but because, as the divine Son, Jesus all of Judas eternally.
So from a human perspective, none of us would choose Judas as our companion in ministry if we knew beforehand what he was like. But Jesus was not like us in this way. He was always obedient to the Father and did all things according to this eternal divine decree that was put into effect before creation when He assented to be the Savior of God's chosen elect, being slain from before the creation of the world.
An awesome doctrinal truth to consider with humility and reverence, for sure.
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