Jesus gave His 12 disciples authority to drive out unclean spirits, disease and sickness. Here are the names of the 12 apostles: (1) Simon/Peter (2) Andrew (Peter’s brother) (3) James (son of Zebedee)(4) John (James’ brother) (5) Philip (6) Bartholomew (7) Thomas (8) Matthew (the tax collector)(9) James (son of Alphaeus) (10) Thaddaeus (11) Simon (the zealot) (12) Judas Iscariot (who betrayed Jesus). Jesus sent them out with instructions to go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel announcing, “The kingdom of heaven has come near.” Also, to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with skin diseases, and drive out demons. He told them to rely on the hospitality of the towns, and not to take anything. If a household let your peace be on it, but if unworthy shake the dust off your feet when you leave. The day of judgment will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah than them. Jesus is sending the disciples out among wolves, so be as shrewd as serpents and harmless as doves. People will hand you to the sanhedrins, governors, and kings because of Jesus, so that we might bear witness to them and the nations about Christ. In these times don’t worry about what to say, it will be given, because the Spirit of our heavenly Father will speak through us. Brothers will betray you. Fathers will betray you. Children will betray parents. You will be hated for Jesus’ name. The one who endures will be delivered. When persecution comes, escape. They called the the head of the house of God, “Beelzebul,” how much more members! Don’t be afraid, there is nothing covered that won’t be uncovered. Don’t fear those who can kill the body, but not the soul, rather, fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Don’t be afraid, you are worth more than many sparrows. If we acknowledge Christ, we will be acknowledged by Christ before our Father in heaven. Whoever denies Jesus, will also deny him before My Father in heaven. Jesus did not come to bring peace, but a sword. Anyone who finds his life will lose it, and anyone who loses his life because of Jesus will find it. The one who welcomes/receives you welcomes Jesus, and His Father who sent Him. Those who show hospitality will receive a reward.
All is exposed before the eyes of God. Fear Him who can destroy both body and soul in Hell. Friends, trust in Christ afresh today. Acknowledge Jesus, flee God’s wrath, and trust that the blood of Jesus is powerful enough to save unworthy sinners like us.