Luke 9:3Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Their mission was to contend with those who previously dominated the earth, including the malevolent powers that had claimed dominion over all creation and misled those made in the image of God into idolatry. The purpose of the divine disciples was to bewilder these powers, guiding those lost in deception to the light of truth and enlightening those enveloped in darkness; those who had once venerated such entities were transformed into genuine followers of pursuits that reflect holiness.

Consequently, it is fitting that He instructed them to carry nothing with them, wishing for them to be devoid of earthly concerns, free from worldly burdens to the extent that they would not even fret about essential nourishment. It is clear, then, that His command to refrain from such necessities is aimed at severing their attachment to wealth and material gain. He asserts that their honor, their very reward, lies in the absence of possessions. He distances them from even the essentials, instructing them not to take with them a staff, a bag, bread, money, or even an extra coat. Thus, as stated, He liberates them from vanity and the worries of the flesh, urging them not to be anxious about food, echoing the sentiment from the Psalm: “Cast thy care upon the Lord, and He shall feed thee.” It is indeed true, as Christ stated, “Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Additionally, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Hence, to facilitate a life of integrity and simplicity, free from vanity and unnecessary concerns, allowing them to wholly dedicate themselves to the proclamation of His mystery and labor tirelessly to convey the message of salvation to all, He instructs them to be unconcerned about clothing and sustenance.

The Saviour further instructs, “For let your loins be girded,” and “let your fires burn.” The girding of the loins symbolizes a readiness of mind for every good work, while the burning of lamps signifies the illumination of the heart with Divine light. Similarly, the Law of Moses explicitly instructs those who partook of the lamb, “So shall ye eat it: your loins shall be girt, your staves in your hands, your sandals on your feet.” Thus, it is important to recognize that those who embody Christ, the true Lamb, ought to be like travelers prepared for a journey; they should “gird their feet with the readiness of the gospel of peace,” as the blessed Paul urged us, and be attired appropriately as travelers. For it is inappropriate for those entrusted with the divine message who seek to succeed in their mission to remain idle; they must consistently advance and strive, not in uncertainty, but toward a glorious hope. Even those who may have once succumbed to the enemy's hand, if they fight in faith for Christ, the Savior of us all, will ultimately receive an imperishable crown.

He had sufficiently demonstrated how they should adapt to the inclinations of others to be more effective in their efforts. However, practical experience would serve them even better. While it was true they were not fully prepared to embrace the apostolic role, there was still much for them to apprehend. Their message at this stage could largely be summarized as the announcement of the imminent arrival of the kingdom of God, which both John and Jesus had initially proclaimed. To support this message, the Lord endowed them with the ability to heal diseases, symbolizing that the Savior had indeed come among them. It is important to recall that when the disciples of John inquired about Jesus, the Savior directed them to the miracles He performed. Having granted miraculous power to the apostles, the Lord instructed them to travel without concern for provisions; they would not need a bag, extra clothing, or money as their needs would be met by those to whom they preached. There was no requirement for superfluous belongings, since He sent them only to the towns of His own people, specifically to areas where He had not yet traveled. They were not yet to minister among the Gentiles or Samaritans. As He sent them forth, the Lord provided guidance, emphasizing that divine gifts should be given freely. Just as He took nothing for Himself, He desired His disciples to embody this service. As God freely acts without seeking anything from humanity, so too should they carry out the work of God.

It is important to note, however, that not every laborer earns their reward; for instance, a thief gains by unlawfully breaking in to steal from another, and a dishonest tax collector profits through deception, while an innkeeper may indulge in spirits… Such actions warrant a different kind of reward than that which Jesus referred to. It is only those who embrace the commandment to love their neighbors through honest and diligent work who can truly anticipate God's support as recompense for their efforts; they alone are deserving of sustenance.

It is likely that during the missions of both the twelve and the seventy, the Lord provided them with guidance on their preaching and conduct, and that these instructions were quite alike, considering the comparable circumstances and purposes for which they were imparted.

Matthew, not intending to include the account of the seventy, compiled the complete instructions given to the apostles regarding their ministry and presents them on behalf of Christ, elaborating more than Luke does in his accounts of disciples being sent. Consequently, the narratives of Mark and Luke should be complemented by Matthew’s account. The phrase 'Having called' relates to Matthew 10:1 and Mark 6:7-8. The statement 'To preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick' clarifies the dual mission of those sent: proclaiming the gospel and providing healing, which also includes deliverance from unclean spirits. The directive 'Take nothing' can be further explored in the notes on Matthew 10:9-10 and Mark 6:8-9. Furthermore, the phrase 'And if they will not receive you' is discussed in the notes on Matthew 10:14 and Mark 6:11.