Mark 6:9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Concerning judgment, it is presented in two senses: those who have done good are raised in the resurrection of life, whereas those who have done evil face the resurrection of judgment; and in another way, there is the plea, “Judge me, O God, and enter into my litigation with an unkind nation.” The first type of judgment results in condemnation, while the second is akin to a legal hearing. Numerous words carry multiple meanings and can be understood differently depending on their context, sometimes requiring further clarification. For instance, “Brethren, be not children in mind: for evil be babes, but in mind be of age,” could be interpreted in a way that suggests a contradictory message if examined superficially.

Similarly, in Paul’s letter to the Galatians, he writes, “Bear one another's burdens, and thus fulfil the law of Christ,” followed by, “Each one will bear his own burden.” Here the term “burden” can take on diverse meanings; one refers to the shared struggles among believers, while the other pertains to the individual responsibility before God. There exists a distinction between supporting one another in frailty and accounting for one’s actions before the Lord. The rod, as articulated by the Apostle, can have both a spiritual interpretation and a tangible one.

Therefore, we can accept the Lord’s instructions to His Apostles that they should not carry a staff while also recognizing that they could carry only a staff when considering the complete counsel of Matthew. The command explicitly states not to bring gold, silver, or brass in their belts, nor a purse, an extra pair of garments, or shoes, ultimately concluding with, “For he that laboureth is worthy of food.” This illustrates that the Lord did not deny His disciples of essential provisions for survival, but rather indicated that they would be sustained through the generosity of those to whom they preached.

As Paul asserted, soldiers do not serve at their own expense, and vineyard keepers partake of their harvest. Therefore, the authority conferred upon the Apostles was not an obligation to receive sustenance from those to whom they ministered. When the Lord gives a command, disobedience incurs fault, yet the authority granted allows for discretion in its exercise. Paul elucidates that those who serve in sacred roles are nourished from the altar, reinforcing that evangelists should live by the gospel. Paul embodies this principle by choosing not to avail himself of this entitlement, illustrating that authority was given, albeit not as an absolute duty.

The Lord’s mandate, highlighting that evangelists may support themselves through their ministry, urges the Apostles to travel without concern for material needs. The prohibition on taking a staff underscores the belief that ministers will receive provision from believers when seeking only basic necessities. The phrase, “For he that laboureth is worthy of sustenance,” emphasizes the rationale behind this directive, suggesting that the staff symbolizes the authority they hold. Essentially, the instruction is to take nothing essential for the journey except for a single staff, reinforcing the notion that even the least significant items should not be burdened.

With regard to shoes, Matthew’s account indicates they are not to be taken, suggesting that there is no reason to fret about potential shortages. This likewise applies to garments; no disciple should consider needing more than what they already have. Mark conveys that shoes bear a sacramental significance, implying that while evangelists should not completely conceal themselves, neither should they solely rely on earthly comforts. The injunction against wearing two garments emphasizes simplicity in their mission, discouraging a divided mindset.

It is evident that the Lord conveyed both literal and figurative meanings in His messages. Different evangelists may capture varied aspects of the same teaching. The reader must recognize that the order of narratives does not necessarily imply contradiction but could reflect differing contexts where the statements were made. It is unreasonable to assert that the Lord could not express both a literal and a metaphorical truth in the same discourse.

Lastly, it is crucial to remember that the Lord often reiterated His teachings in different contexts. Discrepancies in the order of accounts among the evangelists should not be perceived as contradictions, as these teachings could have originated in various locations. Events too may have occurred multiple times, and while no one can definitively refute their recurrence, it is essential to maintain faith in the integrity of the Gospel narratives.