3. Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew, the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;
4. Simon the Patriot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus.
5. These twelve men were sent out by Jesus with the following instructions: “Do not go to any Gentile territory or any Samaritan towns.
6. Instead, you are to go to the lost sheep of the people of Israel.
7. Go and preach, ‘The Kingdom of heaven is near!’
8. Heal the sick, bring the dead back to life, heal those who suffer from dreaded skin diseases, and drive out demons. You have received without paying, so give without being paid.
9. Do not carry any gold, silver, or copper money in your pockets;
10. do not carry a beggar's bag for the journey or an extra shirt or shoes or a stick. Workers should be given what they need.
11. “When you come to a town or village, go in and look for someone who is willing to welcome you, and stay with him until you leave that place.
12. When you go into a house, say, ‘Peace be with you.’
13. If the people in that house welcome you, let your greeting of peace remain; but if they do not welcome you, then take back your greeting.
14. And if some home or town will not welcome you or listen to you, then leave that place and shake the dust off your feet.
15. I assure you that on the Judgement Day God will show more mercy to the people of Sodom and Gomorrah than to the people of that town!
16. “Listen! I am sending you out just like sheep to a pack of wolves. You must be as cautious as snakes and as gentle as doves.
17. Watch out, for there will be those who will arrest you and take you to court, and they will whip you in the synagogues.