(a) What instructions were given to the twelve disciples before they set out on their mission? (b) Mention any four difference that are notable in the accou...

(a) Instructions given to the twelve before their mission (Matthew 10; Mark 6:7-13)

Jesus called the twelve, gave them authority over unclean spirits and to heal every disease, and sent them out. His instructions included:

• Go only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, not to the Gentiles or the Samaritans (in Matthew).
• Preach that the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
• Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead and cast out demons.
• Give freely, having received freely, without charging for their ministry.
• Take no gold, silver or copper in their belts, no bag, no extra tunic or sandals or staff (with variations between the accounts); the labourer deserves his food.
• When entering a town, find a worthy household, stay there, and salute it with peace.
• If any place would not receive them or hear their words, shake off the dust from their feet as a testimony against it.
• Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves, and endure persecution, for the Spirit would speak through them when they were brought before authorities.

(b) Four notable differences between Matthew's and Mark's accounts

1. Sending out: Mark states clearly that Jesus sent them out two by two; Matthew simply lists the twelve without stressing the pairing.
2. The staff and sandals: Mark permits them to take a staff and to wear sandals, while Matthew (and Luke) forbid taking a staff or sandals.
3. Scope of the mission: Matthew restricts them to Israel and forbids going to Gentiles or Samaritans; Mark contains no such restriction.
4. Length and content: Matthew gives a long discourse including warnings of persecution, family division and rewards; Mark's account is brief and mainly practical, and it adds that they anointed the sick with oil and healed them.