Christian Persecution

Misunderstandings

Early Mission of the Apostles

'Matthew 10:7 And going you proclaim, saying that ‘the kingdom of the heavens has neared!’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely you must give. 9 Do not procure gold nor silver nor copper for your belts, 10 nor a bag for the way, nor two cloaks nor sandals, nor a staff. For the workman is worthy of his provisions. 11 And into whatever city or town you should enter, scrutinize whether anyone in it is worthy, and there abide until when you would depart.

These instructions were for the apostles during the ministry of Christ. They did not apply afterwards, of their later missions, where at Luke 22:35-36 it is recorded that “35 He said to them: When I sent you without purse and wallet and sandals, did you have want of anything?' And they said 'Nothing.' 36 Then He said to them: 'But now he having a purse must take it, and likewise a wallet, and he not having a sword must sell his garment and buy one.” This goes hand-in-hand with the foreknowledge that Christians would be persecuted, and would most often have to fend for and defend themselves. So we see that common sense must prevail in our quest for the kingdom.