Right after Jesus' injunction to ask for laborers we find the twelve apostles listed (vv. 1-5). The qualifications for being an apostle were as follows:

• 1. Must have seen the risen Christ (1^st Corinthians 9:1).
  2. Must have had fellowship with Jesus (Acts 1:21-22).
  3. Must have been chosen by the Lord (Ephesians 4:11).

No believer today can honestly claim to be an apostle, for none of us have seen the risen Christ. These twelve Apostles were to preach the message of the kingdom and to go only to the lost sheep of Israel (v. 6). In fact, they were specifically told not to go to the Gentiles or to the Samaritans because the kingdom message was for God's covenant people. They needed to accept her King (Jesus) who had arrived.

The Apostles were not to make elaborate provisions for their travel (vv. 7-10). They were to rely upon the gifts and hospitality of those to whom they preached. Hospitality was a normal part of the Mid Eastern lifestyle and no doubt many offers of accommodation were received. “Freely you have received, freely give” (v. 8). God blesses us so we can bless others. He does not show us His goodness so that we can hoard it all to ourselves in unconcern of the hurts of those around us. It is evident that the Apostles depended on the hospitality of others as they minister from town to town (vv. 11-15). However, the disciples were restricted to accepting hospitality only from those who received their message. They were not to compromise. If a town rejected their words, they were to warn the people and get out of town, shaking the dust off their feet (v. 14).