What is the meaning of Matthew 10:1?

What is the meaning of Matthew 10:1?

And when he had called unto [him] his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. (Matthew 10:1 KJV)

And he called unto him his twelve disciples, and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of disease and all manner of sickness. (Matthew 10:1 ASV)

And having called to [him] his twelve disciples, he gave them power over unclean spirits, so that they should cast them out, and heal every disease and every bodily weakness. (Matthew 10:1 DBY)

He called to himself his twelve disciples, and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every sickness. (Matthew 10:1 WEB)

And having called to him his twelve disciples, he gave to them power over unclean spirits, so as to be casting them out, and to be healing every sickness, and every malady. (Matthew 10:1 YLT)

Interlinear

Mt 10:1 ¶ And <kai> when he had called <proskaleomai> unto him his <autos> twelve <dodeka> disciples, <mathetes> he gave <didomi> them <autos> power <exousia> against unclean <akathartos> spirits, <pneuma> to <hoste> cast <ekballo> them <autos> out, <ekballo> and <kai> to heal <therapeuo> all manner <pas> of sickness <nosos> and <kai> all manner <pas> of disease. <malakia>

Albert Barnes’ Commentary

MATTHEW CHAPTER 10  

Verse 1.  And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, etc. This account of sending the apostles forth is recorded also in Mr 6:7-11; Lu 9:1-6. Mark says that he sent them out two and two. This was a kind arrangement, that each one might have a companion; and that they might visit more places, and accomplish more labour, than if they were all together. These twelve were the original number of apostles. The word apostle means one that is sent, and was given to them because they were sent forth to preach the gospel. They were ambassadors of Christ. To this number Matthias was afterwards added, to supply the place of Judas, Ac 1:26. And Paul was specially called to be an apostle to the Gentiles, Ro 1:1; 1Co 15:8,9; Ga 1:1. So that there were in all fourteen apostles.  

In selecting twelve at first, it is probable that he was somewhat guided by the number of the tribes of Israel. Twelve was, with them, a well-known number, and it was natural that he should select one for every tribe. Their office was clearly made known. They were to heal the sick, raise the dead, preach the gospel, etc. They were to be with him, receive his instructions, learn the nature of his religion, be witnesses of his resurrection, and bear his gospel then around the globe. The number twelve was the best for these purposes that could be selected. It was sufficiently large to answer the purpose of testimony; and it was so small as not to be disorderly, or easily divided into parties or factions. They were not learned men, and could not be supposed to spread their religion by art or talents. They were not men of wealth, and could not bribe men to follow them. They were not men of rank and office, and could not compel men to believe. They were just such men as are always found the best witnesses in courts of justice–plain men, of good sense, of fair character, of great honesty, and with favourable opportunities of ascertaining the facts to which they bore witness. Such men everybody believes, and especially when they are willing to lay down their lives to prove their sincerity.  

It was important that ho should choose them early in his ministry, that they might be fully acquainted with him; might treasure up his instructions, and observe his manner of life and his person, that by having been long acquainted with him they might be able to testify to his identity, and be competent witnesses of his resurrection. No witnesses were ever so well qualified to give testimony as they; and none ever gave so much evidence of their sincerity as they did. See Ac 1:21,22.  

{1} “against” or, “over”