The particular incident recorded by Josephus was extremely serious, resulting in mass crucifixions and
beheadings and eventually in an embassy to the Emperor Claudius. As a result, Cumanus was deposed as
procurator in favour of Felix, and the latter finally captured Eleazar son of Dineus and sent him in chains to
Rome (Ant. 20.8.5 161).
Y‘shua gave strict instructions not to go to the Samaritans or to the Gentiles, only to the Ten Tribes of the
House of Israel.
10:7 The kingdom of heaven
―(7) And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand‖.
―Kingdom of Heaven" and ―Kingdom of God" are interchangeable. It was and still is common practice among
Jews to refer to YHWH in this fashion – out of deep respect for the name of YHWH. Even today the term
"HaShem" which means "the Name", is often used in place of "God", both in Jewish writings and
conversation.
The ―Kingdom of Heaven‖ or ―Kingdom of God‖ is the central theme of Y‘shua‘s preaching. The Hebrews did
not use the sacred name of YHWH. Many times they used the expression Kingdom of Heaven or Kingdom of
God – just as today we say, "Heaven help me‖. We are not asking for heaven's help. We are asking for
YHWH's help.
Look at the phrase, ―The Kingdom of God has come near you" (Luke 10: 9 - 11). The Kingdom of Heaven or
God is described by most commentaries as YHWH's kingdom to come sometime in the future. Some teach it
means the "Second Coming of Christ" (Y‘shua called the Second Coming ―the coming of the Son of Man"
(Mat 10:22)).
The Greek word engiken means, "about to appear" or "is almost here". However, if it is translated back to
Hebrew – the verb karav means "to come up to," "to be where something or someone is‖. In the Greek, the
Kingdom is at a distance. In the Hebrew – it is here! Y‘shua‘s Messiahship is present here and now.
The "Kingdom of Heaven" is not futuristic, but rather a present reality wherever YHWH is ruling...when one is
able to put [Greek] passages back into Hebrew, it is immediately obvious that the Kingdom has already
arrived and is in fact already here – almost the exact opposite of the Greek meaning (Bivin, Blizzard 1995).
Y‘shua Himself proclaimed that the Kingdom was at hand. This proclamation involved an awakening cry of
sensational and universal significance. He was referring to Himself as the King being at hand (being
present). He was already present in his person –He is the King. For one to follow Him, he had to make Him
his King and follow His rules. ―Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of
heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven‖ (Matt 7:21) takes on a whole new
meaning. It is not heaven that they won't be entering. It is His Kingdom now of peace, following His ways
(Wilson 1989). ―Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven‖ also takes on a new
meaning.
Reread the following verses with this new light. It may change your opinion of these teachings: Mark 4:30-32;
Matt 13:33; 18:3; Luke 13:20-21, Matt 12:28; Luke 11:20; Luke 17:20-21. Y‘shua did not come right out and
say, "I am the Messiah". In Hebrew there are far more powerful ways of making that claim (Bivin, Blizzard
1995). Seeking first the Kingdom of YHWH is making Y‘shua Lord of your life today!
10:8-13 Freely ye have received, freely give
―(8) Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. (9)
Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, (10) Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats,
neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. (11) And into whatsoever city or town
ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence. (12) And when ye come into an
house, salute it. (13) And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your
peace return to you‖.
The benefit the apostles received cannot be overstated. They had directly received the gift of the Kingdom
from the Messiah Himself. The proof of their receiving and giving the Kingdom is seen in verse 14 & 15.
These apostles receive special recognition at the return of Messiah as stated in the book of Revelation.
Y‘shua mentions their special place in His mystical prayer of John 17 where He elevates them before the
Father, and also those who receive their teachings.