These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
5. Into the tray of the Gentiles This makes still more evident what I have lately hinted, that the office, which was then bestowed on the apostles, had no other object than to awaken in the Jews the hope of an approaching salvation, and thus to render them more attentive to hear Christ.
The apostles must not go to the Gentiles or Samaritans because Christ Himself had not revealed Himself to them. The Jews must have first offer of salvation; if they refuse it, Christ hides Himself from that place. This restraint was only for their first mission; afterwards all nations were to receive the gospel.
AI summary
Commenting on Matthew 10:5-15
These twelve Jesus sent forth,.... And no other but them, under the character of apostles. These had been with him a considerable time, to whom he had been gradually communicating spiritual knowledge; and by the benefit of private conference with him, and the observation they had made upon his doctrine and conduct, were greatly qualified for public usefulness: wherefore he gives them a commission, furnishes...