But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
The Jews held the first rank because they alone were acknowledged by God as His family while others were shut out. He calls them lost sheep to stir the apostles' compassion and show them their labor was needed; but here Christ teaches us something graver about the whole human race. Even the Jews, near to God and in covenant with Him as lawful heirs of eternal life, are lost until they find salvation through Christ. What hope remains for us who lack their privilege?
AI summary
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
By the lost sheep Christ means either all the Jewish people wandering in error and sin, or more precisely His elect among them, for whose sake the apostles were sent. They are called sheep because God chose and gave them to Christ to be redeemed; lost because they are lost in Adam and by their own sins, and also because their own shepherds, the Scribes and Pharisees, through negligence and error made them go astray. This name serves to magnify God's grace toward such ruined creatures and to kindle the apostles' diligence.
AI summary