And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no money, no bread, no money in their purse:
take.
Matthew 10:9,10 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, …
Luke 10:4 Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.
Luke 22:35 And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.
save.
money.
Luke 9:3 And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.
no bread,
Bread, a staple food in ancient times, represents basic sustenance. By instructing the apostles not to take bread, Jesus is teaching them to depend on God and the hospitality of those they would encounter. This reliance on divine provision is a recurring theme in Scripture, as seen in the provision of manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16) and Jesus’ teaching on daily bread in the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:11).
no bag,
The bag, or "scrip," was typically used by travelers to carry provisions. By instructing the apostles not to take a bag, Jesus emphasizes the need for simplicity and trust in God’s provision. This instruction contrasts with the common practice of itinerant preachers of the time, who often carried bags for collecting alms. The absence of a bag signifies a focus on spiritual rather than material wealth, aligning with Jesus’ teachings on storing treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-20).
no money in their belts—
Money, often carried in belts or girdles, was essential for purchasing necessities. By instructing the apostles to carry no money, Jesus is reinforcing the principle of reliance on God and the generosity of others. This directive challenges the apostles to live by faith, trusting that God will provide through the kindness of those they minister to. It also serves as a practical lesson in humility and dependence, reflecting the life of Jesus, who had "nowhere to lay his head" (Matthew 8:20). This approach to ministry highlights the contrast between the kingdom of God and worldly systems of security and wealth.
- Jesus issues a clear command, not a suggestion, underscoring His authority (Mark 6:7; Matthew 28:18).
- Immediate obedience is expected, echoing Luke 6:46, “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ but do not do what I say?”.
- Mission flows from relationship with Him; He sends after summoning the Twelve (Mark 6:7).
- “Nothing” means no extras—total dependence on God (Matthew 6:31-33).
- God modeled daily reliance with manna (Exodus 16:4) and Elijah’s raven-fed meals (1 Kings 17:4).
- Trust frees the heart from worry and keeps ministry from being commercialized (Philippians 4:19; 2 Corinthians 2:17).
- One walking staff is allowed—useful but modest.
- It recalls Psalm 23:4, “Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me,” and Moses’ staff that displayed God’s power (Exodus 4:17).
- Jesus provides what is truly needful, teaching moderation, not asceticism.
- Bread, the simplest food, is forbidden so disciples rely on hospitality (Mark 6:10; Luke 10:7).
- It also points to Christ as “the bread of life” (John 6:35).
- Later feedings of multitudes prove He can supply what they lack (Mark 8:19-20).
- A traveler’s bag could carry extras or collections; leaving it prevents stockpiling and greed.
- Hebrews 12:1 urges laying aside every weight; 2 Timothy 2:4 warns against entanglements.
- Traveling light keeps focus on the gospel, not possessions.
- Empty belts remove the temptation to trust finances (Matthew 6:24).
- Peter will echo this training: “Silver and gold I do not have…” (Acts 3:6).
- Proverbs 3:5-6 calls for wholehearted trust, which Jesus makes practical by removing cash reserves.
Mark 6:8 is a literal directive: carry only a staff and steadfast faith. By forbidding bread, bag, and money, Jesus teaches utter dependence on God, purity of motive, and freedom from material distractions, ensuring the gospel advances unhindered and uncompromised.
(8) Save a staff only.--St, Matthew (Matthew 10:10) gives, "neither staves"--i.e., they were to take one only.No money.--As the margin gives, no brass, or rather bronze, or money. The coins referred to are probably the "farthing" and the "mite" of Mark 12:42.
Verse 8. - They should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only. St. Matthew says (Matthew 10:10), according to the best authorities (μηδὲ ῤάβδον), they were not to take a staff. St. Luke says the same as St. Matthew. The meaning is that they were not to make any special provision for their journey, but to go forth just as they were, depending upon God. Those who bad a staff might use it; those who had not one were not to trouble themselves to procure one. The scrip (πήρα) was the wallet for food. They were to take no money in their purse (μὴ εἰς τὴν ζώνην χαλκόν); literally, brass in their girdle. St. Mark, writing for Romans, uses this word for money. St. Luke, writing for Greeks, uses the term (ἀργύριον) "silver." St. Matthew (Matthew 10:9) says, "provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass."