Matthew 10:9-19

9 "Don't think you have to put on a fund-raising campaign before you start.
10 You don't need a lot of equipment. You are the equipment, and all you need to keep that going is three meals a day. Travel light.
11 "When you enter a town or village, don't insist on staying in a luxury inn. Get a modest place with some modest people, and be content there until you leave.
12 "When you knock on a door, be courteous in your greeting.
13 If they welcome you, be gentle in your conversation.
14 If they don't welcome you, quietly withdraw. Don't make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and be on your way.
15 You can be sure that on Judgment Day they'll be mighty sorry - but it's no concern of yours now.
16 "Stay alert. This is hazardous work I'm assigning you. You're going to be like sheep running through a wolf pack, so don't call attention to yourselves. Be as cunning as a snake, inoffensive as a dove.
17 "Don't be naive. Some people will impugn your motives, others will smear your reputation - just because you believe in me.
18 Don't be upset when they haul you before the civil authorities. Without knowing it, they've done you - and me - a favor, given you a platform for preaching the kingdom news!
19 And don't worry about what you'll say or how you'll say it. The right words will be there;
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.