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Jesus called his twelve disciples together and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness.
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Here are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (also called Peter), then Andrew (Peter’s brother), James (son of Zebedee), John (James’s brother),
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Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew (the tax collector), James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus,
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Simon (the zealot ), Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him).
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Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions: “Don’t go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans,
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but only to the people of Israel—God’s lost sheep.
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Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near.
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Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!
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“Don’t take any money in your money belts—no gold, silver, or even copper coins.
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Don’t carry a traveler’s bag with a change of clothes and sandals or even a walking stick. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve to be fed.
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“Whenever you enter a city or village, search for a worthy person and stay in his home until you leave town.
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When you enter the home, give it your blessing.
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If it turns out to be a worthy home, let your blessing stand; if it is not, take back the blessing.
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If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave.
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I tell you the truth, the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah will be better off than such a town on the judgment day.