Preach the Kingdom as You Go: Five Essential Questions

Matthew 10:7 presents five critical dimensions of apostolic proclamation, restored from Joseph S. Exell's Victorian exposition:

First, Who preaches? The disciples Christ commissioned. Second, What do they announce? "The kingdom of heaven"—speak of the King in His threefold majesty: King of grief, King of grace, King of glory.

Third, When must they preach? "As ye go." Not in ceremonial moments alone, but continuously—while traveling, while walking, throughout your entire life in this busy world.

Fourth, Where should proclamation begin? "Go not into the way of the Gentiles." Priority belongs to kith and kin, to those nearest home.

Fifth, Why preach at all? "Freely ye have received, freely give." Charles Spurgeon's principle finds illustration in Samson: discovering honey in the lion's carcase he had destroyed, Samson did not hoard it. He carried his hands full of sweetness to his father and mother's house, sharing freely what he had found.

Henry Ward Beecher pressed the application: "Hast thou found honey? Have it not to thyself. Take it home to those who have it not." The love of Christ surpasses even earthly honeycomb—sweeter still, and meant for sharing. The gospel messenger receives grace freely; he must distribute it without reservation, beginning with household and community.