Staff or No Staff?

2023-07-11

When Jesus sent out the Twelve to preach, He told them to not take provisions along.

Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. (Matthew 10:10)

And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse (Mark 6:8)

And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece. (Luke 9:3)

According to this article by Answers in Genesis’ Stacia McKeever (here), the passage suggests that they were to leave immediately and not go fetch things. They were to take whatever was with them at the moment. This likely would have been the case.

I would also suggest that in Mark’s account, it is in the singular, and the others use the plural. This could support the previous view. Take one staff, but not multiple staves. This seems to best describe the situation.

I like the emphasis on the Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry’s Matt Slick (here): “Nevertheless, each verse is saying that the disciples are to go as they are and to not take provisions – just trust the Lord.”