4/22/21
Gibbs, Jeffrey A. “10:5-42: Structural and Hermeneutical Considerations." Matthew 1:1-11:1. St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 2006, pp. 502-504.
Matthew 10:5-42 has a structure about which scholars disagree. Gibbs observes that while some find three sections beginning at verses 5, 16, and 24, others see a shift of emphasis only at verse 24, thus two sections (Gibbs 2006, 502). Gibbs endorses the latter view, noting that the first portion clearly discusses the life and work of the Twelve in Israel, while the second does not give limitations and may easily be taken to apply beyond the Twelve (Gibbs 2006, 503). Within the basic two part structure, Gibbs considers the first to easily divide at verse 16 and the second, starting at verse 24, to have five small divisions, beginning at 24, 26, 32, 34, and 40 (Gibbs 2006, 504).