In Jesus’ Commissioning of the Twelve Disciples, Were They or Were They Not to Take a “Staff”? (cf. Matthew 10:10; Mark 6:8)

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The Synoptic Gospels record Jesus sending out the twelve disciples on a preaching and healing mission. A widely discussed textual difficulty arises from Matthew 10:10 and Mark 6:8. Matthew records Jesus instructing His disciples to take “no staff,” while Mark states they were permitted to “take nothing for the journey except a staff.” Critics have seized upon this to allege a contradiction. However, applying the Historical-Grammatical method along with precise linguistic and contextual analysis demonstrates that these statements are not irreconcilable.

The Texts in Question

Matthew 10:9-10 (UASV): “Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts, or a bag for your journey, or two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker deserves his food.”

Mark 6:8 (UASV): “And he instructed them to take nothing for the journey except a staff only—no bread, no bag, no money in their belt.”

Understanding the Greek Text

The key to harmonizing these passages lies in understanding the distinction between possessing versus acquiring. The Greek word in Matthew for “acquire” (ktaomai) conveys the sense of procuring additional items for the journey, not necessarily forbidding what one already possessed. Jesus’ instruction in Matthew can be accurately understood as “Do not obtain or purchase an extra staff.”

Image illustrating Jesus sending out the disciples as described in Matthew 10:10 and Mark 6:8.

Mark’s Gospel, on the other hand, emphasizes that the disciples were to take nothing extra with them—except for the single staff they already had. The Greek airo (“take”) in Mark does not contradict Matthew’s “do not acquire” but complements it by indicating what could be used from their current belongings.

Reconciling the Accounts

The disciples were to travel light and trust Jehovah for their provisions, an exercise in faith and dependence. Both accounts reflect this principle but from slightly different emphases:

Matthew focuses on the prohibition against acquiring extra supplies: no additional tunics, shoes, or staff. It was a prohibition against preparing as if they would be self-sufficient.
Mark indicates they could carry the staff they already possessed as a practical aid for walking and defense against wild animals, which was common for travelers.

Therefore, the difference lies in purpose, not in contradiction. Matthew reflects Jesus’ prohibition of over-preparation, while Mark confirms that basic necessities already in their possession were allowed.

Additional Rational Considerations

Luke 9:3, which parallels the same event, supports this understanding: “Take nothing for your journey, neither staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics each” (UASV). Luke emphasizes not relying on excessive personal provisions but does not negate the use of a single walking staff already at hand.

Moreover, the instruction about not taking “two tunics” (also found in Matthew and Luke) clarifies that duplication of items was forbidden, not possession of a single necessary item. By the same reasoning, carrying one staff for physical support was permissible, while obtaining an additional one was not.

Conclusion

There is no contradiction between Matthew 10:10 and Mark 6:8. A proper reading of the Greek terms and recognition of the disciples’ mission context resolves the issue. Jesus forbade the purchase or acquisition of extra supplies, including an extra staff, but permitted them to take the staff already in hand. This subtle but important distinction upholds the inerrancy and harmony of the Gospel accounts and reflects the consistent teaching of Jesus regarding simplicity, reliance on Jehovah’s provision, and readiness for ministry.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).