I tell you still more: you know that there are prophets now just as at all times, and there will likewise always be such until the end of the world among all the peoples of the earth, whatever their faith may be; for through the prophets alone, even when all the ropes between heaven and earth have already broken, a secret bond is still held firm that no dark power can destroy.
There have indeed been, are, and always will be false prophets among the genuine ones; but this does either no harm at all, or only the very slightest, to the true cause of the genuineness of a prophet awakened from heaven, since the genuine prophet will all too soon expose the liar before the world, and that man will never escape chastisement from heaven. (Matt. 10:41)
But if a true prophet comes into a house and is received as such, whoever receives him as a genuine prophet, or also one sent by the prophet in the prophet’s name, listens to him and heeds his word in the heart, shall receive a prophet’s reward beyond in God’s kingdom. And whoever receives a righteous person in a righteous person’s name—that is, if such a person has a reputation for righteousness and such a name belongs to him, or if he does not have that reputation, but the host recognizes him as a righteous person and receives him as such without undertaking a test of whether he really is righteous—shall one day receive a righteous person’s reward in the kingdom of heaven. (Matt. 10:42)
And to all this I add: look here at these little ones who lovingly surround Me! Whoever gives even one of the very least of these little ones just a cup of water in a disciple’s name, truly, I tell you: such a least deed will not remain unrewarded for him!
Now you have everything you need for that for which I have chosen you; go now into all the cities I have shown you, teach those who live in them to know the kingdom of God, and do as and what I have now commanded you; your reward will be no small one.
But when in the cities of Israel, of which there are not many, you have carried out what was commanded, then return to Me, after which I shall initiate you into the deeper mysteries of God’s kingdom; for it shall be given to you to understand such mysteries as the kingdom of God contains.’
Peter says: ‘Lord! Should we twelve travel together or singly—each on his own—into one city and another, and likewise into the market towns and villages?’
I say: ‘That is up to you; but it is better if you go together at least in twos or threes, so that one may serve as a witness for the other, and My Spirit will work more powerfully with you when two or three of you are gathered somewhere in My name and teach and work in this way.
‘But for you to remain together in your full number is, first, not necessary at all; and second, you would find it all the harder to be received in any house because of space and provision. Therefore divide into twos or threes; but first choose the cities, market towns and villages, and agree among yourselves which one or another will take on.
‘In this way you can appear in several cities at once, will gain much time, and will be able to return to Me all the sooner; if you are diligent, you will easily finish in seven weeks, even earlier. But now go, for every hour has its value here!’
Judas Iscariot says: ‘Lord, the sun has already drawn near to setting; the day has not half an hour left, and it is far from here to every place. To reach even a nearest village, one can walk briskly for two hours; would it not rather be just as good if we set out very early tomorrow?’
I say: ‘No, my friend, there is danger in every minute’s delay here! Today after sunset you will just reach a market town lying behind the mountain towards the east, where your help will be needed, and you will then find a good reception there. But do not stay there longer than three days, nor readily at any other place either. Until then, however, stay together; but divide in the market town mentioned!’
After these words the twelve quickly set out, and the inhabitants of this destroyed little village, wonderfully rebuilt through My grace, sent with them a few people familiar with the roads, who led them by the nearest route to the market town.