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CTD015
The staff for the journey
Article CTD015 addresses an Islamic objection concerning an alleged Gospel contradiction: did Jesus permit or forbid a staff on the disciples' mission? Mark 6.8 permits it, while Matthew 10.9-10 and Luke 9.3 seem to forbid it. The analysis shows that Matthew and Luke state the general principle of travelling unencumbered, while Mark clarifies that a staff, an everyday object already owned, is not covered by this prohibition. There is therefore no contradiction, but complementary teaching.
Mark 6.7-9 (King James Version) :And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse:But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org