1. Jesus called the twelve apostles together and gave them power and authority over all demons and the ability to heal sicknesses.
2. He sent the apostles out to tell about God’s kingdom and to heal the sick.
3. He said to them, “Take nothing for your trip, neither a walking stick, bag, bread, money, or extra clothes.
4. When you enter a house, stay there until it is time to leave.
5. If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off of your feet as you leave the town, as a warning to them.”
6. So the apostles went out and traveled through all the towns, preaching the Good News and healing people everywhere.
7. Herod, the governor, heard about all the things that were happening and was confused, because some people said, “John the Baptist has risen from the dead.”
8. Others said, “Elijah has come to us.” And still others said, “One of the prophets who lived long ago has risen from the dead.”
9. Herod said, “I cut off John’s head, so who is this man I hear such things about?” And Herod kept trying to see Jesus.
10. When the apostles returned, they told Jesus everything they had done. Then Jesus took them with him to a town called Bethsaida where they could be alone together.
11. But the people learned where Jesus went and followed him. He welcomed them and talked with them about God’s kingdom and healed those who needed to be healed.