As a witness

Today’s Gospel pericope belongs to the “Missionary Discourse” of Jesus.

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In the historical context of Jesus’ ministry, the disciples are sent (they become apostles—“those sent”) to the people of Israel. Opposition to their message comes from the religious leaders, the Herodians, and some hostile audience. The Gospel prefigures the fate of Stephen, a Jew from the diaspora, that is, Jewish communities living outside their homeland Israel.These Jews were influenced by Greek culture and civilization. They spoke Greek and had access to the Hebrew Scriptures through its Greek translation known as the Septuagint.