₁Jesus left that place and went back to his home town, followed by his disciples. ₂On the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue. Many people were there; and when they heard him, they were all amazed. “Where did he get all this?” they asked. “What wisdom is this that has been given him? How does he perform miracles? ₃Isn't he the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon? Aren't his sisters living here?” And so they rejected him.

₄Jesus said to them, “Prophets are respected everywhere except in their own home town and by their relatives and their family.”

₅He was not able to perform any miracles there, except that he placed his hands on a few sick people and healed them. ₆He was greatly surprised, because the people did not have faith.

Then Jesus went to the villages round there, teaching the people. ₇He called the twelve disciples together and sent them out two by two. He gave them authority over the evil spirits ₈and ordered them, “Don't take anything with you on your journey except a stick — no bread, no beggar's bag, no money in your pockets. ₉Wear sandals, but don't carry an extra shirt.” ₁₀He also said, “Wherever you are welcomed, stay in the same house until you leave that place. ₁₁If you come to a town where people do not welcome you or will not listen to you, leave it and shake the dust off your feet. That will be a warning to them!”

₁₂So they went out and preached that people should turn away from their sins. ₁₃They drove out many demons, and rubbed olive oil on many sick people and healed them.