‘As you go, make this proclamation: “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.”’ (Matthew 10:7)

Jesus asked his disciples to go out and preach, “Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick.”

At the same time, blessed for those families who received you, “As you enter a house, wish it peace. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; if not, let your peace return to you.”

The Studium Biblicum annotated that,  “Jesus taught those who evangelize: Do not count on monetary things and belongings. Count only by the virtue and power of the gospel. For those serving the Lord will be taken care by Him” 

The main theme of Jesus’ spreading the gospel was a new commandment of mutual love. As a result, Jesus sent out the disciples two by two on their missionary work, so that they could implement the commandment of love and also maintain the presence of Jesus, because Jesus guaranteed to the disciples, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20)

This could explain why Bartholomew did not join Paul during the second missionary journey, because they both quarreled for Mark’s sudden decision to leave on the first journey, after which they fell out with each other.

Fortunately, Paul and Bartholomew were still good friends. Paul even ended up invited Mark as his secretary. Thus the prerequisite condition to proclaim the presence of the kingdom of heaven is to practice the new commandment of mutual love.