A.T. Robertson Commentary Luke 10

Appointed (ανεδειξεν). First aorist active indicative of αναδεικνυμ, an old verb, not only common, but in LXX. In the N.T. only here and Ac 1:24. Cf. αναδειξις in Lu 1:80. To show forth, display, proclaim, appoint.

Seventy others (ετερους εβδομηκοντα κα). The "also" (κα) and the "others" point back to the mission of the Twelve in Galilee (9:1-6). Some critics think that Luke has confused this report of a mission in Judea with that in Galilee, but needlessly so. What earthly objection can there be to two similar missions? B D Syr. Cur. and Syr. Sin. have "seventy-two." The seventy elders were counted both ways and the Sanhedrin likewise and the nations of the earth. It is an evenly balanced point.

Two and two (ανα δυο). For companionship as with the Twelve though Mr 6:7 has it δυο (vernacular idiom). B K have here ανα δυο, a combination of the idiom in Mr 6:7 and that here.

He himself was about to come (ημελλεν αυτος ερχεσθα). Imperfect of μελλω with present infinitive and note αυτος. Jesus was to follow after and investigate the work done. This was only a temporary appointment and no names are given, but they could cover a deal of territory.

Harvest (θερισμος). Late word for the older θερος, summer, harvest. The language in this verse is verbatim what we have in Mt 9:37,38 to the Twelve. Why not? The need is the same and prayer is the answer in each case. Prayer for preachers is Christ's method for increasing the supply.

As lambs (ως αρνας). Here again the same language as that in Mt 10:16 except that there "sheep" (προβατα) appears instead of "lambs." Pathetic picture of the risks of missionaries for Christ. They take their life in their hands.

Purse (βαλλαντιον). Old word for money-bag, sometimes a javelin as if from βαλλω. Only in Luke in the N.T. (10:4; 12:33; 22:35ff.). See Lu 9:3; Mr 6:7f.; Matthew 10:9f. for the other similar items.

Salute no man on the way (μηδενα κατα την οδον ασπασησθε). First aorist (ingressive) middle subjunctive with μηδενα. The peril of such wayside salutations was palaver and delay. The King's business required haste. Elisha's servant was not to tarry for salutations or salaams (2 Kings 4:29). These oriental greetings were tedious, complicated, and often meddlesome if others were present or engaged in a bargain.

First say (πρωτον λεγετε). Say first. The adverb πρωτον can be construed with "enter" (εισελθητε), but probably with λεγετε is right. The word spoken is the usual oriental salutation.