Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 10:11

"And into whatsoever city or village ye shall enter, search out who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go forth." — Matthew 10:11 (ASV)

Inquire who in it is worthy.—The command was a plain, practical rule. The customs of Eastern hospitality would open many houses to the preachers that would offer no opportunities for their work or even give them a bad reputation. From these they were to turn away and seek out someone who, though poor, had a good reputation and was willing to receive them as messengers of the good news.

Stay there.—The purpose of this rule was twofold:

1. To guard against fickleness, which is an evil in itself.
2. To guard against the tendency to move from one house to another based on the advantages offered to them as guests.