Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 10
Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary
Luke 10
Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary
Luke 10
"Now after these things the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself was about to come." — Luke 10:1 (ASV)
The title “Lord” (GK 3261) emphasized the serious dominical aspect of the instructions—namely, that they came from the Lord Jesus himself. Not only does the commissioning of the seventy-two lack any restriction to Jewish hearers , but the number of missionaries sent out parallels the number of nations thought to exist in the world (see Ge 10, LXX) and so suggests the deliberate inclusion of Gentiles.
Sending messengers “two by two” was common among the early Christians and the Jews (see comment on Mk 6:7). The seventy-two were to go everywhere Jesus was going. The extent of this mission underscores the mission of the church: to reach the plentiful harvest. It may also look toward the conclusion of the church’s mission at Jesus’ return (cf. Matthew 10:23).
"And he said unto them, The harvest indeed is plenteous, but the laborers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he send forth laborers into his harvest." — Luke 10:2 (ASV)
Although the harvest imagery in Scripture usually refers to God’s intervention in history through gathering his people together (cf. Matthew 13:37–43), here it applies to the urgent missionary task of the present age (cf. Matthew 9:37–38). The imperative “go” anticipates the difficulties of the journey. Wolves are natural enemies of sheep. The disciples are like “lambs”—defenseless and dependent on God alone.
"Go your ways; behold, I send you forth as lambs in the midst of wolves." — Luke 10:3 (ASV)
Although the harvest imagery in Scripture usually refers to God’s intervention in history through gathering his people together (cf. Matthew 13:37–43), here it applies to the urgent missionary task of the present age (cf. Matthew 9:37–38). The imperative “go” anticipates the difficulties of the journey. Wolves are natural enemies of sheep. The disciples are like “lambs”—defenseless and dependent on God alone.
"Carry no purse, no wallet, no shoes; and salute no man on the way." — Luke 10:4 (ASV)
The limitations on what the seventy-two may take with them increase their vulnerability . They must also be single-minded, even to the extent of not becoming involved in time-consuming greetings (cf. 2 Kings 4:29).
"And into whatsoever house ye shall enter, first say, Peace [be] to this house." — Luke 10:5 (ASV)
Greetings are to be reserved for the hosts of the seventy-two. “Peace” (GK 1645), so familiar in Jewish salutations, has a rich connotation here. If the host has a proper attitude toward God, he will receive the blessings of the kingdom (v.9). But this promised peace would leave those hosts who were not receptive to the kingdom’s message.
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