Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Mark 6:10

"And he said unto them, Wheresoever ye enter into a house, there abide till ye depart thence." — Mark 6:10 (ASV)

Jesus wanted to protect the good reputation of the disciples. Whenever they accepted the hospitality of a home, they were to stay there until they left that town, even if more comfortable or attractive lodgings were offered them. Jesus also knew that the mission of the Twelve would not always be accepted. So he instructed them how to act in such circumstances. By shaking dust off their feet (a Jewish custom as one entered Jewish territory), they would declare the place to be heathen and would make it clear that those who rejected the message must now answer for themselves. The disciples’ message, like that of Jesus, brings judgment as well as salvation. This always happens when the Gospel is preached.