Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Mark 6:11

"And whatsoever place shall not receive you, and they hear you not, as ye go forth thence, shake off the dust that is under your feet for a testimony unto them." — Mark 6:11 (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.