John Gill Commentary Luke 10:38

"Now as they went on their way, he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house." — Luke 10:38 (ASV)

Now it came to pass as they went
As Christ and his disciples went from Jerusalem, having been at the feast of tabernacles, (John 7:2John 7:10) or at the feast of dedication, (John 10:22) to some other parts of Judea:

that he entered into a certain village ;
called Bethany, which was about fifteen furlongs, or two miles from Jerusalem, (John 11:1John 11:18)

and a certain woman named Martha .
This is a common name with the Jews; hence we read of Samuel bar Martha ^F25 , and of Abba bar Martha ^F26 , and of Isaac bar Martha ^F1 ; and of Martha, the daughter of Baithus ^F2 , who is said to be a rich widow; and this Martha here, is thought by Grotins to be a widow also, with whom her brother Lazarus, and sister Mary lived: though sometimes, this name was given to men; so we read of Martha, ^F3 the uncle of Rab, who had five brethren; and the same writer observes ^F4 , that it is not known whether Martha is, a man or a woman, but this is determined here:

received him into her house ;
in a very kind and courteous manner, she being mistress of it; and having known Christ before, or at least had heard much of him, and believed in him, as the true Messiah.

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FOOTNOTES:

• F25: T. Bab. Beracot, fol. 13. 2. & 25. 2. & Pesachim, fol. 106. 2. Yoma, fol. 19. 2. Juchuin, fol. 76. 2.
• F26: T. Bab. Sabbat, fol. 121. 2. Juchasin, fol. 72. 2.
• F1: T. Bab. Pesachim, fol. 33. 2. Juchasin, fol. 91. 1.
• F2: Misn. Yebamot, c. 6. sect. 4. T. Bob. Yoma, fol. 18. 1. Succa, fol. 52. 2. Cetubot, fol. 104. 1. Gittin, fol. 56. 1. Juchasin, fol. 57. 1.
• F3: Juchasin, fol. 99. 1.
• F4: lb. fol. 105. 1.