Luke 10:10 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say,

NIV: But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say,

NASB: But whatever city you enter and they do not receive you, go out into its streets and say,

CSB: When you enter any town, and they don’t welcome you, go out into its streets and say,

NLT: But if a town refuses to welcome you, go out into its streets and say,

KJV: But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say,

NKJV: But whatever city you enter, and they do not receive you, go out into its streets and say,

Jesus is commissioning seventy-two of His disciples to enter villages and prepare the people for His coming. To validate their claims, Jesus has given them the authority to heal, cast out demons, and preach that the kingdom of God is near (Luke 10:9, 17). If the villagers reject their message, the disciples are to publicly reject the villagers. This is done by wiping the dust from their feet and warning them that God's kingdom will come with judgment (Luke 10:11).

To reject the messengers is to reject Jesus (Luke 10:16). In the eyes of that culture, townspeople would have reasons to reject Jesus. He eats with people their culture deems immoral and traitorous (Luke 5:27–32). He befriends women who are unclean and known to be sinners (Luke 7:36–50; 8:43–48). He does not follow the strict Sabbath laws established by lawyers and enforced by Pharisees (Luke 6:1–11). Even the half-Jewish Samaritans have reason to be offended: Jesus refuses to validate their modified worship of God in their territory; He insists God chose Jerusalem for His center of faith (2 Chronicles 6:6; Luke 9:51–56). The people may want a kingdom that includes healing and freedom from demons, but not all are willing to sacrifice their cultures, traditions, or family (Luke 9:57–62; Matthew 10:34–37).

Jesus instructed the Twelve to do the same thing before their mission (Luke 9:5). James and John had a problem with Jesus' mild response. When a Samaritan town refused to host Jesus, they offered to call down fire from heaven. Jesus rebuked them and led them to another village (Luke 9:51–56). They didn't understand the seriousness of the judgment those cities would face by rejecting Jesus.

"Go into its streets" doesn't mean the disciples have to walk around the entire town. "Street" is from the Greek for a wide road. The disciples need to go to a well-traveled, public area so as many people as possible can hear.

Luke 10:8–12 records Jesus' instructions to seventy-two of His followers as they prepare towns for His coming. He has explained they are to stay in the homes of those who respond in peace (Luke 10:5–7). Now, He explains how a town's reception will determine their experience of the coming of the kingdom of God. If they accept the message, they will see the healing power of the kingdom (Luke 10:8–9). If they reject the message, they will be warned of coming judgment (Luke 10:10–12). Next, Jesus mourns that Jewish cities will be more likely to reject His message than Gentile cities (Luke 10:13–16).

Jesus commissions seventy-two of His followers for a unique mission. They are sent into towns and villages, preparing people for Jesus' ministry. Those who accept the message will be blessed; those who reject it will be left behind. The disciples return celebrating what they have seen and accomplished. Jesus reminds them that salvation is the real victory. The parable of the good Samaritan explains that the obligation to love extends to anyone and everyone. A visit to the home of Martha and Mary offers a contrast between good things and the best things.

Luke 10 provides the bulk of the first section of what some refer to as Jesus' travelogue (Luke 9:51—19:27). In this extended description of travels and events, Jesus draws away from public ministry and theological debates. His focus is preparing His disciples for what will happen in Jerusalem, by teaching them about the kingdom of God. In Luke 9:51—11:13, the disciples gradually learn how to properly follow Jesus. Next, the Pharisees will reject Jesus (Luke 11:14–54) and Jesus will teach more about the kingdom (Luke 12:1—19:27). After the travelogue, Jesus will enter Jerusalem and face crucifixion.

Luke was a traveling companion of Paul (Acts 16:10) and a physician (Colossians 4:14). Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke writes his gospel as an historian, rather than as a first-hand eyewitness. His extensive writings also include the book of Acts (Acts 1:1–3). These are deliberately organized, carefully researched accounts of those events. The gospel of Luke focuses on the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Luke's Gentile perspective presents Christ as a Savior for all people, offering both forgiveness and direction to those who follow Him.