Luke 10:4 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road.

NIV: Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.

NASB: Carry no money belt, no bag, no sandals, and greet no one along the way.

CSB: Don’t carry a money-bag, traveling bag, or sandals; don’t greet anyone along the road.

NLT: Don’t take any money with you, nor a traveler’s bag, nor an extra pair of sandals. And don’t stop to greet anyone on the road.

KJV: Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.

NKJV: Carry neither money bag, knapsack, nor sandals; and greet no one along the road.

Jesus is sending out seventy-two disciples—not including the Twelve (Matthew 10:2–4)—to prepare towns for His arrival. They will heal, cast out demons, and announce that the kingdom of God is coming (Luke 10:1–3, 9, 17). Earlier, when Jesus sent out the Twelve, He told them, "Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics" (Luke 9:3). The instructions for the seventy-two are basically the same: take only the clothes they're wearing and leave behind everything else they may need.

Their lack of moneybag differentiates them from the traveling teachers and magicians who expect to be paid for their services. These men also take knapsacks to hold supplies as they travel from town to town. "No sandals" may mean the disciples are to go barefoot, but likely means they are not to take a backup pair; like the children of Israel who traveled through the wilderness for forty years, they need to trust that God will ensure their clothes will not wear out (Deuteronomy 29:5).

In fact, their entire mission is to be characterized by a dependence on God, starting with the prayer that God will send more messengers (Luke 10:2). The protection and provision of God gives a visible example of God's coming kingdom.

The command to not greet anyone on the road is not unique. An Old Testament prophet was told not to stop along the way; when he did, he was killed by a lion (1 Kings 13:11–25). God often has specific plans for His followers. In this case, Jesus wants the towns prepared; stopping to talk to other travelers takes time away from the mission (Luke 9:59–62). We need to be mindful when we're being called away from the work Jesus is calling us to do.

During the Last Supper, Jesus will update the instructions. When they travel after His ascension, they are to take money, a bag—perhaps with extra tunics and shoes—and a sword (Luke 22:36). The time of training will be over and they will need to trust in God for far much more than meals and shoes.

Luke 10:1–7 comes after Jesus sent out the Twelve apostles to heal, expel demons, and preach that the kingdom of God is near (Luke 9:1–6). Now, He commissions a larger number of disciples to prepare towns for His arrival. The instructions for the seventy-two are more detailed than for the Twelve (Luke 9:3–5). Jesus follows these instructions with a warning. The disciples will be rejected (Luke 10:10–12), implying judgment on those who do not listen (Luke 10:13–16). The disciples report back (Luke 10:17–20) and receive Jesus' blessing (Luke 10:21–24). Luke is the only Gospel writer who includes this story.

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.