Luke 10:7 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house.

NIV: Stay there, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house.

NASB: Stay in that house, eating and drinking what they provide; for the laborer is deserving of his wages. Do not move from house to house.

CSB: Remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they offer, for the worker is worthy of his wages. Don’t move from house to house.

NLT: Don’t move around from home to home. Stay in one place, eating and drinking what they provide. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve their pay.

KJV: And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.

NKJV: And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house.

Jesus is explaining to a large group of disciples how their work proclaiming the kingdom qualifies them to receive food and housing from those with whom they share the message, but little else.

Jewish magicians preyed on Gentiles tired of demanding Greco-Roman gods and longing for meaningful spirituality. The Greeks and Romans were intrigued by the idea of a single invisible God. Financially opportunistic scoundrels took advantage. Similarly, "physicians" made their patients undergo ridiculous, humiliating, and useless practices while draining all their funds (Mark 5:25–26).

Jesus, however, ministers as if He is a hired laborer. He expects His disciples to do the same. The hired laborer was paid the day he or she worked (Leviticus 19:13; Deuteronomy 24:14–15). In this case, the payment is merely housing and food. The seventy-two are not to seek better accommodations or food. Even though their message and ability to heal are authentic, effective, and powerful, they are there to serve, not be served.

Paul will go further. In Corinth, he will work as a tentmaker (Acts 18:1–4) and rely on support from other churches (2 Corinthians 11:8) rather than distract the Corinthians from the gospel message (1 Corinthians 9:6–14). He will later tell Timothy that church elders who preach and teach deserve financial support (1 Timothy 5:17–18).

There are many today who have a hard time accepting this teaching. They think that since salvation is a free gift of God, human teachers and pastors should also provide their services for free. They believe Bibles and theology books should cost nothing, and Bible schools and seminaries should not charge. Such a belief is not only irrational, but also unbiblical. Paul charges the Corinthians, "If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?" (1 Corinthians 9:11). Teachers, pastors, and writers who study hard and present biblical truths to growing believers still must pay for food, housing, transportation, and all the other expenses of life. Even resources offered for "free" to users, such as this site, must be paid for somehow. Like most ministries, this is dependent on gracious donors.

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.