Luke 10:8 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you.

NIV: "When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you.

NASB: Whatever city you enter and they receive you, eat what is served to you;

CSB: When you enter any town, and they welcome you, eat the things set before you.

NLT: If you enter a town and it welcomes you, eat whatever is set before you.

KJV: And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:

NKJV: Whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you.

Seventy-two followers of Jesus receive these instructions as they prepare to travel. Jesus sends them to towns and villages, healing, casting out demons, and preaching that the kingdom of God is near. God will provide for their needs. When they enter a city, they are to find a family open to their message and stay until they leave that city. That family will provide them food (Luke 10:1–7).

The meaning of "eat what is set before you" is not exactly clear. It may mean that they should eat even if the food blatantly does not comply with the regulations on clean food, what we would call kosher (Leviticus 11). This probably isn't the case since Jesus won't lift the kosher law until Acts 10:9–16. More likely, it means that the disciples shouldn't worry if the food does not fit the standards given by the extra-biblical writings that the Pharisees enforce. Additionally, the disciples must accept whatever humble meal they are given and not try to win invitations to different homes with better food, as traveling teachers and magicians might.

In addition, Jesus may be speaking about the company at the meal. He dined with tax-collectors and sinners, and presumably Samaritans. His disciples should, too, but it will take them a long time before they feel comfortable about it (Galatians 2:11–14).

Luke 10:8–9 has the same pattern as verses 10–11: the disciples enter a town, determine the town's reception, and respond accordingly, then God determines His response: blessing or judgment.

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.