Luk 10:1-24 | NET2full | STEP | After this the Lord appointed seventy - two others and sent them on ahead of him two by two into every town and place where he himself was about to go .

‏ Luke 10:1-24

The Mission of the Seventy-Two

1 After this ^{▼▼tn Grk “And after these things.” Here δέ (de) has not been translated.} the Lord appointed seventy-two ^{▼▼tc There is a difficult textual problem here and in v. 17, where the number is either “seventy” (א A C L W Θ Ξ Ψ ƒ1,13 Maj and several church fathers and early versions) or “seventy-two” (P75 B D 0181 lat as well as other versions and fathers). The more difficult reading is “seventy-two,” since scribes would be prone to assimilate this passage to several OT passages that refer to groups of seventy people (Num 11:13-17; Deut 10:22; Judg 8:30; 2 Kgs 10:1 et al.); this reading also has slightly better ms support. “Seventy” could be the preferred reading if scribes drew from the tradition of the number of translators of the LXX, which the Letter of Aristeas puts at seventy-two (TCGNT 127), although this is far less likely. All things considered, “seventy-two” is a much more difficult reading and accounts for the rise of the other. Only Luke notes a second larger mission like the one in 9:1-6.} others and sent them on ahead of him two by two into every town ^{▼▼tn Or “city.”} and place where he himself was about to go. 2 He ^{▼▼tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.} said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore ask the Lord of the harvest ^{▼▼sn The phrase Lord of the harvest recognizes God’s sovereignty over the harvest process.} to send out ^{▼▼tn Grk “to thrust out.”} workers into his harvest. 3 Go! I ^{▼▼tn Grk “Behold I.” The Greek word ἰδού (idou) has not been translated because it has no exact English equivalent here, but adds interest and emphasis (BDAG 468 s.v. 1).} am sending you out like lambs ^{▼▼sn On the imagery of lambs see Isa 40:11, Ezek 34:11-31, and John 10:1-18. For more on sheep imagery see H. Preisker and S. Schulz, TDNT 6:690.} surrounded by wolves. ^{▼▼sn This imagery of wolves is found in intertestamental Judaism (see Pss. Sol. 8:23, 30; also 1 Enoch 89:55). The imagery of lambs surrounded by wolves suggests violence, and may hint at coming persecution of disciples.} 4 Do not carry ^{▼▼sn On the command Do not carry see Luke 9:3. The travel instructions communicate a note of urgency and stand in contrast to philosophical teachers, who often took a bag. There is no ostentation in this ministry.} a money bag, ^{▼▼tn Traditionally, “a purse.”} a traveler’s bag, ^{▼▼tn Or possibly “a beggar’s bag” (L&N 6.145; BDAG 811 s.v. πήρα).} or sandals, and greet no one on the road. ^{▼▼tn Or “no one along the way.”} 5 Whenever ^{▼▼tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.} you enter a house, ^{▼▼tn Grk “Into whatever house you enter.” This acts as a distributive, meaning every house they enter; this is expressed more naturally in English as “whenever you enter a house.”} first say, ‘May peace ^{▼▼sn The statement ‘May peace be on this house!’ is really a benediction, asking for God’s blessing. The requested shalom (peace) is understood as coming from God.} be on this house!’ 6 And if a peace-loving person ^{▼▼tn Grk “a son of peace,” a Hebrew idiom for a person of a certain class or kind, as specified by the following genitive construction (in this case, “of peace”). Such constructions are discussed further in L&N 9.4. Here the expression refers to someone who responds positively to the disciples’ message, like “wisdom’s child” in Luke 7:35.} is there, your peace will remain on him, but if not, it will return to you. ^{▼▼sn The response to these messengers determines how God’s blessing is bestowed—if they are not welcomed with peace, their blessing will return to them. Jesus shows just how important their mission is by this remark.} 7 Stay ^{▼▼tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.} in that same house, eating and drinking what they give you, ^{▼▼tn Grk “eating and drinking the things from them” (an idiom for what the people in the house provide the guests).} for the worker deserves his pay. ^{▼▼sn On the phrase the worker deserves his pay see 1 Tim 5:18 and 1 Cor 9:14.} Do not move around from house to house. 8 Whenever ^{▼▼tn Grk “And whatever town you enter,” but this is more often expressed in English as “whenever you enter a town.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.} you enter a town ^{▼▼tn Or “city.” Jesus now speaks of the town as a whole, as he will in vv. 10-12.} and the people ^{▼▼tn Grk “and they”; the referent (the people who live in the town) has been specified in the translation for clarity.} welcome you, eat what is set before you. 9 Heal ^{▼▼tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style. Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was started here in the translation.} ^{▼▼sn Ministry (heal the sick) is to take place where it is well received (note welcome in the preceding verse).} the sick in that town ^{▼▼tn Grk “in it”; the referent (that town) has been specified in the translation for clarity.} and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God ^{▼▼sn The kingdom of God is a major theme of Jesus’ teaching. The nature of the kingdom of God in the NT and in Jesus’ teaching has long been debated by interpreters and scholars, with discussion primarily centering around the nature of the kingdom (earthly, heavenly, or both) and the kingdom’s arrival (present, future, or both). An additional major issue concerns the relationship between the kingdom of God and the person and work of Jesus himself. See Luke 6:20; 11:20; 17:20-21.} has come upon ^{▼▼tn Or “come near to you,” suggesting the approach (but not arrival) of the kingdom. But the combination of the perfect tense of ἐγγίζω (engizō) with the preposition ἐπί (epi) most likely suggests that the sense is “has come upon” (see BDAG 270 s.v. ἐγγίζω 2; W. R. Hutton, “The Kingdom of God Has Come,” ExpTim 64 [Dec 1952]: 89-91; and D. L. Bock, Luke [BECNT], 2:1000; cf. also NAB “is at hand for you”). These passages argue that a key element of the kingdom is its ability to overcome the power of Satan and those elements in the creation that oppose humanity. Confirmation of this understanding comes in v. 18 and in Luke 11:14-23, especially the parable of vv. 21-23.} you!’ 10 But whenever ^{▼▼tn Grk “whatever town you enter,” but this is more often expressed in English as “whenever you enter a town.”} you enter a town ^{▼▼tn Or “city.”} and the people ^{▼▼tn Grk “and they”; the referent (the people who live in the town) has been specified in the translation for clarity.} do not welcome ^{▼▼sn More discussion takes place concerning rejection (the people do not welcome you), as these verses lead into the condemnation of certain towns for their rejection of God’s kingdom.} you, go into its streets ^{▼▼tn The term πλατεῖα (plateia) refers to the “broad street,” so this refers to the main roads of the town.} and say, 11 ‘Even the dust of your town ^{▼▼tn Or “city.”} that clings to our feet we wipe off ^{▼▼sn See Luke 9:5, where the verb is different but the meaning is the same. This was a sign of rejection.} against you. ^{▼▼tn Here ὑμῖν (humin) has been translated as a dative of disadvantage.} Nevertheless know this: The kingdom of God has come.’ ^{▼▼tn Or “has come near.” As in v. 9 (see above), the combination of ἐγγίζω (engizō) with the preposition ἐπί (epi) is decisive in showing that the sense is “has come” (see BDAG 270 s.v. ἐγγίζω 2, and W. R. Hutton, “The Kingdom of God Has Come,” ExpTim 64 [Dec 1952]: 89-91).} 12 I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom ^{▼▼tn The noun “Sodom” is in emphatic position in the Greek text.} ^{▼▼sn Sodom (and Gomorrah) were widely regarded as the most wicked of OT cities from the actions described in Gen 19:1-29; even in OT times their wickedness had become proverbial (Isa 1:9-10). The allusion to God’s judgment on these cities is not intended to indicate that they might be shown mercy on the day of judgment, but to warn that rejecting the messengers with their current message about the coming kingdom is even more serious than the worst sins of Sodom and Gomorrah and will result in even more severe punishment.} than for that town! ^{▼▼tn Or “city.”}

13 “Woe to you, Chorazin! ^{▼▼sn Chorazin was a town of Galilee that was probably fairly small in contrast to Bethsaida and is otherwise unattested. Bethsaida was more significant; it was declared a polis (“city”) by the tetrarch Herod Philip, sometime after a.d. 30.} Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if ^{▼▼tn This introduces a second class (contrary to fact) condition in the Greek text.} the miracles ^{▼▼tn Or “powerful deeds.”} done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, ^{▼▼sn Tyre and Sidon are two other notorious OT cities (Isa 23; Jer 25:22; 47:4). The remark is a severe rebuke, in effect: “Even the hardened sinners of the old era would have responded to the proclamation of the kingdom and repented, unlike you!”} they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. ^{▼▼sn To clothe oneself in sackcloth and ashes was a public sign of mourning or lament, in this case for past behavior and associated with repentance.} 14 But it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon ^{▼▼sn Jesus’ general point is that in the day of judgment the Gentile cities will come off better than the cities of Galilee. This is not to indicate toleration for the sins of the Gentile cities, but to show how badly the judgment will go for the Galilean ones. In the OT prophetic oracles were pronounced repeatedly against Tyre and Sidon: Isa 23:1-18; Ezek 26:1-28:26; Joel 4:4; Zech 9:2-4.} in the judgment than for you! 15 And you, Capernaum, ^{▼▼sn Capernaum was a town located on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee, 680 ft (204 m) below sea level. It existed since Hasmonean times and was a major trade and economic center in the North Galilean region. The population in the first century is estimated to be around 1,500. Capernaum became the hub of operations for Jesus’ Galilean ministry (Matt 4:13; Mark 2:1). In modern times the site was discovered in 1838 by the American explorer E. Robinson, and major excavations began in 1905 by German archaeologists H. Kohl and C. Watzinger. Not until 1968, however, were remains from the time of Jesus visible; in that year V. Corbo and S. Loffreda began a series of annual archaeological campaigns that lasted until 1985. This work uncovered what is thought to be the house of Simon Peter as well as ruins of the first century synagogue beneath the later synagogue from the fourth or fifth century A.D. Today gently rolling hills and date palms frame the first century site, a favorite tourist destination of visitors to the Galilee.} will you be exalted to heaven? ^{▼▼tn The interrogative particle introducing this question expects a negative reply.} No, you will be thrown down to Hades! ^{▼▼sn In the OT, Hades was known as Sheol. It is the place where the unrighteous will reside (Matt 11:23; Luke 16:23; Rev 20:13-14).}

16 “The one who listens ^{▼▼tn Grk “hears you,” but as the context of vv. 8-9 makes clear, it is response that is the point. In contemporary English, “listen to” is one way to express this function (L&N 31.56).} to you listens to me, ^{▼▼sn Jesus linked himself to the disciples’ message: Responding to the disciples (listens to you) counts as responding to him.} and the one who rejects you rejects me, and the one who rejects me rejects ^{▼▼tn The double mention of rejection in this clause—ἀθετῶν ἀθετεῖ (athetōn athetei) in the Greek text—keeps up the emphasis of the section.} the one who sent me.” ^{▼▼sn The one who sent me refers to God.}

17 Then ^{▼▼tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.} the seventy-two ^{▼▼tc See the tc note on the number “seventy-two” in Luke 10:1.} returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons submit to ^{▼▼tn Or “the demons obey”; see L&N 36.18.} us in your name!” ^{▼▼tn The prepositional phrase “in your name” indicates the sphere of authority for the messengers’ work of exorcism.} 18 So ^{▼▼tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “so” to indicate that Jesus’ reply in vv. 18-20 follows from the positive report of the messengers in v. 17.} he said to them, “I saw ^{▼▼tn This is an imperfect tense verb.} Satan fall ^{▼▼tn In Greek, this is a participle and comes at the end of the verse, making it somewhat emphatic.} like lightning ^{▼▼tn This is probably best taken as allusion to Isa 14:12; the phrase in common is ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ (ek tou ouranou). These exorcisms in Jesus’ name are a picture of Satan’s greater defeat at Jesus’ hands (D. L. Bock, Luke [BECNT], 2:1006-7).} from heaven. 19 Look, I have given you authority to tread ^{▼▼tn Or perhaps, “trample on” (which emphasizes the impact of the feet on the snakes). See L&N 15.226.} on snakes and scorpions ^{▼▼sn Snakes and scorpions are examples of the hostility in the creation that is defeated by Jesus. The use of battle imagery shows who the kingdom fights against. See Acts 28:3-6.} and on the full force of the enemy, ^{▼▼tn Or “I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and [authority] over the full force of the enemy.” The second prepositional phrase can be taken either as modifying the infinitive πατεῖν (patein, “to tread”) or the noun ἐξουσίαν (exousian, “power”). The former is to be preferred and has been represented in the translation.} ^{▼▼sn The enemy is a reference to Satan (mentioned in v. 18).} and nothing will ^{▼▼tn This is an emphatic double negative in the Greek text.} hurt you. 20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice that ^{▼▼tn Grk “do not rejoice in this, that.” This is awkward in contemporary English and has been simplified to “do not rejoice that.”} the spirits submit to you, but rejoice ^{▼▼tn The verb here is a present imperative, so the call is to an attitude of rejoicing.} that your names stand written ^{▼▼tn The verb here, a perfect tense, stresses a present reality of that which was a completed action, that is, their names were etched in the heavenly stone, as it were.} in heaven.”

21 On that same occasion ^{▼▼tn Grk “In that same hour” (L&N 67.1).} Jesus ^{▼▼tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.} rejoiced ^{▼▼sn Jesus rejoiced. The account of the mission in 10:1-24 ends with several remarks about joy.} in the Holy Spirit and said, “I praise ^{▼▼tn Or “thank.”} you, Father, Lord ^{▼▼sn The title Lord is an important name for God, showing his sovereignty, but it is interesting that it comes next to a reference to the Father, a term indicative of God’s care. The two concepts are often related in the NT; see Eph 1:3-6.} of heaven and earth, because ^{▼▼tn Or “that.”} you have hidden these things from the wise ^{▼▼sn See 1 Cor 1:26-31, where Paul states that not many of the wise, powerful, or privileged had responded to the gospel.} and intelligent and revealed them to little children. ^{▼▼tn Or “to the childlike,” or “the innocent” (BDAG 671 s.v. νήπιος 1.b.β).} Yes, Father, for this was your gracious will. ^{▼▼tn Grk “for (to do) thus was well pleasing before you,” BDAG 325 s.v. ἔμπροσθεν 1.b.δ states: “as a reverential way of expressing oneself, when one is speaking of an eminent pers., and esp. of God, not to connect the subject directly w. what happens, but to say that it took place ‘before someone.’”} 22 All things have been given to me by my Father. ^{▼▼sn This verse, frequently referred to as the “bolt from the Johannine blue,” has been noted for its conceptual similarity to statements in John’s Gospel (10:15; 17:2). The authority of the Son and the Father are totally intertwined. The statement here also occurs in Matt 11:27, and serves as a warning against drawing a simplistic dichotomy between Jesus’ teaching in the synoptic gospels and Jesus’ teaching in the Gospel of John.} No one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son decides ^{▼▼tn Or “wishes”; or “intends”; or “plans” (cf. BDAG 182 s.v. βούλομαι 2.b). Here it is the Son who has sovereignty.} to reveal him.”

23 Then ^{▼▼tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.} Jesus ^{▼▼tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.} turned ^{▼▼tn Grk “turning to the disciples, he said.” The participle στραφείς (strapheis) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.} to his ^{▼▼tn Grk “the”; in context the article is used as a possessive pronoun (ExSyn 215).} disciples and said privately, “Blessed ^{▼▼sn This beatitude highlights the great honor bestowed on the disciples to share in this salvation, as v. 20 also noted. See also Luke 2:30.} are the eyes that see what you see! 24 For I tell you that many prophets and kings longed to see ^{▼▼sn This is what past prophets and kings had wanted very much to see, yet the fulfillment had come to the disciples. This remark is like 1 Pet 1:10-12 or Heb 1:1-2.} what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”