Mat 10:14-15 | TNotes | STEP | 10:14 shake its dust from your feet: This prophet-like gesture is explained by the Israelite custom of expressing displeasure with ungodliness by shaking off Gentile dust whenever crossing the border into Israel. The gesture signifies the disciples’ rejection of those who oppose God’s work (see Acts 18:6 ). Pronouncing judgment on those who reject the message is part of proclaiming the Good News about the Kingdom (see Matt 11:20-24 ; 13:10-15 ; 23:37-39 ; 24:1-36 ).

a10:14►

bActs 18:6►

cMatt 11:20-24►

d13:10-15►

e23:37-39►

f24:1-36►

g10:15►

hGen 18:16–19:29►

iActs 13:45-47►

j50-51►

k14:1-7►

lGen 19:1-29►

m2 Pet 2:6-9►

‏ Matthew 10:14-15

10:14 ^a shake its dust from your feet: This prophet-like gesture is explained by the Israelite custom of expressing displeasure with ungodliness by shaking off Gentile dust whenever crossing the border into Israel. The gesture signifies the disciples’ rejection of those who oppose God’s work (see Acts 18:6 ^b). Pronouncing judgment on those who reject the message is part of proclaiming the Good News about the Kingdom (see Matt 11:20-24 ^c; 13:10-15 ^d; 23:37-39 ^e; 24:1-36 ^f).
10:15 ^g God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah for their wickedness (Gen 18:16–19:29 ^h). Now, with a more complete revelation in Jesus Christ, a town that rejected the disciples’ preaching would receive a more complete judgment.

• such a town: An entire village or city is culpable when a significant majority rejects the message (see Acts 13:45-47 ⁱ, 50-51 ^j; 14:1-7 ^k). However, individuals who respond in faith are saved (e.g., Lot; see Gen 19:1-29 ^l; 2 Pet 2:6-9 ^m).