Luke 10:1 marks a significant expansion of Jesus' ministry. Let's break down what the verse means:
"Now after these things...": This connects this event to the preceding events in Luke's Gospel. Jesus has already been actively teaching, performing miracles, and gathering disciples. This phrase signals a new, related phase.
"...the Lord also appointed seventy others...": This is the core action. Jesus, here referred to as "the Lord," chooses and designates seventy (some manuscripts say seventy-two) individuals. This is in addition to the twelve apostles he had already chosen (Luke 6:13). The exact number isn't the main point, but rather the symbolism. Some suggest a parallel to the seventy nations listed in Genesis 10, implying a mission to all peoples. This broader group represents a further extension of Jesus' influence.
"...and sent them two by two...": Jesus dispatches these seventy individuals. The phrase "two by two" is important. This wasn't a solo mission; they were sent in pairs. This has several potential reasons:
Witness: Having two witnesses confirms the truth of their message, aligning with Jewish legal tradition.
Mutual Support: Partners could encourage, help, and protect each other, especially in potentially hostile environments.
Efficiency: Working together can allow for more effective outreach.
"...ahead of him into every city and place, where he was about to come.": This clarifies the purpose of their mission. They were forerunners, preparing the way for Jesus' arrival. Their task was to go into cities and villages where Jesus himself planned to visit. By going ahead, they would:
Prepare the people: Inform them about Jesus' imminent arrival and spread his message.
Create a welcoming atmosphere: Lessen opposition and foster receptivity to Jesus' teaching.
Begin the work of healing and deliverance: As we will see in the subsequent verses, they were given the power to heal the sick and cast out demons, further paving the way for Jesus' ministry.
In summary, Luke 10:1 describes Jesus expanding his ministry by sending seventy disciples in pairs to prepare the way for his arrival in the towns and villages he planned to visit. This demonstrates the strategic nature of Jesus' ministry and his commitment to reaching as many people as possible. The verse also highlights the importance of partnership and the power of a collective effort in spreading the Gospel.
Luke 10:1 marks a significant expansion of Jesus' ministry. Let's break down what the verse means:
"Now after these things...": This connects this event to the preceding events in Luke's Gospel. Jesus has already been actively teaching, performing miracles, and gathering disciples. This phrase signals a new, related phase.
"...the Lord also appointed seventy others...": This is the core action. Jesus, here referred to as "the Lord," chooses and designates seventy (some manuscripts say seventy-two) individuals. This is in addition to the twelve apostles he had already chosen (Luke 6:13). The exact number isn't the main point, but rather the symbolism. Some suggest a parallel to the seventy nations listed in Genesis 10, implying a mission to all peoples. This broader group represents a further extension of Jesus' influence.
"...and sent them two by two...": Jesus dispatches these seventy individuals. The phrase "two by two" is important. This wasn't a solo mission; they were sent in pairs. This has several potential reasons:
Witness: Having two witnesses confirms the truth of their message, aligning with Jewish legal tradition.
Mutual Support: Partners could encourage, help, and protect each other, especially in potentially hostile environments.
Efficiency: Working together can allow for more effective outreach.
"...ahead of him into every city and place, where he was about to come.": This clarifies the purpose of their mission. They were forerunners, preparing the way for Jesus' arrival. Their task was to go into cities and villages where Jesus himself planned to visit. By going ahead, they would:
Prepare the people: Inform them about Jesus' imminent arrival and spread his message.
Create a welcoming atmosphere: Lessen opposition and foster receptivity to Jesus' teaching.
Begin the work of healing and deliverance: As we will see in the subsequent verses, they were given the power to heal the sick and cast out demons, further paving the way for Jesus' ministry.
In summary, Luke 10:1 describes Jesus expanding his ministry by sending seventy disciples in pairs to prepare the way for his arrival in the towns and villages he planned to visit. This demonstrates the strategic nature of Jesus' ministry and his commitment to reaching as many people as possible. The verse also highlights the importance of partnership and the power of a collective effort in spreading the Gospel.