Luke 10:1

KJV

¶ After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.

KJV (with Strong's)

{G1161} After {G3326} these things {G5023} the Lord {G2962} appointed {G322} other {G2087} seventy {G1440} also {G2532}, and {G2532} sent {G649} them {G846} two {G303} and two {G1417} before {G4253} his {G846} face {G4383} into {G1519} every {G3956} city {G4172} and {G2532} place {G5117}, whither {G3757}{G3739} he himself {G846} would {G3195} come {G2064}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After this, the Lord appointed seventy other talmidim and sent them on ahead in pairs to every town and place where he himself was about to go.

Berean Standard Bible

After this, the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of Him to every town and place He was about to visit.

American Standard Version

Now after these things the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself was about to come.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 10:1 marks a pivotal expansion of Jesus' earthly ministry, detailing the Lord's deliberate appointment and commissioning of a larger group of seventy (or seventy-two, depending on manuscript tradition) disciples. These individuals were strategically dispatched in pairs to precede Jesus into every town and locality He intended to visit, thereby preparing the way for His direct arrival and the proclamation of the Kingdom of God. This act underscores the urgency and breadth of Jesus' mission, laying the groundwork for the widespread dissemination of the Gospel message.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a significant section in Luke's Gospel (Luke 9:51-62) that emphasizes the resolute nature of Jesus' journey towards Jerusalem and the demanding cost of discipleship. Having previously commissioned the twelve apostles with authority over demons and diseases in [Luke 9:1-6](/luke/9-1-6 "Luke 9:1-6 - Commissioning of the Twelve"), this new commissioning of the seventy signifies a substantial expansion of the evangelistic effort. It transitions from a focus on the inner circle to a broader, more extensive outreach, indicating the growing momentum of Jesus' ministry as He moves through Perea and Judea on His final journey to the capital. The narrative flow highlights Jesus' strategic preparation for His own arrival in various locations, underscoring the urgency of the Kingdom message.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of sending messengers ahead to prepare for the arrival of an important person was common in the ancient world. Dignitaries, kings, or even traveling teachers would send representatives to arrange lodging, announce their coming, and prepare the populace. The number "seventy" (or "seventy-two" in some ancient manuscripts like Papyrus Bodmer XIV-XV and Codex Bezae) holds significant symbolic weight within Jewish tradition. It is often associated with the seventy nations listed in [Genesis 10](/genesis/10 "Genesis 10 - The Table of Nations"), representing the entirety of humanity, or with the seventy elders appointed by Moses to assist him in governing Israel ([Numbers 11:16-17](/numbers/11-16-17 "Numbers 11:16-17 - Appointment of the Seventy Elders")). This numerical symbolism suggests a universal scope for Jesus' mission, hinting at the future inclusion of Gentiles in the Kingdom of God, a theme that resonates throughout Luke-Acts.

* **Key Themes:** Luke 10:1 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Luke's Gospel. Firstly, it emphasizes the **Expanded Mission** of Jesus, demonstrating that the proclamation of the Kingdom was not confined to a select few but was intended for widespread dissemination, foreshadowing the global mission after Christ's resurrection ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission")). Secondly, it highlights **Divine Appointment and Commissioning**, as Jesus, the "Lord," actively "appointed" these individuals, signifying that their ministry was not self-initiated but divinely sanctioned and authorized. This underscores the authority and legitimacy behind their evangelistic efforts. Thirdly, the instruction to send them "two and two" emphasizes **Partnership in Ministry** and mutual support, aligning with the biblical principle of testimony requiring multiple witnesses ([Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15 - The Law of Two Witnesses")). Finally, their role was explicitly to **Prepare the Way** for Jesus' imminent arrival, echoing the ministry of [John the Baptist](/luke/3-4 "Luke 3:4 - John the Baptist Prepares the Way") who prepared the way for the Lord's first advent.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** This term (G2962) signifies supreme authority and mastery. In the context of Luke 10:1, applying "Lord" to Jesus emphasizes His divine sovereignty and the authoritative nature of His commissioning of the seventy. It underscores that this mission is not merely a human endeavor but an initiative rooted in divine power and purpose.
* **sent (Greek, _apostéllō'_):** The verb (G649) means "to send out (properly, on a mission)." This word is the root of "apostle" and implies a formal, authoritative dispatch with a specific purpose. Jesus "sends" these disciples with a clear mandate, imbuing them with His authority to represent Him and carry out His work, signifying a delegation of divine responsibility.
* **seventy (Greek, _hebdomḗkonta'_):** This numeral (G1440) directly refers to the specific number of disciples commissioned. As discussed in the context, this number carries significant symbolic weight, often linked to the seventy nations of the world in Genesis 10 or the seventy elders of Israel. Its use here suggests a mission that transcends ethnic boundaries, pointing towards the universal scope of the Gospel message that would eventually reach all nations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ After these things":** This phrase serves as a transitional marker, linking the current event to the preceding narratives in Luke's Gospel, particularly the discussions on the cost of discipleship and Jesus' determined journey toward Jerusalem. It signals a new phase or development in Jesus' ministry following the events of Luke 9.
* **"the Lord appointed other seventy also":** This clause highlights Jesus' divine initiative and authority. The term "Lord" (Kýrios) emphasizes His sovereign power in selecting and designating this new, larger group of disciples, distinct from the twelve apostles. The number "seventy" (or seventy-two) signifies a significant expansion of the missionary force, indicating a broader reach for the Kingdom message.
* **"and sent them two and two before his face":** This describes the method and purpose of their dispatch. Sending them "two and two" provided mutual support, accountability, and fulfilled the legal requirement for multiple witnesses. "Before his face" (literally "before his presence") clarifies their preparatory role: they were to precede Jesus, acting as His advance party.
* **"into every city and place, whither he himself would come":** This specifies the scope and objective of their mission. They were to go into every locality Jesus intended to visit, preparing the way for His direct arrival. This was not a general evangelistic tour but a targeted mission to ready the hearts and logistical circumstances for the Lord's personal appearance and teaching.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 10:1 effectively employs several literary devices. The **Symbolism** of the number "seventy" (or "seventy-two") is prominent, subtly hinting at the universal scope of the Gospel beyond Israel, connecting to the seventy nations in Genesis 10. The phrase "before his face" acts as a form of **Metonymy**, where "face" represents the presence or person of Jesus, emphasizing their role as His direct precursors. The entire event serves as **Foreshadowing**, pointing forward to the Great Commission where the disciples would be sent out to all nations after Jesus' resurrection ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). The **Repetition** of the sending motif (first the twelve, now the seventy) underscores the urgency and expanding nature of Jesus' Kingdom work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 10:1 profoundly illustrates the expansive and strategic nature of God's redemptive plan. The commissioning of the seventy signifies that the mission of the Kingdom of God is not limited to a select few, but is a widespread endeavor requiring numerous laborers. It underscores the divine initiative in evangelism, as Jesus, the Lord, actively appoints and sends His workers. This passage emphasizes the importance of partnership in ministry, the necessity of preparing hearts for the reception of the Gospel, and the ultimate authority of Christ over His mission. It serves as a foundational text for understanding the church's ongoing call to global evangelism, echoing the truth that the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.

* [Matthew 9:37-38](/matthew/9-37-38 "Matthew 9:37-38 - The Harvest is Plentiful")
* [Romans 10:14-15](/romans/10-14-15 "Romans 10:14-15 - How Shall They Hear Without a Preacher?")
* [Acts 13:2-3](/acts/13-2-3 "Acts 13:2-3 - The Holy Spirit Sends Out Barnabas and Saul")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 10:1 offers profound insights for believers today, reminding us that the mission of God is ever-expanding and requires active participation from all who follow Christ. Just as Jesus commissioned the seventy, He continues to call His followers to be His ambassadors in the world. This verse challenges us to consider our own role in preparing hearts for the Lord's coming, whether through direct evangelism, acts of service, or simply living out the Gospel authentically in our daily lives. The principle of sending "two and two" also highlights the immense value of community and partnership in ministry, encouraging us to seek collaboration, support, and accountability with fellow believers rather than attempting to serve in isolation. Our mission, like theirs, is to make the unseen Christ known and to prepare the way for His spiritual presence in the lives of others and His ultimate return.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways is the "harvest" still plentiful in your community or sphere of influence today?**
* **How can you, individually or with a partner, actively participate in "preparing the way" for Christ in the lives of those around you?**
* **What does "partnership in ministry" look like for you, and how can you better embody the principle of working "two and two" in your spiritual endeavors?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus send out "seventy" disciples, and what is the significance of this number?**

Answer: Jesus sent out "seventy" (or "seventy-two" in some ancient manuscripts) disciples to expand the reach of His ministry beyond the initial twelve apostles. The number "seventy" holds significant symbolic meaning in Jewish tradition. It is often linked to the [seventy nations of the world listed in Genesis 10](/genesis/10 "Genesis 10 - The Table of Nations"), suggesting a universal scope for Jesus' mission that transcends ethnic boundaries and hints at the future inclusion of Gentiles. It may also allude to the [seventy elders appointed by Moses to assist him](/numbers/11-16-17 "Numbers 11:16-17 - Moses Appoints Seventy Elders") in leading Israel, signifying a delegated authority for a broader leadership role. This expanded commissioning underscores Jesus' intention for a widespread proclamation of the Kingdom of God.

**What was the primary purpose of the seventy's mission?**

Answer: The primary purpose of the seventy's mission was to "prepare the way" for Jesus' direct arrival in various towns and places. They were sent "before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come." This meant they were to go ahead, proclaim the nearness of the Kingdom of God, heal the sick, and essentially ready the hearts of the people and the logistical circumstances for Jesus' personal visit and teaching. Their role was preparatory, setting the stage for the Lord's own ministry in those specific locations, much like [John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus' first advent](/luke/3-4 "Luke 3:4 - John the Baptist Prepares the Way").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 10:1 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself as the supreme Lord and Sender, and in the universal mission of His Kingdom. The commissioning of the seventy, who were sent "before his face," directly foreshadows Jesus' own mission as the One sent by the Father to accomplish salvation. Their preparatory work points to Christ as the one for whom the way is prepared—the very King whose Kingdom they announce. Ultimately, the limited, localized mission of the seventy culminates in the global, eternal mission of the church, empowered by the resurrected Christ. Jesus' command to His disciples to go into "every city and place" anticipates the Great Commission, where He sends His followers to "make disciples of all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")). The authority delegated to the seventy flows from Christ's own supreme authority, which He explicitly claims after His resurrection ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). Thus, Luke 10:1 is not merely a historical account of an early mission, but a prophetic glimpse into the expansive, Christ-driven, and Spirit-empowered work of evangelism that would define the church's purpose until the Lord's return ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - You Will Be My Witnesses")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Mark 6:7

¶ And he called [unto him] the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;

Mark 6:13

And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed [them].

Luke 9:52

And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.

Matthew 10:1

¶ And when he had called unto [him] his twelve disciples, he gave them power [against] unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

Matthew 10:4

Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

Numbers 11:24

¶ And Moses went out, and told the people the words of the LORD, and gathered the seventy men of the elders of the people, and set them round about the tabernacle.

Numbers 11:26

But there remained two [of the] men in the camp, the name of the one [was] Eldad, and the name of the other Medad: and the spirit rested upon them; and they [were] of them that were written, but went not out unto the tabernacle: and they prophesied in the camp.