Luke 10:1

¶ 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.

{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}.

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.

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.

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

Luke 10:1 marks a significant expansion of Jesus' ministry, detailing the commissioning of a larger group of disciples beyond the original twelve apostles. This verse provides crucial insight into the early spread of the Gospel and the collaborative nature of Christian mission.

Context

This verse follows a period where Jesus has been teaching about the demands of discipleship, the urgency of the Kingdom of God, and the cost of following Him (Luke 9:57-62). Prior to this, Jesus had sent out the twelve apostles with authority (Luke 9:1-6). The commissioning of the "seventy" (or seventy-two in some ancient manuscripts) signifies a broader, more extensive outreach as Jesus' journey towards Jerusalem continues, preparing the way for His direct arrival in various towns.

Key Themes

  • Expanded Mission: The appointment of the "seventy" indicates that the work of the Kingdom of God was not limited to the original twelve. It highlights Jesus' intention for a widespread proclamation of His message, foreshadowing the global mission after His resurrection.
  • Divine Appointment and Commissioning: Jesus "appointed" (Greek: anedeixen, meaning 'designated' or 'showed forth') these individuals, emphasizing that their ministry was not self-initiated but divinely sanctioned. This underscores the authority behind their evangelistic efforts.
  • Partnership in Ministry: Sending them "two and two" provided mutual support, encouragement, and accountability. This practice aligns with the biblical principle of testimony requiring two or three witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:15; Mark 6:7), ensuring credibility and reinforcing the message.
  • Preparing the Way: The seventy were sent "before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come." Their primary role was to prepare the hearts of the people and the practical logistics for Jesus' imminent arrival, much like John the Baptist prepared the way for the Lord's first advent.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "appointed," anedeixen (ἀνέδειξεν), carries the sense of 'showing forth' or 'designating publicly.' It implies that Jesus not only chose them but also publicly affirmed their role, giving them authority and legitimacy for their task. The number "seventy" (or "seventy-two") is often linked symbolically to the seventy nations listed in Genesis 10, suggesting a mission that transcends ethnic boundaries and hints at the future Gentile mission.

Practical Application

Luke 10:1 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • The Call to Mission: Just as Jesus commissioned the seventy, all believers are called to participate in spreading the Gospel, whether locally or globally. The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few (Luke 10:2).
  • Importance of Partnership: Ministry is often more effective and sustainable when done in partnership with others, providing support, encouragement, and shared burden.
  • Preparation for Christ's Return: The seventy prepared the way for Jesus' physical presence. Similarly, the church today is called to prepare the world for Christ's second coming by proclaiming His message and living out His teachings.

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Cross-References

  • Mark 6:7 (10 votes)

    ¶ 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 (10 votes)

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

  • Luke 9:52 (10 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

    ¶ 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 (7 votes)

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

  • Numbers 11:24 (6 votes)

    ¶ 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 (6 votes)

    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.