Luke 10:10

But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say,

But {G1161} into {G1519} whatsoever {G3739}{G302} city {G4172} ye enter {G1525}, and {G2532} they receive {G1209} you {G5209} not {G3361}, go your ways out {G1831} into {G1519} the streets {G4113} of the same {G846}, and say {G2036},

But whenever you enter a town and they don’t make you welcome, go out into its streets and say,

But if you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go into the streets and declare,

But into whatsoever city ye shall enter, and they receive you not, go out into the streets thereof and say,

Luke 10:10 is part of Jesus' specific instructions to the seventy disciples He sent out on a mission to prepare the way for His coming. This verse deals with the challenging scenario of encountering rejection during their evangelistic efforts.

Context

In Luke 10:1-12, Jesus commissions seventy of His followers, sending them out two by two into every city and place He Himself was about to visit. He provides detailed guidelines for their conduct, what to say, and how to respond to both acceptance and rejection. Prior to this verse, Jesus instructs them on how to behave when they are received (Luke 10:8-9), focusing on peace and healing. Verse 10 then pivots to the less favorable but equally important instruction: what to do when their message or presence is not welcomed. This instruction is mirrored in similar commands given to the twelve apostles in Matthew 10:14 and Mark 6:11, highlighting a consistent principle in early Christian ministry.

Key Themes

  • Rejection of the Message: The verse acknowledges the reality that not everyone will be receptive to the Gospel or God's messengers. Jesus prepares His disciples for this opposition.
  • Accountability and Witness: The act of leaving and making a public declaration (as detailed in the subsequent Luke 10:11) serves as a solemn testimony against those who reject the divine invitation. It signifies that the responsibility for rejection rests with the city or individuals, not the messengers.
  • Divine Authority of the Messengers: By rejecting Jesus' representatives, the people were, in essence, rejecting Jesus Himself and the One who sent Him (Luke 10:16). This underscores the serious spiritual implications of such rejection.
  • Perseverance in Ministry: The instruction is not to dwell on rejection or engage in conflict, but to move on to areas where there might be openness, demonstrating the urgency and forward momentum of God's mission.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "receive you not" translates from the Greek ou dechōntai hymas (οὐ δέχωνται ὑμᾶς), which implies more than just a lack of hospitality. It signifies a fundamental refusal to accept the messengers and, by extension, their message and the authority behind it. The instruction to "go your ways out into the streets of the same" suggests a public and deliberate departure, emphasizing the gravity of the city's decision and setting the stage for the symbolic act of shaking off the dust mentioned in the next verse.

Practical Application

For believers today, Luke 10:10 offers profound guidance on navigating evangelism and Christian witness:

  • Expect Rejection: Not every person or community will welcome the message of Christ. This verse reminds us that rejection is an anticipated part of sharing faith, just as it was for Jesus' first disciples.
  • Don't Be Deterred: While rejection can be discouraging, the command is to move on, not to give up on the mission entirely. Our calling is to faithfully deliver the message, not to force acceptance.
  • Understanding Spiritual Consequences: The seriousness of rejecting God's truth is highlighted. While we don't carry out the literal act of shaking dust, we understand that ignoring or dismissing God's invitation has eternal implications.
  • Focus on the Receptive: This passage encourages focusing energy where there is an openness to the Gospel, rather than expending excessive effort on those who are resolutely closed off.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 18:6

    And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook [his] raiment, and said unto them, Your blood [be] upon your own heads; I [am] clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.

  • Acts 13:51

    But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.

  • Matthew 10:14

    And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.

  • Luke 9:5

    And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.

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