Matthew 10:11

And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.

And {G1161} into {G1519} whatsoever {G302}{G3739} city {G4172} or {G2228} town {G2968} ye shall enter {G1525}, enquire {G1833} who {G5101} in {G1722} it {G846} is {G2076} worthy {G514}; and there {G2546} abide {G3306} till {G302}{G2193} ye go thence {G1831}.

"When you come to a town or village, look for someone trustworthy and stay with him until you leave.

Whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy there and stay at his house until you move on.

And into whatsoever city or village ye shall enter, search out who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go forth.

Commentary

Matthew 10:11 is part of Jesus' detailed instructions to His twelve disciples as He sends them out on their first missionary journey. This verse provides practical guidance for their conduct and strategy in the towns and cities they would visit, emphasizing discernment and stability in their lodging arrangements.

Context

This verse is embedded within Matthew chapter 10, where Jesus commissions His apostles, giving them authority to heal, cast out demons, and proclaim the Kingdom of Heaven. His instructions cover everything from what to bring (or not bring) to how to respond to rejection. The directive in verse 11 ensures that the disciples' basic needs are met without imposing a burden, allowing them to focus on their crucial mission.

Key Themes

  • Discernment and Worthiness: Jesus instructs the disciples to "enquire who in it is worthy." This refers to finding individuals or households known for their righteousness, hospitality, and openness to the message of the Kingdom. It implies a spiritual discernment, seeking those who are receptive to the Gospel and would genuinely welcome the messengers of God. This prevents the disciples from wasting time or resources on those resistant to the message.
  • Stability and Integrity: The command to "there abide till ye go thence" highlights the importance of staying in one suitable lodging rather than moving from house to house. This promoted stability, avoided the appearance of being freeloaders, and fostered deeper relationships with their hosts. It also ensured that the disciples did not exploit the hospitality of others but built trust and credibility, reflecting the integrity of their mission.
  • Dependence on God's Provision: By instructing them to rely on the hospitality of others, Jesus teaches His disciples to trust in God's provision for their needs, rather than their own resources or efforts. This principle is echoed in other passages concerning reliance on God, such as Matthew 6:33.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "worthy" here is axios (ἄξιος), which signifies someone who is deserving, fitting, or suitable. In this context, it implies moral and spiritual worthiness, particularly in terms of their receptiveness to the message of the Gospel and their willingness to offer hospitality to its messengers. It's not about financial status but about their character and spiritual posture.

Practical Application

For believers today, Matthew 10:11 offers timeless principles for ministry and daily life:

  • Strategic Engagement: When sharing the Gospel or engaging in ministry, it's wise to discern receptive hearts and environments. Not everyone will be open, and wisdom dictates where to invest time and energy.
  • Hospitality and Support: The verse also implicitly highlights the importance of hospitality within the Christian community. Supporting those who minister, whether financially or through practical means like lodging, is a vital aspect of participating in the work of God. Romans 12:13 encourages believers to be hospitable.
  • Integrity in Service: Maintaining integrity and avoiding any appearance of impropriety is crucial for those representing Christ. Staying in one place avoided perceptions of seeking better accommodations or exploiting generosity, ensuring the mission's credibility.

Ultimately, this verse underscores the practical wisdom Jesus imparted to His disciples, enabling them to carry out their mission effectively and with integrity, relying on God's provision and the receptiveness of those they served.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 10:7 (5 votes)

    And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.

  • Luke 10:8 (5 votes)

    And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:

  • Job 31:32 (4 votes)

    The stranger did not lodge in the street: [but] I opened my doors to the traveller.

  • Judges 19:16 (4 votes)

    ¶ And, behold, there came an old man from his work out of the field at even, which [was] also of mount Ephraim; and he sojourned in Gibeah: but the men of the place [were] Benjamites.

  • Judges 19:21 (4 votes)

    So he brought him into his house, and gave provender unto the asses: and they washed their feet, and did eat and drink.

  • 1 Kings 17:9 (4 votes)

    Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which [belongeth] to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee.

  • 1 Kings 17:24 (4 votes)

    And the woman said to Elijah, Now by this I know that thou [art] a man of God, [and] that the word of the LORD in thy mouth [is] truth.