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Luke 10

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.

Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.

Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.

And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.

And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.

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.

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

And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

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

Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.

Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.

But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you.

And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell.

He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.

And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.

And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.

Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.

All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him.

And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see:

For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?

And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.

And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.

But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?

And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.

And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.

But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,

And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.

Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?

And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.

And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.

But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.

And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:

But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

What does Luke 10:9 mean?

Explanation

Luke 10:9 is situated within the context where Jesus is giving instructions to the seventy (or seventy-two, depending on the manuscript) followers He is sending ahead of Him. These followers are sent in pairs to every town and place where He Himself plans to go.

The verse emphasizes two main directives: healing the sick and proclaiming the nearness of the kingdom of God.

On a literal level, the command is for the disciples to provide physical healing to those afflicted with sickness.

Simultaneously, the deeper meaning involves the proclamation of a transformative message - the kingdom of God is at the doorstep, signifying a momentous change in spiritual realities and the availability of God's rule and blessings.

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Historical Context

This verse is from the Gospel of Luke, traditionally dated to around 60-80 A.D., and attributed to Luke the physician, a companion of the Apostle Paul.

The historical context is that of the early Christian movement within the Roman Empire, specifically in regions in and around Judea and Galilee.

The Roman world was filled with various healing gods and temples, and sickness was a significant concern.

The healing acts of the disciples would have resonated strongly in a culture where illness often meant social isolation and economic hardship.

The idea of the kingdom of God also presented a radical departure from the imperial cult and the political structure of the Roman Empire.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse encapsulates the Christian mission of compassion (healing the sick) coupled with the proclamation of the Gospel (the kingdom of God).

In Christian theology, Jesus is seen as inaugurating the kingdom of God, which refers to God's sovereign rule and reign.

The healings are signs that reveal the kingdom's presence and serve as a tangible demonstration of God's love and power.

The verse also touches on the theological theme of "already, but not yet," where the kingdom of God is already present in the ministry of Jesus and His disciples, but its fullness awaits future consummation.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse can inspire acts of compassion, service, and care for the ill and suffering.

Many Christians see this command as a call to participate in physical and spiritual works of mercy.

Additionally, the charge to speak of the nearness of the kingdom reminds believers of their role as messengers of hope, comfort, and the transformative message of the Gospel.

Cross-References

Matthew 10:7-8: "And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give."

Mark 6:12-13: "And they went out, and preached that men should repent.

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

Isaiah 61:1: "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;"

Language Study

The original Greek text provides insight into the meaning of key phrases:

"Heal the sick" (θεραπεύετε τοὺς ἀσθενεῖς, therapeuete tous astheneis): "therapeuete" is a form of the verb "therapeuō," which can mean to serve, cure, or heal.

The notion is one of actively providing care.

"The kingdom of God" (ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ, hē basileia tou Theou): "basileia" often implies a realm or reign where a king exerts authority, in this case, God's sovereign rule.
"Is come nigh" (ἤγγικεν, ēngiken): This verb is in the perfect tense, suggesting a past action with ongoing effects, indicating the kingdom's arrival as an imminent reality.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparison to other cultures and religions of the time might include the healing practices seen in the cults of Asclepius in ancient Greece, where individuals would seek physical healing.

In contrast, Jesus's disciples are directed to freely offer healing. The proclamation of God's kingdom bears contrast to the earthly kingdoms and empires of the time, with a focus on divine and spiritual authority rather than political power.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific understanding of healing is grounded in medicine and healthcare.

While the verse speaks of miraculous healing, some contemporary readers interpret the instruction "heal the sick" to encompass supporting scientific and medical advancements that align with compassion and care for the ill.

The intersection between faith and science in healing often involves discussions on the role of prayer, community support, and the psychological benefits of spiritual belief on physical health.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer various commentaries on this verse.

For example, some emphasize the integral link between word and deed in Jesus' ministry and that of his disciples.

Others point out the urgency of the verse, seeing the disciples as emissaries of an in-breaking new era.

Matthew Henry's Commentary stresses the generosity of the healing - it is to be given freely - and the charge to declare the coming of God's kingdom as a call to repentance and acceptance of God's mercy.

Luke 10

Luke 10

What does Luke 10:9 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Luke 10:9 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?