What does Matthew 10:12 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 10:12 describes an instruction given by Jesus to His disciples as they were sent on a mission to preach to the lost sheep of Israel. The instruction is part of Jesus' larger discourse on how the disciples should conduct themselves as they travel from town to town.

The verse reads:

"And when ye come into an house, salute it."

On the surface, this seems like a simple direction to greet a household upon entering.

However, the greeting implied here is more than a mere polite hello. The salutation carries with it a blessing of peace and the presence of God, as the disciples were representatives of Christ and conveyors of the gospel's peace.

Historical Context

During the time of Jesus, hospitality customs in the Near East were highly significant.

Greetings were not only a formality but a gesture of goodwill and peace.

The era this was spoken in was also one of close-knit communities and shared living spaces, and entering a home was a more intimate act than it might be perceived in today's Western society.

The disciples were instructed to extend peace to a home, thus bestowing a blessing upon those within it if they were worthy.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, the instruction in Matthew 10:12 is of importance to several key ideas in Christianity.

First, it signifies the peace that Jesus brings, a peace that is to be shared with others.

Second, it implies that this peace and blessing are contingent; they remain where there is receptivity and worthiness and are not forced upon others.

Different denominations may emphasize different nuances, such as the significance of peace, the authority of the messenger, or the response of the household.

Practical Applications

In modern life, the teaching of Matthew 10:12 can be applied to how one interacts with others.

The verse encourages believers to extend peace and goodwill in their interactions, particularly when entering someone's home or space.

It suggests that believers should bless the spaces they enter, and their interactions should contribute positively to the atmosphere and relationships.

Cross-References

• Luke 10:5-6: "And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house."
• 3 John 1:14: "But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face.

Peace be to thee.

Our friends salute thee.

Greet the friends by name."

• Romans 16:16: "Salute one another with an holy kiss.

The churches of Christ salute you."

Language Study

In the original Greek text of the New Testament, the word translated as "salute" is "aspazesthe" (ἀσπάζεσθε), which means to greet, welcome, or to wish well.

It is often used in the New Testament in the context of saying hello or goodbye but carries with it a connotation of showing respect and passing on blessing or peace.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Within various ancient cultures, including those surrounding early Christianity, the concept of greeting or blessing a house was common.

In Judaic tradition, offering a greeting of peace was a common practice.

This concept is not exclusive to Christianity or Judaism; for example, in Islamic tradition, one says "As-salamu alaykum" upon entering a home, wishing peace upon the inhabitants.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the practice of greeting or blessing a household can be examined through the lens of social psychology.

Positive interpersonal interactions, such as greeting and well-wishing, have been shown to improve mood and social bonds.

They can create an atmosphere of trust and cooperation, which may have been essential for community cohesion in Jesus' time just as it is today.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians have provided various interpretations of Matthew 10:12.

Commentators like John Gill suggest that this instruction was a customary form of greeting but laden with deeper spiritual significance as the disciples were representatives of Christ himself.

Matthew Henry expands on this by stating that this salutation is a token of goodwill that should be common among Christians.

The general consensus among many experts is that this greeting has both a social and spiritual meaning that extends beyond mere formality.