Luke 10:10

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

Study Bible

But if you enter a town
This phrase sets the stage for a hypothetical situation that Jesus is addressing. The Greek word for "enter" is "εἰσέρχομαι" (eiserchomai), which implies a deliberate action of going into a place. In the context of Jesus sending out the seventy-two disciples, this entry is not just physical but also spiritual, as they bring the message of the Kingdom of God. Historically, towns in ancient Israel were often small and closely-knit, making the entry of outsiders a significant event. The disciples' mission was to bring peace and healing, reflecting the presence of God's Kingdom.

and they do not welcome you
The Greek word for "welcome" is "δέχομαι" (dechomai), meaning to receive or accept. This phrase acknowledges the reality of rejection, which is a recurring theme in the ministry of Jesus. The disciples were to expect that not everyone would be receptive to their message. In a historical context, hospitality was a crucial aspect of Middle Eastern culture, and a lack of welcome was a serious breach of social norms. This rejection is not just of the messengers but of the message and, ultimately, of Christ Himself.

go into the streets
The "streets" (Greek: "πλατεῖα" - plateia) were the public spaces of a town, where people gathered for social and commercial activities. By instructing the disciples to go into the streets, Jesus is directing them to make a public declaration. This act symbolizes the openness and transparency of the Gospel message. Archaeologically, streets were central to town life, often bustling with activity, making them the ideal place for public announcements.

and declare
The Greek word for "declare" is "λέγω" (lego), which means to speak or say. This command to declare is an imperative, emphasizing the importance of making the message known, even in the face of rejection. The act of declaring in the streets serves as a testimony against the town's rejection. Scripturally, this reflects the prophetic tradition of making public proclamations as a witness to God's truth. The disciples' declaration is both a warning and an invitation, underscoring the urgency and significance of the Kingdom message.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of this verse, providing instructions to His disciples as He sends them out on a mission.

2. The Disciples
The followers of Jesus who are being sent out to preach the Kingdom of God.

3. Towns
The various locations where the disciples are sent to spread the message of the Gospel.

4. The Streets
The public places where the disciples are instructed to make their declaration if they are not welcomed.

5. The Unwelcoming Townspeople
The individuals who reject the message of the disciples and, by extension, the message of Christ.

Teaching Points

Faithfulness in Mission
The disciples are called to be faithful in their mission, regardless of the reception they receive. Our duty is to proclaim the Gospel, leaving the results to God.

Handling Rejection
Jesus prepares His followers for rejection, teaching us to respond with grace and to continue our mission without bitterness.

Public Declaration
The instruction to declare in the streets emphasizes the public nature of the Gospel message. We are called to be bold and unashamed in our witness.

Accountability of Hearers
The act of declaring in the streets serves as a testimony against those who reject the message, highlighting the accountability of those who hear the Gospel.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
Rejection does not equate to failure. Trusting in God's sovereignty means understanding that He is at work, even when the message is not received.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jesus' instruction in Luke 10:10 prepare the disciples for the reality of their mission, and how can this prepare us for sharing the Gospel today?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of "shaking the dust off our feet" in our own lives when we face rejection or opposition?

3. How does the concept of public declaration in Luke 10:10 challenge us to be more vocal about our faith in our communities?

4. What can we learn from the connection between Luke 10:10 and Ezekiel 3:18-19 about our responsibility to share the Gospel message?

5. How does understanding the potential for rejection, as seen in John 15:18-20, help us to persevere in our Christian witness?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Matthew 10:14
This passage parallels Luke 10:10, where Jesus instructs His disciples to shake the dust off their feet as a testimony against those who do not receive them.

Acts 13:51
Paul and Barnabas follow Jesus' instruction by shaking the dust off their feet in protest against those who rejected their message.

Ezekiel 3:18-19
The responsibility of the watchman to warn the people, similar to the disciples' duty to proclaim the message regardless of acceptance.

John 15:18-20
Jesus warns His followers that the world may hate them because it first hated Him, providing context for the rejection they might face.

1 Corinthians 4:12-13
Paul speaks of enduring persecution and rejection, echoing the experience of the disciples.