Luke 9:5

If anyone does not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that town, as a testimony against them."

Study Bible

And if anyone does not welcome you
This phrase sets the stage for understanding the nature of the mission Jesus is sending His disciples on. The Greek word for "welcome" is "δέχομαι" (dechomai), which implies more than just a passive reception; it suggests an active acceptance and hospitality. In the historical context of the ancient Near East, hospitality was a sacred duty, and to not welcome someone was a significant social statement. Jesus is preparing His disciples for the reality that not everyone will be receptive to their message, a truth that remains relevant for Christians today.

shake the dust off your feet
The act of shaking the dust off one's feet is deeply symbolic. In Jewish tradition, when Jews returned from Gentile lands, they would shake the dust from their feet to avoid bringing pagan soil into Israel. Here, Jesus uses this cultural practice to signify a separation from those who reject the Gospel. The Greek word "ἀποτινάσσω" (apotinassō) means to shake off or to rid oneself of something. This act serves as a testimony against those who refuse the message, indicating that they are choosing to remain outside the covenant community.

when you leave that town
This phrase emphasizes the itinerant nature of the disciples' mission. The Greek word for "leave" is "ἐξέρχομαι" (exerchomai), which means to go out or depart. The disciples are instructed to move on without lingering in places where they are not received. This reflects the urgency of their mission and the importance of focusing on those who are open to the Gospel. Historically, this approach allowed the early Christian message to spread rapidly across regions.

as a testimony against them
The word "testimony" comes from the Greek "μαρτύριον" (martyrion), which can mean evidence or witness. In this context, the act of shaking the dust off their feet serves as a visible sign of the rejection of the Gospel by the town. It is not merely an act of judgment but also a call to repentance, as it underscores the seriousness of rejecting the message of Christ. This phrase reminds believers of the responsibility to share the Gospel faithfully, leaving the outcome to God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus Christ
The central figure in the Gospel of Luke, who is instructing His disciples on how to conduct their ministry.

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

3. The Towns
Various unnamed locations where the disciples are sent to minister. These represent the broader mission field.

4. The Unwelcoming People
Individuals or groups who do not receive the message of the disciples.

5. The Dust
Symbolic of rejection and a testimony against those who do not accept the message of the Gospel.

Teaching Points

The Responsibility of the Messenger
As followers of Christ, we are called to faithfully deliver the message of the Gospel, regardless of how it is received.

Handling Rejection
Rejection is a part of the Christian journey. We must learn to handle it with grace, understanding that our responsibility is to share, not to convert.

Symbolic Actions
The act of shaking the dust off one's feet is a symbolic gesture that signifies moving on and leaving the responsibility of rejection with the hearers.

Focus on Receptive Hearts
While it is important to share the Gospel widely, we should also focus our efforts on those who are open and receptive to the message.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
Ultimately, it is God who opens hearts and minds to the truth of the Gospel. Our role is to be obedient in sharing His message.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the instruction in Luke 9:5 reflect the broader mission of the disciples, and what does it teach us about our own mission as Christians today?

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

3. How do the actions of Paul and Barnabas in Acts 13:51 provide a practical example of applying Jesus' teaching in Luke 9:5?

4. What are some ways we can discern when to persist in sharing the Gospel with someone and when to move on, as suggested by this passage?

5. How does understanding the cultural and historical context of "shaking the dust off" enhance our interpretation and application of this scripture?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Matthew 10:14
This passage parallels Luke 9:5, where Jesus gives similar instructions to His disciples about shaking the dust off their feet as a testimony against those who do not receive them.

Acts 13:51
Paul and Barnabas shake the dust off their feet in protest against those who rejected their message, demonstrating the continued application of Jesus' teaching.

Ezekiel 3:18-19
The prophet is instructed to warn the wicked, and if they do not listen, their blood is on their own heads, similar to the disciples' responsibility to share the message regardless of acceptance.