Luke 10:1
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 10:1
1 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.
Chapter Context
Luke 10 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of grace, truth, righteousness. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-42: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 10:1
1 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.
Analysis
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. The Greek anedeixen (ἀνέδειξεν, "appointed") literally means "showed forth" or "publicly designated"—Jesus formally commissioned this missionary band. The number seventy (some manuscripts read seventy-two) likely corresponds to the seventy elders of Israel (Numbers 11:16) or the seventy nations in Genesis 10, symbolizing universal mission.
The phrase two and two (ana duo, ἀνὰ δύο) reflects Jesus' consistent practice of paired witnesses (Mark 6:7), fulfilling Deuteronomy 19:15's requirement of two witnesses for testimony. The prepositional phrase before his face (pro prosōpou autou, πρὸ προσώπου αὐτοῦ) indicates they were advance messengers preparing the way—like John the Baptist prepared for Jesus' first coming, these disciples prepared towns for His immediate arrival. This missionary sending prefigures the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) and models apostolic witness throughout Acts.
Historical Context
This mission occurred during Jesus' final journey to Jerusalem (Luke 9:51). Unlike the Twelve's mission to Israel alone (Matthew 10:5-6), the seventy likely included Gentile territories, foreshadowing the church's universal mission. First-century traveling teachers commonly sent advance parties to arrange lodging and gather audiences. The paired sending provided mutual support, accountability, and credible witness in cultures where individual testimony was suspect.
Reflection
- How does Jesus' pattern of sending disciples 'two and two' inform modern missionary strategy and church planting?
- What does it mean that these disciples went 'before his face' to prepare the way, and how do Christians prepare the way for Christ today?
- Why might Jesus have chosen seventy (or seventy-two) disciples for this particular mission?
Word Studies
- Lord: Κύριος (Kurios) G2962 - Lord, Master
Cross-References
- References Lord: Numbers 11:16
- Parallel theme: Luke 9:52