Luke 10:4
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 10:4
4 Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.
Chapter Context
Luke 10 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of righteousness, holiness, discipleship. 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 reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. 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 10:4
4 Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.
Analysis
Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way. This radical instruction mandates complete dependence on God's provision. The Greek ballantian (βαλλάντιον, "purse") refers to a money bag; pēran (πήραν, "scrip") means a traveler's bag for provisions; hypodēmata (ὑποδήματα, "shoes") are sandals. Jesus commands them to travel without financial resources, food supplies, or even extra footwear.
The prohibition against greeting people on the way (kata tēn hodon, κατὰ τὴν ὁδόν) doesn't mandate rudeness but urgency. Ancient Middle Eastern greetings involved elaborate courtesies and lengthy conversations (2 Kings 4:29). Jesus demands single-minded focus on the mission—no delays, no distractions. This echoes Elisha's instruction to Gehazi: "if thou meet any man, salute him not" (2 Kings 4:29).
This temporary provision test (later modified in Luke 22:35-36) taught disciples that God supplies workers' needs through receptive hearers. The laborer is worthy of hire (v. 7; 1 Timothy 5:18). They learned dependence, urgency, and trust.
Historical Context
Ancient travelers typically carried provisions for multi-day journeys. Jesus' instructions made the seventy conspicuously dependent and vulnerable. This radical trust demonstrated faith and forced reliance on hospitality—a sacred duty in Middle Eastern culture. Those who received traveling teachers were expected to provide food and lodging. This pattern continued in early Christianity: traveling prophets and teachers depended on local believers' support (3 John 5-8).
Reflection
- What does Jesus' command to travel without provisions teach about faith, dependence, and God's provision for those in ministry?
- How does the prohibition against greeting people 'by the way' challenge modern ministry's tendency toward networking and relationship-building at the expense of mission urgency?
- Why did Jesus later modify these instructions (Luke 22:35-36), and what does this teach about context-specific obedience?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Luke 22:35, 1 Samuel 21:8, 2 Kings 4:24, 4:29, Proverbs 4:25