Luke 10:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 10:6
6 And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.
Chapter Context
Luke 10 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, discipleship, judgment. 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 establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. 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 10:6
6 And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.
Analysis
And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again. The phrase huios eirēnēs (υἱὸς εἰρήνης, "son of peace") is a Hebraism meaning one characterized by or destined for peace—someone receptive to the gospel. The genitive construction "son of" indicates essential character or belonging (compare "sons of disobedience," Ephesians 2:2; "children of wrath," Ephesians 2:3).
The conditional promise uses epanapausetai (ἐπαναπαύσεται, "shall rest upon") from anapauō (ἀναπαύω), meaning to give rest, settle upon, or remain. If received, the peace abides and takes effect. If rejected, it hypostrepsei (ὑποστρέψει, "shall return") to the disciples—they lose nothing and waste no effort. This reveals divine sovereignty in salvation: God has prepared receptive hearts, and faithful witness will find them.
This principle explains varied responses to gospel proclamation. Some are "sons of peace" whom God has prepared (Acts 16:14: Lydia's heart opened); others reject with hostility. The messenger's responsibility is faithful delivery; results belong to God. Paul later wrote of being a "fragrance of life to life" in some, "death to death" in others (2 Corinthians 2:15-16).
Historical Context
First-century Jewish culture recognized divine sovereignty in human response. Jesus' teaching that the Father must 'draw' people (John 6:44) and that sheep recognize the shepherd's voice (John 10:4) was familiar. The disciples' experience confirmed this: some welcomed the gospel gladly while others violently opposed it. This doesn't negate human responsibility but affirms that conversion is ultimately God's work. The early church's missionary journeys demonstrated this pattern repeatedly: some believed, others rejected (Acts 13:48; 17:11-13).
Reflection
- What does the term 'son of peace' reveal about God's preparation of hearts before the gospel is proclaimed?
- How should understanding that peace 'returns' to the messenger if rejected comfort those whose witness seems unfruitful?
- How does this verse balance divine sovereignty in salvation with human responsibility to proclaim the gospel faithfully?
Cross-References
- Peace: 2 Thessalonians 3:16