Luke 10:8
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 10:8
8 And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:
Chapter Context
Luke 10 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of mercy, holiness, fellowship. 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 10:8
8 And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:
Analysis
And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. The conditional clause kai eis hēn an polin eiserchēsthe kai dechōntai hymas (καὶ εἰς ἣν ἂν πόλιν εἰσέρχησθε καὶ δέχωνται ὑμᾶς, "and into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you") uses the present subjunctive dechōntai (δέχωνται, "they receive"), indicating welcome and hospitality.
The command eat such things as are set before you (esthiete ta paratithemena hymin, ἐσθίετε τὰ παρατιθέμενα ὑμῖν) repeats verse 7's instruction with expanded application to entire cities, not just individual households. The present imperative commands ongoing action—consistently accept what's offered. For Jewish disciples, this would challenge kosher dietary laws when entering Gentile territories.
This anticipates the church's breakthrough in Acts 10-11, where Peter's vision declared all foods clean and opened the gospel to Gentiles. Paul later addressed food controversies in Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8-10, teaching that the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). The gospel transcends ceremonial law and cultural boundaries.
Historical Context
Jewish dietary laws (kashrut) were identity markers separating Jews from Gentiles. Eating non-kosher food or at Gentile tables risked ceremonial defilement. Jesus' instruction to eat whatever was served challenged these boundaries, preparing disciples for universal mission. When the seventy encountered Samaritan or Gentile cities, they would face food that violated Levitical law. Jesus prioritized mission over ceremonial purity, foreshadowing the new covenant's replacement of external law with internal transformation.
Reflection
- How does Jesus' command to eat whatever is served challenge both legalism and cultural superiority in Christian witness?
- What does this verse teach about the relationship between ceremonial law and gospel mission?
- How should modern missionaries balance cultural sensitivity with the freedom Jesus grants to 'eat such things as are set before you'?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Matthew 10:40, 1 Corinthians 10:27