Christ appoints seventy disciples CHAPTER X. to preach his gospel. unto him, No man having put his hand to the plough, || phrase of one that looks behind him while his hand fc., is fit for the kingdom of God-Either to receive || is on the plough, as a kind of proverbial expression and become a subject of it, or to preach it. "Hesiod for a careless, irresolute person, who must be pecuhas given it as the character of a good ploughman, || liarly unfit for the Christian ministry. How happy that, 'he keeps his mind intent on his work,' that he may make 'a straight furrow,' and does not allow himself 'to gaze about on his companions.' Our Lord, on the like obvious principles, may use the had it been for Christ's church had this lively admonition been regarded, without which it is impossible, oporouεi тov hoyov тns ahnbɛias, to divide, or rather direct the word of truth aright," 2 Tim. ii. 15. CHAPTER X. In this chapter we have, (1,) The ample commission which Christ gave to seventy of his disciples to preach the gospel and confirm it by miracles; and the full instructions he gave them how to conduct themselves in the execution of their commissions, and great encouragement therein, 1–16. (2,) The account which the seventy disciples gave to their Master of the success of their ministry, and his discourse thereupon, 17-24. (3,) His discourse with a lawyer concerning the way to heaven, and the instructions Christ gave him by a parable to look upon every one as his neighbour, whom he had occasion to show kindness to, or receive kindness from, 25-37. (4,) Christ's entertainment at the house of Lazarus; the reproof he gave Martha for her anxious care about worldly things, and his commendation of Mary for her care about the salvation of her soul, 38-42. A. D. 32. A. M. 4036. AFTER *these things, the Lord appointed other seventy also, and a sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. e 4 * Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes : 2 Therefore said he unto them, b The harvest || and f salute no man by the way. of Christ's ministry being, from this time forth, to lie in Judea, and the country beyond Jordan, it was expedient that his way should be prepared in every city and village of those countries whither he was to come. He therefore sent out seventy of his disciples on this work, mentioning the particular places which he intended to visit, and in which they were || to preach; whereas, the twelve had been allowed to go where they pleased, provided they confined their ministry to the lost sheep of the house of Israel."|| Luke is the only evangelist who has given us this account of Christ's sending out the seventy; and it || is the less to be wondered at, that he should do it so particularly, if the ancient tradition be true, which 5 & And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. c 2 Thess. iii. 1.- .d Matt. x. 16.- e Matt. x. 9, 10; Mark vi. 8; Chap. ix. 3.—————f 2 Kings iv. 29.5 Matt. x. 12. Origen and Epiphanius have mentioned, that he was himself one of the number. It is remarkable that our Lord assigns the same reason for the mission of the seventy which he had assigned for the mission of the twelve disciples. The harvest was plenteous in Judea and Perea, as well as in Galilee, and the labourers there also were few. Hence his exhortation, Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that he would send forth (Greek, εкbа22n, thrust out) labourers. For God alone can do this: he alone can qualify and commission men for this work, and incline them to undertake it. Verses 3, 4. I send you forth as lambs, &c.—As so many defenceless lambs, in the midst of ravenous and cruel wolves. Carry neither purse nor scrip, &c.-See notes on Matt. x. 9, 10, 16. Salute no man by the way-Let not matters of mere compliment detain you, but make all the haste you possibly can. The salutations usual among the Jews took up much time. But these had so much work to do in so short a space, that they had not a moment to spare. Verses 5, 6. Into whatsoever house ye enter, & c Christ instructs his disciples A. M. 4036. A. D. 32. 6 And if the son of peace be there, || say unto them, m The kingdom of A. M. 4036 your peace shall rest upon it: if not, || God is come nigh unto you. it shall turn to you again. 10 But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say, i 7 h And in the same house remain, i eating and drinking such things as they give: for *the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house. 8 And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. 9 1And heal the sick that are therein, and h Matt. x. 11. 1 Cor. x. 27.-k Matt. x. 10; 1 Cor. ix. 4, &c.; 1 Tim. v. 18. Chap. ix. 2. -They are supposed to enter into private houses; seek others, in hope of better accommodations dufor, not being admitted into the synagogues, they ring the short stay you make in a place. And heal were forced to preach where they could have liberty. the sick that are therein-Which, as I direct, so First say, Peace be to this house-To all under this I shall empower you to do; And say unto them, The roof, to this family, and all that belong to it. As if kingdom of God, &c.-Publish the approach of the he had said, In all the stages of your journey, carry || kingdom of God; its approach to them; and that along with you those benevolent affections which they stand fair for an admission into it, if they will are so well suited to the design of your mission. || but obey the call of God, and turn to him without Peace be to you, was the common form of salutation delay. Say, Now is the day of your visitation; see among the Jews. They must not use it in formality, || that you understand and improve it. Observe, readand according to custom, to those they meet on the er! It is well to be made sensible of our advantaway; but they must use it with solemnity and|| ges and opportunities, that we may lay hold on and seriousness to those into whose houses they entered. || embrace them. When the kingdom of God comes And if the son of peace-Or any truly pious man nigh to us, it concerns us to go forth to meet it. who is worthy of such a blessing; be there-In the house; your peace shall rest upon it-Your prayer for the peace and prosperity of the family shall be heard and answered. Or, the blessing which you || gave at your entrance, shall, by my power, be made effectual to that house, and shall remain with it. If not, it shall turn, &c.-You will meet with some that are not disposed to hear or regard your message; even whole houses that have not one son of peace in them. Now it is certain your peace shall not come upon them; they shall have no part nor lot in the matter: the blessing that shall rest upon the sons of peace shall never come upon the sons of Belial; nor can any expect the privileges of the covenant of grace that will not come under the bonds of it; but it shall turn to you again-You shall have the comfort of having discharged your trust, and done your duty to God. || a Verses 10-12. Into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not--Show no willingness to hear your doctrine, and no inclination to give you entertainment, or the necessaries of life; go your way out into the streets, &c.-Declare in the most public manner, how greatly they have sinned in rejecting you and your message; and that your declaration may make the greater impression upon them, let it be accompanied with the symbolical action of publicly wiping the dust of their city from off your feet, as testimony that you will have no communication with such a faithless and disobedient people. Say, Since you reject so gracious and important a message, we cannot but consider you as rejected by God, and devoted to certain and inevitable destruction, and therefore we separate ourselves from all that belongs to you, even from the dust of your city. This was agreeable to the manner of the eastern people, who Verses 7-9. And in the same house remain—As || taught their disciples by symbolical actions, as well long as you stay in the town or village: eating and as by discourse; see on Matt. x. 14. Jesus added, drinking-Cheerfully and contentedly; such things|| When you have so done, say, Notwithstanding, be as they give-Neither suspect your being welcome, ye sure of this-And remember it in the midst of all nor be afraid of being troublesome; for the labour- the calamities which are to befall you; that the er-In the work of the ministry, if he be indeed a || kingdom of God is come nigh unto you―That merlabourer; is worthy of his hire-It is not an act of cy and salvation, present and eternal, the kingdom charity, but of justice, in them who are taught in of grace and the kingdom of glory, have been offerthe Word, to communicate to them that teach: and || ed you, though you will not receive them. But I whatever kindness they show you, it is but a small say unto you, it shall be more tolerable, &c.—To return for the kindness you do them in bringing || make the seventy the more earnest in preaching the them the glad tidings of peace. Go not from house || gospel, that so, if possible, the people might be preto house-Be content with whatever fare you meet vailed upon to believe and obey it, he proceeds to with; and never create any unnecessary trouble in declare the terrible punishment about to come upon the family where you are, nor quit your lodgings to those who should reject it. See on Matt. x. 15. || || 16 "He that heareth you, heareth A. M. 4036. me; and he that despiseth you, despiseth me; and he that despiseth me, despiseth him that sent me. 17 ¶ And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. a 18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. b 19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the " Matt. x. 40; Mark ix. 37; John xiii. 20.- 1 Thess. iv. 8.- -y John v. 23.-z Verse 1.-a John xii. 31 -a John xii. 31; xvi. 11; Rev. ix. 1; xii. 8, 9.————b Mark xvi. 18; Acts xxviii. 5. Verse 13. Wo unto thee, Chorazin, &c.-"Having || you, doth, in effect, despise me, and shall be reckmentioned the punishment of those cities which oned with as having put an affront upon me: nay, should reject his ministers, it naturally brought to he despiseth him that sent me. Observe, reader, his mind the sad state and punishment of the cities those that contemn the Christian religion, do, in efwhere he himself had preached most frequently, fect, put a slight upon natural religion, of which it namely, Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum. For, is perfective. And they who despise the faithful notwithstanding he had often resided in those cities, ministers of Christ, they who, though they do not and performed many miracles before the inhabit- || hate and persecute them, yet think meanly of them, ants of them, they had continued impenitent. look on them with scorn, and neglect to attend Wherefore, because he was never to preach to them their ministry, will be reckoned with as despisers any more, and because he knew how great their of God and of Christ. punishment would be, in the overflowing tenderness Verses 17-20. And the seventy returned-The of his soul he affectionately lamented their obstina-seventy disciples, having gone through the several cy, which he foresaw would draw down on them || parts of the country appointed them, returned and the heaviest judgments. The same declaration || told their Master with great joy what they had done, Christ had made some time before. By repeating it now he warns the seventy not to lose time by going to those cities. At the same time, this part of his discourse was well calculated to comfort these disciples, now sent out, under the ill usage they might meet with; the preaching of Christ himself had often been unacceptable and unsuccessful, with respect to many of his hearers, and therefore it was not much to be wondered at if theirs should prove so likewise." Considering the affectionate temper of our Lord, it is no wonder that he should renew his lamentation over those unhappy places where he had so intimately conversed; and that he should do it in such words as these, so well calculated to alarm and impress all that should hear or read them. O! that they might now have their due weight with those who might pass them over too slightly, when they occurred before in Matt. xi. 20-24. O! that every impenitent creature who reads them might know that the sentence of his own condemnation is now before his eyes! See Macknight and Doddridge, and the notes on Matt. xi. 20-24. Verse 16. He that heareth you-Here our Lord declares the general rule which he would observe, with regard to those to whom he sent, or should send his ministers; that he would reckon himself treated as they treated his servants. Indeed, what is done to the ambassador is generally considered as done || to the prince that sends him. 1st, He that heareth you, and regards what you say, heareth me, and therein doth me honour: but, 2d, He that despiseth | saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name-We have not only cured diseases, according to the power thou wast pleased to give us, but, though thy commission did not directly express so much, yet even the devils themselves have been compelled to obey us, when in thy name we commanded them to go out of the persons whom they had possessed. From the manner in which they speak of this latter exertion of their power, it would appear to have been what they did not expect when they set out. For though Jesus had given them power to heal diseases, he had said nothing of their casting out devils. And he said, I beheld Satan as lightning-"I myself saw Satan, the great prince of the demons, falling like lightning from heaven, on his first transgression, and well remember how immediate and dreadful his ruin was: and I foresee, in spirit, that renewed, swift, and irresistible victory, of which this present success of yours is an earnest, and which the preaching of the gospel shall shortly gain over all these rebel powers, that, even in their highest strength and glory, were so incapable of opposing the arm of God." Thus Doddridge, who adds, "I think this answer to the seventy loses much of its beauty and propriety, unless we suppose Satan to have been the prince of the demons they spoke of, and also allow a reference to the first fall of that rebellious spirit." To be exalted unto heaven, signifies to be raised unto great power and privileges, and particularly to sovereign dominion. To fall from heaven, therefore, may signify to lose Jesus thanks the Father for the A. D. 32. A. D. 32. A. M. 4036. power of the enemy: and nothing || Father: and 'no man knoweth who A. M. 4036. shall by any means hurt you. the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him. с 20 Notwithstanding, in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. 21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight. 1 22 e All1 things are delivered to me of my them. || 1 Many ancient copies add these words, and turning to his disciples, he said. Jn. i.18; vi. 44, 46.—5 Mat. xiii.16.- Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity, gospel, verse 23 to verse 38.-h 1 Pet. i. 10. man. one's dominion and pre-eminency. The devils, by the ed them unto babes-To persons illiterate, and of idolatry of the Gentiles and wickedness of the Jews, || comparatively weak understanding, but are wise as had been exalted into heaven, and had ruled man- to the things of God. He rejoiced not in the state kind în opposition to the dominion of God; by the of ignorance and darkness, in which the wise and preaching of the gospel their power was to be destroy- prudent were left, as a punishment of their self-coned in every country. As Christ foreknew this, so he fidence and pride, and in their consequent destruchere foretelsit. Behold, I give unto you power, &c.— tion, but in the display of the riches of God's grace To prove that he had thrown down Satan from his to others, in such a manner as reserves to him the exaltation, and that his power should, in the end, be || entire glory of our salvation, and hides pride from totally Zestroyed; and to increase their joy, and renAll things are delivered to me of my Father der them more fit for their work, he here enlarges their -He repeats the declaration of his own extensive powers. To tread on serpents, is a proverbial expres- authority, which he had testified before. See notes sion, which signifies victory over enemies; according-on Matt. xi. 25-27. And no man knoweth who the ly, it is added, and over all the power of the enemy; || Son is-Essentially one with the Father; but the and nothing shall by any means hurt you-See note on Father-Who sent him, and who only knows his Mark xvi. 18; and Acts xxviii. 5; and Psa. xci. 13. || dignity and the mystery of his person. And who Notwithstanding, in this rejoice not—Rejoice not so the Father is-How great, how wise, how good; much in this, that the spirits, namely, evil spirits, || but the Son-His essential wisdom and word. And are subject unto you, and that you are enabled mi- || he to whom the Son will reveal him-In pursuance raculously to control and cast them out of those of one very important design of his coming, which possessed by them, and that you can perform other was to declare the Father, and communicate the miracles, because this is but a temporary endowment || saving knowledge of him to all truly willing and deand pre-eminence, sometimes granted to wicked sirous to receive it. And he turned to his disciples, men, whom it in no wise qualifies for heaven; but and said privately, &c.—It appears, that when the rather rejoice that your names are written in hea- seventy disciples returned, Jesus was surrounded ven-That you stand enrolled among the heirs of with a great multitude of people; therefore after he future glory and felicity, as the peculiar objects of had spoken publicly as above related, to the seventy, the divine favour and love. This and similar pas- he turned himself to all his disciples, and uttered sages seem to be allusions to the enrolment of citi- what follows privately, so as not to be heard by the zens' names in registers, by which their right to the people in general. Blessed are the eyes which see privileges of citizenship was acknowledged by the || the things which ye see, &c.—The happiness here community. See notes on Exod. xxxii. 32; Dan.|| praised was enjoyed by the seventy, as well as by xii. 1; and compare Phil. iv. 3; Rev. iii. 5. the twelve, and consequently it was as fit that they should be made sensible of its greatness, as that the twelve should understand it. Besides, this declaration, as well as what was spoken more publicly, was designed to moderate the joy which the seventy had conceived, on finding the devils subject to them. The subjection of the devils to their command was not so great a happiness as their being allowed to hear Christ's sermons, and to see his miracles. These things show, that what our Lord said privately to his disciples, was said to the seventy as well as to || Verses 21-24. In that hour Jesus rejoiced-On || this occasion Jesus, meditating on the unspeakable wisdom and goodness of the divine dispensations to mankind, felt extraordinary emotions of joy. And said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth-In both of which thy kingdom stands, and that of Satan is to be destroyed; that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent-Hast suffered them to be hid from those that are wise and prudent in their own eyes, or who really are so with respect to the things of this world; and hast reveal- || the twelve. Jesus teaches a lawyer how A. M. 4036. A. D. 32. 25 And behold, a certain lawyer || 28 And he said unto him, 'Thou A. M. 4036. i Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? n 29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? 30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. m Lev. xviii. 5; Neh. ix. 29; Ezek. xx. 11, 13, 21; Rom. x. 5. n Chap. xvi. 15. Verses 25-28. And behold, a certain lawyer-A | tain a deep and weighty truth. He, and he alone, doctor of the law; stood up and tempted him- || shall live for ever, who thus loves God and his Greek, εкжειpašwv avrov, trying him. It seems this || neighbour in the present life. lawyer was one of the multitude which attended Verses 29-32. But he, willing to justify himself— Jesus when the seventy returned, and having lis- That is, to show he had done this, and was blametened to what he said to his disciples in private, || less, even with respect to the duties which are least concerning their enjoying a happiness which many liable to be counterfeited, namely, the social and prophets and kings had desired in vain to obtain, || relative duties, asked him what was the meaning namely, the happiness of seeing his miracles, and and extent of the word neighbour in the law? It of hearing his sermons, thought he would make seems, being strongly tinctured with the prejudices trial of that great wisdom which some said he pos- || of his nation, he reckoned none brethren but Israelsessed, by proposing to him one of the most import- ||ites; or neighbours, but proselytes; and expected ant questions which it is possible for the human that Jesus would confirm his opinion, by approving mind to examine, namely, What a man must do to of it. For, according to this interpretation, he inherit eternal life. For, that this learned doctor thought himself innocent, although enemies and asked the question, not from a sincere desire to heathen had no share of his love, since the precept know his own duty, but merely to try our Lord's enjoined the love of neighbours only. And Jesus knowledge, is evident from the text, which informs answering said, A certain man, &c.—Our Lord, us, that he did it tempting, or trying him, expect- who well knew how to convince and persuade, aning, perhaps, that, on this head he would teach dif- || swered him in such a manner as to make the feelferently from Moses. He said unto him, What is ||ings of his heart overcome the prejudices of his written in the law?—Jesus, alluding to his profes- || understanding. He convinced him of his mistake sion, made answer by inquiring of him what the by a parable, an ancient, agreeable, and inoffensive law taught on that point. And he, answering out || method of conveying instruction, very fit to be of Deut. vi. 5, said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy || used in teaching persons who are greatly prejuGod with all thy heart, &c.—That is, Thou shalt || diced against the truth. For, as to the scope of unite all the faculties of thy soul to render him the the passage, every body perceives, that it is the inmost intelligent and sincere, the most affectionate | tention of it to confound those malignant Jewish and resolute service. We may safely rest in this prejudices, which made them confine their charity to general sense of these important words, if we are those of their own nation and religion. Nor could not able to fix the particular meaning of every sin- || any thing be better adapted for the purpose than gle word. If we desire to do this, perhaps the this story, which, as it is universally understood, heart, which is a general expression, may be ex-exhibits a Samaritan overlooking all national and plained by the three following; With all thy soul—|| religious differences, and doing offices of kindness With the warmest affection; with all thy strength || and humanity to a Jew in distress. By this means -The most vigorous efforts of thy will; and with the narrow-minded Pharisee, who put the question, all thy mind—Or understanding, in the most wise is surprised into a conviction that there is something and reasonable manner thou canst, thy understand- || amiable, and even divine, in surmounting all partial ing guiding thy will and affections. And thy neigh- || considerations, and listening to the voice of nature, bour as thyself-See on Mark xii. 30, 31. And he which is the voice of God, in giving relief to the said, Thou hast answered right-Jesus approved unhappy."-Campbell. Went down from Jerusa of his answer, and allowed, that to love God as the lem to Jericho-Jericho was situated in a valley law enjoined is the means of obtaining eternal life, || hence the phrase of going down to it: and as the because it never fails to produce obedience to all road to it from Jerusalem (about egihteen miles) lay the divine revelations and commands, consequently || through desert and rocky places, so many robberies even to the gospel, which he was then preaching. and murders were committed therein, that it was Observe well, therefore, reader, our Lord's words || called, according to Jerome, the bloody way. This are not spoken ironically, but seriously; and con- circumstance of the parable, therefore, is finely |