Luke 10:5
Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Luke 10:5
Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The instruction to "first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’" isn't just a polite greeting; it's a declaration of God's kingdom arriving. This wasn't just wishing someone well, but invoking a tangible blessing for salvation and well-being that would either settle upon the household or return to the sender if rejected.
Jesus has just commissioned seventy additional disciples, sending them out in pairs ahead of him into every town and place he planned to visit. He instructs them that the harvest of people ready to hear is great, but the workers are few, so they must pray for more laborers and go with urgency, like lambs among wolves. This verse is part of their marching orders, highlighting how they are to enter homes and begin their ministry with a specific blessing of peace.
Jesus instructs his disciples to say 'Peace be to this house' before anything else. What makes this particular phrase so significant?
When Jesus sent out the seventy, their mission wasn't just about delivering a message; it was about embodying a blessing. The common Jewish greeting, 'Peace,' was elevated here into a powerful spiritual declaration.
The Meaning of Peace
'Peace' in this context (often the Hebrew concept of 'shalom') isn't just the absence of conflict. It signifies wholeness, well-being, prosperity, and the presence of God's favor. It's a comprehensive blessing for the entire household.
A Spiritual Seeding
By commanding them to declare peace first, Jesus emphasized the spiritual nature of their mission. They were to sow seeds of God's blessing and kingdom before any other instruction or action. It was an act of faith, trusting that God's peace would prepare hearts to receive His message.
Why did Jesus emphasize this initial declaration of peace, especially before confronting or teaching about the Kingdom?
Jesus was strategic. He sent his messengers out 'as lambs among wolves,' knowing they would face challenges. This initial blessing served multiple purposes:
Prayer Before Proclamation
As commentators note, the messenger of God should begin by praying for salvation. Declaring 'Peace be to this house' is a prayer for the well-being and receptiveness of those within. It’s about invoking God’s favor before demanding attention or delivering difficult truths.
Preparing the Ground
This declaration acts like tilling the soil. It's an act of love and blessing that seeks to create an atmosphere where the message of the Kingdom of God can be received. If the household is receptive ('a son of peace'), this blessing can truly 'rest upon it.' If not, the blessing returns to the sender, signifying a faithful discharge of duty.
Understand the original words
eirēnē · Greek Noun
A Hebrew concept (Shalom) extending beyond mere absence of conflict; it represents wholeness, prosperity, harmony, and well-being in a right relationship with God.
This passage shows that 'peace' was a standard, but also significant, greeting in ancient Israel, indicating a desire for safety and well-being upon entering someone's home.
1 Kings 4:29This verse describes Solomon's great wisdom, which included understanding and insight into the needs of people, paralleling how Jesus equipped his disciples with specific instructions for their mission.
Matthew 10:12This passage contains Jesus' identical instruction to his disciples, highlighting the importance of bringing peace as they entered homes when proclaiming the kingdom.
Acts 10:36This verse emphasizes that Jesus came proclaiming peace through him, showing the ultimate fulfillment of the 'peace' the disciples were sent to bring.
2 Corinthians 5:20This verse calls believers ambassadors for Christ, just as the seventy were sent as messengers, urging them to be reconciled to God and extend that message of peace.
vincentLuke 10:5: "And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house."
Peace to this houseThe usual oriental salutation. See Judges 19:20.
clarkeLuke 10:5: "And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house."
Peace be to this house - See on Matthew 10:12 (note).
The instruction to "first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’" isn't just a polite greeting; it's a declaration of God's kingdom arriving. This wasn't just wishing someone well, but invoking a tangible blessing for salvation and well-being that would either settle upon the household or return to the sender if rejected.
Jesus has just commissioned seventy additional disciples, sending them out in pairs ahead of him into every town and place he planned to visit. He instructs them that the harvest of people ready to hear is great, but the workers are few, so they must pray for more laborers and go with urgency, like lambs among wolves. This verse is part of their marching orders, highlighting how they are to enter homes and begin their ministry with a specific blessing of peace.
Jesus has just commissioned seventy additional disciples, sending them out in pairs ahead of him into every town and place he planned to visit. He instructs them that the harvest of people ready to hear is great, but the workers are few, so they must pray for more laborers and go with urgency, like lambs among wolves. This verse is part of their marching orders, highlighting how they are to enter homes and begin their ministry with a specific blessing of peace.
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"Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’" — The instruction to "first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’" isn't just a polite greeting; it's a declaration of God's kingdom arriving. This wasn't just wishing someone well, but invoking a tangible bl…