Luke 10:7
And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The instruction to "remain in the same house" isn't just about practical efficiency; it's a strategic directive to avoid the social entanglements and potential hypocrisy of constant hospitality-seeking, allowing the disciples to focus solely on their urgent spiritual mission. By accepting the hospitality offered and not "going from house to house," they signal a dependence on God's provision through others and maintain a clear, uncompromised message without being sidetracked by the complexities of social obligations.
Jesus is sending out seventy additional disciples, this time in pairs, to go ahead of Him into towns He plans to visit. He instructs them to rely on the hospitality of those they encounter, staying in one place and accepting the food offered, as a worker deserves to be paid for their labor. This approach ensures they remain focused and avoid disrupting communities with constant movement.
When Jesus sent out His disciples, He gave them very specific instructions about where to stay and what to eat. Why such detailed guidance?
Radical Trust in God's Provision
Jesus told the seventy disciples to "remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide." This wasn't just about convenience; it was a profound act of trust. They were to accept the hospitality offered, not seeking out better accommodations or food, and not moving from place to place.
This instruction had a few key purposes:
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Jesus directly links the disciples' provision to their labor. What does this teach us about dignity and value in ministry?
The Dignity of Labor and Ministry
The phrase "for the laborer deserves his wages" is crucial. It establishes a principle of rightful compensation for work done. For the disciples, this meant their basic needs for food and lodging were justly met by the people they served.
This principle has powerful implications:
Why was 'Do not go from house to house' such a strict command? What social and spiritual dynamics were at play?
Maintaining Focus and Avoiding Social Pitfalls
The instruction "Do not go from house to house" might seem simple, but in the cultural context of the ancient Near East, it carried significant weight. Oriental customs often involved elaborate hospitality rituals where a guest might be expected to visit many homes, leading to complex social obligations and potential conflicts.
Dr. Thomson's commentary highlights several reasons for this command:
Understand the original words
ergatēs · Greek Noun
One who works for the sake of the Gospel; the principle that those who minister the word are entitled to material support from those who receive their ministry.
misthos · Greek Noun
The concept of divine compensation or earned reward; in a biblical context, it affirms the right of those serving the kingdom to be supported by the community they serve.
The instruction to 'remain in the same house' was deeply practical, rooted in ancient Near Eastern hospitality customs and the need for missionaries to avoid the social and logistical complexities of moving between homes, allowing them to focus on their message. It also underscored the principle that those who serve deserve to be supported.
c. 6th century BC
Babylonian Exile Begins
The first wave of Judean exiles, including Daniel, were taken to Babylon. This event marked a profound crisis of faith and national identity for the Jewish people, challenging their understanding of God's promises.
538 BC
Return from Exile
Cyrus the Great allowed the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. This marked a period of restoration but also challenges in re-establishing their society and faith.
c. 4th - 1st century BC
Development of Synagogues and Sanhedrin
During and after the exile, synagogues became central to Jewish life. The Sanhedrin, a Jewish high court, developed, initially consisting of around seventy elders.
Late 1st century BC - Early 1st century AD
Roman Rule in Judea
The Roman Republic, and later the Empire, exerted increasing influence and control over Judea. This political reality created tension and expectation for a Messiah.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Ministry Begins
Jesus began his public ministry, gathering disciples and teaching about the Kingdom of God.
c. AD 27-30— this verse
Jesus Sends Out the Seventy-Two
Jesus commissioned and sent out seventy-two disciples, following a similar pattern to his earlier sending of the twelve apostles. He gave them specific instructions for their mission, including how to conduct themselves when entering towns and interacting with people.
This passage contains very similar instructions given to the twelve apostles when Jesus first sent them out, highlighting the importance of relying on hospitality and the principle that workers deserve their pay.
1 Corinthians 9:7Paul directly addresses the principle that those who serve in ministry have the right to be supported by those they serve, echoing the 'laborer deserves his wages' theme.
1 Timothy 5:18Paul quotes the saying 'The laborer deserves his wages' and attributes it to Scripture, showing how this teaching was recognized and passed down as authoritative.
Galatians 6:6This verse connects the idea of generously supporting those who teach and share spiritual truths with the concept of sharing in all good things, reinforcing the idea of reciprocal support.
vincentLuke 10:7: "And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house."
The workman is worthy, etcSee on Matthew 10:10.
pulpitLuke 10:7: "And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house."
Verse 7. - And in the same house remain.... Go not from house to house. Similar instructions were given in the case of the sending out the twelve as missionaries. One house and family were to be selected as the centre of their work (see note on Luke 9:4). Eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire.
The instruction to "remain in the same house" isn't just about practical efficiency; it's a strategic directive to avoid the social entanglements and potential hypocrisy of constant hospitality-seeking, allowing the disciples to focus solely on their urgent spiritual mission. By accepting the hospitality offered and not "going from house to house," they signal a dependence on God's provision through others and maintain a clear, uncompromised message without being sidetracked by the complexities of social obligations.
Jesus is sending out seventy additional disciples, this time in pairs, to go ahead of Him into towns He plans to visit. He instructs them to rely on the hospitality of those they encounter, staying in one place and accepting the food offered, as a worker deserves to be paid for their labor. This approach ensures they remain focused and avoid disrupting communities with constant movement.
Jesus is sending out seventy additional disciples, this time in pairs, to go ahead of Him into towns He plans to visit. He instructs them to rely on the hospitality of those they encounter, staying in one place and accepting the food offered, as a worker deserves to be paid for their labor. This approach ensures they remain focused and avoid disrupting communities with constant movement.
"And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house." — The instruction to "remain in the same house" isn't just about practical efficiency; it's a strategic directive to avoid the social entanglements and potential hypocrisy of constant hospitality-seeki…
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