Matthew 10:11-13
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The instruction to "find out who is worthy" wasn't just about finding a hospitable person; it was a practical strategy to ensure the disciples' message and reputation weren't immediately undermined by staying with someone ill-reputed or insincere. This focus on finding a worthy, receptive individual and staying put was key to maintaining their effectiveness and avoiding even the appearance of fickleness or self-interest.
And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart. As you enter the house, greet it. And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is sending his disciples out on a specific mission, instructing them to travel light and rely on God and the hospitality of others for their needs. As they enter towns, they are to find a worthy person to host them and stay with them until they leave, avoiding the appearance of being fussy or greedy by moving from house to house. This practical instruction sets the stage for how they are to conduct themselves and how their message will be received or rejected.
When Jesus sent his disciples out, he didn't want them to just land anywhere. There was a specific kind of person they were looking for.
Jesus instructs the disciples to "find out who is worthy" in each town. This wasn't about finding the richest or most influential person. The commentators suggest it meant finding someone hospitable, someone with a good reputation, and someone open to receiving the message. This demonstrates Jesus' concern for his messengers, ensuring they were in safe and receptive environments. It also highlights that the gospel message itself is precious, and should be presented to those who are prepared to receive it, like a valuable gift offered to someone who will appreciate it.
The command to 'stay there until you depart' might seem simple, but it carried significant weight for the disciples' mission and reputation.
Jesus' directive to 'stay there' meant settling into one household for the duration of their stay. This wasn't just about practical convenience; it was about maintaining dignity and focus.
Guarding Reputation
Moving from house to house could make them appear fickle, dissatisfied, or even like idlers looking for better entertainment. Staying put presented them as serious messengers with important work, not as vagrants.
Focusing on the Mission
This practice also prevented them from being sidetracked by the comforts or demands of different hosts. Their energy was to be fully dedicated to their mission of preaching, not navigating social niceties or seeking personal gain. It underscored that their purpose was divine, not driven by worldly considerations.
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Understand the original words
axios · Greek Adjective
Refers to moral character or fitness; in this context, those whose character aligns with the message of the kingdom and who show receptivity to the gospel.
eirēnē · Greek Noun
The Hebrew concept of 'shalom' (peace) represents wholeness, well-being, harmony, and prosperity in a relational and spiritual sense. In the New Testament, it includes the peace with God brought through Christ.
This instruction was practical advice for the disciples' immediate mission, emphasizing prudence and reliance on God's provision within the cultural norms of their time, rather than a universal rule for all ministers across history.
c. AD 28— this verse
Jesus commissions the Twelve Apostles
Jesus sends out his twelve closest disciples on a specific mission to preach the coming of the Kingdom of God in Israel.
Early 1st century AD
Jewish customs of hospitality
Jewish culture placed a high value on hospitality, especially towards traveling teachers and religious figures, making it customary to host and support them.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' ministry in Galilee
The instructions in Matthew 10 were given during Jesus' public ministry, a time of intense activity and growing crowds, but also increasing opposition.
c. AD 40-50
Early spread of the Gospel
Following Jesus' ascension, the apostles and early believers began to actively spread the message of Jesus throughout Judea and beyond.
c. AD 100-120
The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles written
This early Christian document provides practical instructions for traveling teachers and apostles, echoing some of the commands found in Matthew 10.
This passage directly parallels the instruction to 'stay there until you depart' by commanding the seventy to 'remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages.' It emphasizes consistency and avoiding the appearance of opportunism.
1 Timothy 5:18This verse echoes the principle that 'the laborer deserves his wages,' which is the underlying reason for finding a worthy host. It connects the laborer's worthiness to their sustenance, affirming the disciples' right to support.
Acts 16:14-15This account shows Lydia, a 'worshipful woman' who 'urged us to stay at her home,' opening her house to Paul and his companions, illustrating the practical outcome of finding a 'worthy' person as instructed in Matthew 10:11.
1 Corinthians 9:11Paul argues for the right of apostles to receive support, stating, 'If others share this rightful claim on you, should not we have been even more so?' This reinforces the idea that those who share spiritual things have a right to material support from those who receive them.
Matthew 10:12-13Immediately following the instruction to find a worthy host, Jesus commands the disciples to 'greet the house,' and if it is worthy, let their peace rest upon it. This shows the spiritual dimension of finding a worthy home – it's about where God's peace can dwell.
bensonMatthew 10:11: "And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, inquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence."
Matthew 10:11-13 . Into whatsoever city, &c., ye shall enter, inquire who is worthy — That you should abide with him, that is, who is of a good character, and disposed to receive the gospel. And there abide — In that house, till ye leave the town. It is of much consequence that a preacher of the gospel should not endanger his reputation, by taking up his lodging in a…
barnesMatthew 10:11: "And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, inquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence."
Who in it is worthy - That is, who in it sustains such a character that he will be disposed to show you hospitality and to treat you kindly. This shows that they were not needlessly to throw themselves in the way of insult. And there abide - There remain; as Luke adds, "Go not from house to house." They were to content themselves with one house; not to wander about i…
The instruction to "find out who is worthy" wasn't just about finding a hospitable person; it was a practical strategy to ensure the disciples' message and reputation weren't immediately undermined by staying with someone ill-reputed or insincere. This focus on finding a worthy, receptive individual and staying put was key to maintaining their effectiveness and avoiding even the appearance of fickleness or self-interest.
Jesus is sending his disciples out on a specific mission, instructing them to travel light and rely on God and the hospitality of others for their needs. As they enter towns, they are to find a worthy person to host them and stay with them until they leave, avoiding the appearance of being fussy or greedy by moving from house to house. This practical instruction sets the stage for how they are to conduct themselves and how their message will be received or rejected.
Jesus is sending his disciples out on a specific mission, instructing them to travel light and rely on God and the hospitality of others for their needs. As they enter towns, they are to find a worthy person to host them and stay with them until they leave, avoiding the appearance of being fussy or greedy by moving from house to house. This practical instruction sets the stage for how they are to conduct themselves and how their message will be received or rejected.
"And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart. As you enter the house, greet it. And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return…" — The instruction to "find out who is worthy" wasn't just about finding a hospitable person; it was a practical strategy to ensure the disciples' message and reputation weren't immediately undermined b…
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Last reviewed October 2026
