ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Luke 10

Luke 10:1 seventy-two. Many very old and reliable Greek manuscripts have “seventy-two” here and in v. 17, while many other old and reliable manuscripts have “seventy.” In any case, the number probably represents all the nations in the world (compare Genesis 10). Sending them out two by two fulfills the OT requirement for two witnesses (Deut. 19:15).

Luke 10:3 I am sending you. Although only the Twelve are named “apostles” (6:13; 9:10; 22:14; Acts 1:26), others are also “sent ones.” as lambs in the midst of wolves. Jesus warns them of the dangers they face.

Luke 10:4 No sandals probably means not to take an extra pair, since Jesus is telling them what they should not carry. They are to greet no one. Such greetings were lengthy and time-consuming (see 2 Kings 4:29).

Luke 10:5 Peace. See note on John 14:27.

Luke 10:6 son of peace. One who has found the peace that comes with salvation. it will return to you. If faith is not present, the blessing will be useless.

Luke 10:7 for the laborer deserves his wages. Paul alludes to this saying in 1 Cor. 9:14 and quotes it as “Scripture” in 1 Tim. 5:18.

Luke 10:9 Heal the sick assumes the same power and authority as in 9:1 (compare 10:19). The kingdom of God has come refers to his reign in people’s hearts, not to geographical territory. See 9:2; 11:20; 16:16; 17:21. The “kingdom of God” in this present age is precisely the rule and reign of God in people’s hearts and lives.

Luke 10:10 go into its streets. The symbolic act of judgment against a town will be visible and public (compare 9:5).

Luke 10:11 the dust of your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you. A sign of judgment on those rejecting the gospel (compare Acts 13:51).

Luke 10:12 more bearable on that day. Greater understanding of God’s revelation means greater responsibility.

Luke 10:13–14 Tyre and Sidon. On these cities, see notes on Matt. 11:20–24; Mark 7:24. sitting in sackcloth and ashes. An expression of mourning and repentance. “Sackcloth” is rough cloth made from goat’s hair; “ashes” were either placed on the head (2 Sam. 13:19) or sat upon (Job 2:8; Jonah 3:6).

Luke 10:15 Capernaum will receive the severest judgment because they witnessed Jesus’ ministry and miracles to such a great extent (4:23; 7:1–10) yet rejected him. brought down to Hades. The place of the unrighteous dead (16:22–26).

Luke 10:16 The one who hears you hears me emphasizes the unity of Jesus and his disciples.

Luke 10:18 I saw Satan fall. It is not clear whether Jesus is speaking of a vision by which he saw something in the spiritual realm or if this is simply a declaration of what has been happening. In either case, Satan’s authority and power over people has been broken.

Luke 10:19 Serpents and scorpions are physical dangers that the disciples will face in their preaching, and also symbols of demonic opposition. nothing shall hurt you. See 21:18; Acts 28:3–5.

Luke 10:20 your names are written in heaven. Compare Phil. 4:3; Rev. 3:5; 20:15.

Luke 10:21 rejoiced in the Holy Spirit. See 3:22; 4:1; 18. Father. See note on Matt. 6:9. Lord of heaven and earth. Compare Acts 17:24. Jesus’ rejoicing is due primarily to God’s having revealed (Luke 10:22) the presence of the kingdom and Satan’s fall (vv. 17–18) to little children, that is, to the disciples, who have childlike faith (v. 23). wise and understanding. Wise in the world’s eyes but unwilling to accept the gospel. Compare 1 Cor. 1:19.

Luke 10:22 All things . . . handed over to me. See note on Matt. 11:27. anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Compare John 14:6; Acts 4:12.

Luke 10:25–37 The parable of the good Samaritan is an example of how the “wise and understanding” (v. 21) do not understand even the simplest commands of Scripture (compare v. 27 with Lev. 19:18).

Luke 10:25 what shall I do? Compare 18:18; Acts 16:30. eternal life. Compare Luke 18:18, 30; see note on John 3:16.

Luke 10:26 What is written in the Law? For Jesus, the OT is the standard of faith and practice (compare 18:19–20).

Luke 10:27 Matthew, Mark, and Luke all include the words heart (emotions, will, and deepest convictions), soul (the immaterial part of a person’s being), and mind (reason; this term is lacking in Deut. 6:5). Matthew (22:37) alone lacks the term strength.

Luke 10:28 do this, and you will live. Jesus is about to show the lawyer that he falls far short of following these commands (see note on Mark 10:19).

Luke 10:29 who is my neighbor? A deceitful question, because the lawyer was trying to eliminate responsibility for others by making some people “non-neighbors” (see note on v. 36).

Luke 10:30 Jericho. See note on Matt. 20:29. The Jericho road, still visible today, included long stretches of rocky terrain that made it convenient for robbers. The road descended (down) about 3,200 feet (975 m) in the 18 miles (29 km) from Jerusalem to Jericho.

Luke 10:31 passed by on the other side. A good picture of the priest’s unwillingness to love his neighbor.

Luke 10:32 Levite. A member of the tribe of Levi. The Levites assisted the priests.

Luke 10:33 It would have been unthinkable for a Samaritan to help a Jew (see John 4:9; 8:48; see note on John 4:4). Loving one’s neighbor involves showing care and compassion even to those with whom one would not normally have any relationship, but who are now in need (compare Luke 6:27, 35).

Luke 10:34–35 two denarii. The equivalent of two days’ wages.

Luke 10:36 Which of these . . . proved to be a neighbor? Jesus’ question corrects the lawyer’s deceitful question (v. 29). The question is not “who is my neighbor?” but “how can I be a neighbor?”

Luke 10:38–42 village. Bethany (see John 12:1; see note on John 11:1). who sat at the Lord’s feet. A disciple’s proper place (compare Luke 8:35; Acts 22:3); unlike some in his culture, Jesus encouraged women to study the Scriptures. you are anxious . . . about many things. See Luke 8:14; 12:11; 22–30; 21:34. Mary has chosen the good portion echoes OT passages where close fellowship with the Lord is one’s “portion” in life (see Ps. 16:5; 73:26; 142:5). Mary has chosen this, and it will not be taken away from her—neither now (to help Martha in the kitchen) nor for all eternity.