Sending Out the Seventy-Two

10 After this, the Lord appointed seventy-two[a] others, and he sent them ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself was about to go. He told them,(A) “The harvest(B) is abundant, but the workers(C) are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest.(D) Now go; I’m sending you out like lambs among wolves.(E) Don’t carry a money-bag,(F) traveling bag,(G) or sandals; (H) don’t greet anyone along the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace(I) to this household.’ If a person of peace is there, your peace(J) will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they offer, for the worker is worthy of his wages.(K) Don’t move from house to house. When you enter any town, and they welcome you, eat the things set before you.(L) Heal the sick(M) who are there, and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God(N) has come near(O) you.’ 10 When you enter any town, and they don’t welcome you, go out into its streets and say, 11 ‘We are wiping off even the dust of your town that clings to our feet as a witness against you.(P) Know this for certain: The kingdom of God has come near.’ 12 I tell you, on that day(Q) it will be more tolerable for Sodom(R) than for that town.(S)

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Footnotes

  1. 10:1 Other mss read seventy

Jesus Sends Out His Disciples

10 The Lord now chose seventy-two[a] other disciples and sent them ahead in pairs to all the towns and places he planned to visit. These were his instructions to them: “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields. Now go, and remember that I am sending you out as lambs among wolves. Don’t take any money with you, nor a traveler’s bag, nor an extra pair of sandals. And don’t stop to greet anyone on the road.

“Whenever you enter someone’s home, first say, ‘May God’s peace be on this house.’ If those who live there are peaceful, the blessing will stand; if they are not, the blessing will return to you. Don’t move around from home to home. Stay in one place, eating and drinking what they provide. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve their pay.

“If you enter a town and it welcomes you, eat whatever is set before you. Heal the sick, and tell them, ‘The Kingdom of God is near you now.’ 10 But if a town refuses to welcome you, go out into its streets and say, 11 ‘We wipe even the dust of your town from our feet to show that we have abandoned you to your fate. And know this—the Kingdom of God is near!’ 12 I assure you, even wicked Sodom will be better off than such a town on judgment day.

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Footnotes

  1. 10:1 Some manuscripts read seventy; also in 10:17.