10:1 seventy-two others. This mission is found only in Luke, but the instructions are similar to some of those given earlier to the Twelve (9:1–6; Matt. 10:5–15; Mark 6:7–13). The Greek manuscripts are divided between 70 and 72 as the number sent out (see text note), and there is no way of being sure which is original. Both represent the number of the nations of the world in Gen. 10 (the Hebrew text has 70 names, the Greek has 72).

two by two. Jesus had sent out the Twelve in pairs (Mark 6:7). This gave mutual support and also the testimony of two witnesses (cf. Deut. 17:6).