Bible Commentaries
Luke 10

Verses 1-42

THE TWELVE AND THE SEVENTY

The events of chapter 9 with a single exception, were dealt with in either Matthew or Mark. Luke, however, adds items of flesh interest to some of them which the student can easily discover by comparison.

Chapter 10 has three subjects original with Luke: (1) the sending forth of the seventy (Luke 10:1-24 ); (2) the lawyers question and its answer (Luke 10:25-37 ); and (3) the story of Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42 ).

The sending forth of the seventy fits into the purpose of his gospel to reach the Gentiles. The twelve apostles were sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, but these went into every city and place whither He himself would come. In most other respects the charge to the seventy was like that to the twelve. When they returned and reported the subjection of demons unto them (Luke 10:17 ) our Lord’s reply was an earnest of complete victory over all the power of the enemy. They had spoken of demons but He speaks of Satan (Luke 10:18 ), and the downfall of the one presaged that of the other. It is instructive that our Lord defines demons as being in nature spirits (Luke 10:20 ). Nor let the story pass without noting His prayer in Luke 10:21 , which occurs in Matthew in another place (Matthew 11:25-27 ). Stuart believes Luke has correctly located it because of the words “In that hour,” for otherwise we would not have understood the full significance of the passage.

The lawyer’s question (Luke 10:25-37 ) suggests Matthew 22:34-40 and Mark 12:28-34 , and yet it is a different occasion. Certainly our Lord’s reply including the story of the good Samaritan is original with Luke and peculiarly suited to the Gentiles for whom he wrote. The Jewish priest and levite passed by the wounded man, but the Gentile Samaritan befriended him. The lesson taught is that anyone in need is our neighbor, without reference to his nationality, religion or character.

We linger a moment at the story of Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42 ), to speak of a unique reason for its position here, suggested by Stuart. The lawyer in the preceding incident had not gotten eternal life, and the question is how could any man obtain it? The answer is given in the attitude and occupation of Mary as distinguished from Martha. To sit at Jesus’ feet, and hear His word is the way of blessing.

QUESTIONS

1. What is the title of this lesson, and why?

2. What three utterances about the transfiguration are original with Luke?

3. Name the three events of chapter 10.

4. How does the record of sending forth the seventy fit into the purpose of this Gospel?

5. What are demons?

6. Have you compared Matthew 11:25-27 ?

7. How is the story of the good Samaritan fitted to this Gospel?

8. What is the great lesson of that story?

9. What is the way to find eternal life?