Luke 10:1
After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.
Luke 10:1 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, the Lord appoints seventy more disciples to go out and prepare the way for his arrival. By sending them out two by two, he is emphasizing the importance of partnership and camaraderie in ministry. This strategy not only provides support and encouragement for the disciples as they journey to different cities and places, but also serves as a practical measure for safety and accountability. The Lord's decision to send these disciples ahead of him shows his intentionality and purposefulness in his ministry. By preparing the way and spreading the message of his coming, the seventy disciples play a vital role in the fulfillment of his mission. This verse highlights the idea of teamwork, preparation, and cooperation in furthering the Kingdom of God and serves as an example for believers today in the importance of working together and being intentional in spreading the message of hope and salvation.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the Lord appoints seventy individuals to go before Him into every city and place that He plans to visit. This act of sending out the seventy associates two by two symbolizes the importance of companionship and teamwork in ministry. The number seventy in the Bible often represents completeness and fullness, signifying that this mission was comprehensive and all-encompassing. By sending them ahead, the Lord demonstrates his purposeful approach and careful planning. The idea of being sent "before his face" highlights the notion that they are acting as representatives of the Lord, preparing the way for His arrival. This passage also emphasizes the importance of preparation and spreading the message of the Lord to various places. Through a theological interpretation, we can see this verse as a call to proactive evangelism and a reminder that we are all called to be ambassadors for Christ, spreading His message wherever we go.
Luke 10:1 in other translations
American Standard Version
Now after these things the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself was about to come.
World English Bible
Now after these things, the Lord also appointed seventy others, and sent them two by two ahead of him into every city and place, where he was about to come.
Douay-Rheims
And after these things, the Lord appointed also other seventy-two. And he sent them two and two before his face into every city and place whither he himself was to come.
Geneva Bible (1599)
After these thinges, the Lord appointed other seuentie also, and sent them, two and two before him into euery citie and place, whither he himselfe should come.