Gospel Discipleship: Notes on Luke 10:1-10

Luke 10:1-10

After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest. Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, “Peace to this house!” And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the labourer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; cure the sick who are there, and say to them, “The kingdom of God has come near to you.” But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.”

                          

NOTES: FROM WEBSITE “CROSSROADS” BY BRIAN STOFFREGAN

Just prior to sending out these "apostles" (the related verb apostello is used in vv. 1, 3, & 16), James and John indicate their inadequacies by wanting to call down fire to destroy the Samaritans and three "would-be" followers indicate their unwillingness to leave all to follow Jesus. Yet, in spite of these shortcomings among his followers, Jesus sends them out.

A word distinction that might be worth mentioning: Sometimes we are "disciples," that is, "learners." Sometimes we are "apostles," that is, "sent out ones."

How many were sent out? The manuscript evidence is about equal between 70 or 72. There are possibly two symbolic functions that either number fulfills. According to a couple of commentaries, there are 70 different nations listed in Genesis 10 in the Hebrew text. (I didn't bother to count all the names of the descendants of Noah.) However, according to the same sources, there are 72 nations listed in the LXX version. (I didn't count them, either.) One symbolic function is that they represent all the nations of the world.
In Numbers 11:16-25, Moses gathers 70 elders who will be given a share of his spirit so that they might bear the burden of the people. Two additional men, Eldad and Medad, who did not go out with the original 70 also receive the Spirit (Num 11:26-30). Another symbolic function is that they represent the sharing of Jesus' Spirit and his ministry. The Spirit-filled ministry of the disciples to the entire world is an emphasis of Luke/Acts.
CHRISTENDOM MODEL OF CHRISTIANITY= post-Constantine (313 C.E.)= the church is an institution wherein religious professionals provide a means of future salvation to its members. “Professional ministers caring for members of an organization.” Those who were interested in “discipleship” became monks or nuns.

GOSPEL DISCIPLESHIP= a community of apprentices sent out by Christ with spiritual authority to continue his mission. 
POST-CHRISTENDOM CHURCH= Called by the gospel and forced by circumstances to reclaim the apostolic/gospel model.