Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 10:3
Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.
3. as lambs ] ‘as sheep,’ Mat 10:16 (of the Twelve). The slight variation must not be pressed. The impression meant to be conveyed is merely that of simplicity and defencelessness. A tradition, as old as Clemens Romanus, tells us that St Peter had asked (on the previous occasion), ‘But how then if the wolves should tear the lambs?’ and that Jesus replied, ‘Let not the lambs fear the wolves when the lambs are once dead,’ and added the words in Mat 10:28. There is no reason to doubt this interesting tradition, which may rank as one of the most certain of the ‘unwritten sayings’ ( agrapha dogmata) of our Lord.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
See the notes at Mat 10:16.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Luk 10:3
As lambs among wolves
Counsels of prudence
I.
THE NATURE OF PRUDENCE. In general, it is a discerning and employing the most proper means of obtaining those ends, which we propose to ourselves. It is an important branch of prudence to avoid faults. One false step sometimes ruins, or, however, greatly embarrasses and retards a good design. Prudence likewise supposeth the main-raining of innocence and integrity. We may not neglect our duty to avoid danger.
II. THE NECESSITY, GROUNDS, AND REASONS OF PRUDENCE. These are chiefly the wickedness and the weakness of men. Good men, therefore, are obliged to be upon their guard, and make use of some methods of defence and security. Nay, if there were no bad men, yet there would be need of prudent behaviour, because some who have not much reflection or experience are apt to put wrong constructions upon harmless actions. A great part of prudence lies in denying ourselves, so as to keep some way within the limits of virtue.
III. SOME RULES AND DIRECTIONS concerning a prudent conduct, with regard to our words and actions.
1. The first rule of prudence I lay down is this, that we should endeavour to know ourselves. He that knows not himself may undertake designs he is not fit for, and can never accomplish, in which he must, therefore, necessarily meet with disappointment.
2. Endeavour to know other men. It is a point of charity to hope the best of every man, and of prudence to fear the worst.
3. Watch, and embrace opportunities.
4. Advise with those who are able to give you good counsel.
5. Restrain and govern your affections. (T. Lardner.)
A lamb among wolves
One of the most conspicuous instances of moral courage which history affords is the following: The veteran Stilicho had conquered Alaric and his Goths. The Romans invite the hero and his ward–a stupid, cowardly boy, the Emperor Honorius–to gladiatorial games in honour of the victory. The empire has been Christian for a hundred years, yet these infamous and brutalizing shows still continue. They are defended with all sorts of devils sophistry. The games begin; the tall, strong men enter the arena; the tragic cry echoes through the amphitheatre, Ave Caesar, moritari te salutamus! the swords are drawn, and in an instants signal will be bathed in blood. At that very moment down leaps into the arena a rude, ignorant monk. The gladiators shall not fight, he exclaims. Are you going to thank God by shedding innocent blood? A yell of execration rises from these 80,000 spectators. Who is this wretch that dares to set himself up as knowing better than we do? Pelt him! Cut him down! Stones are hurled at him; the gladiators run him through with their swords; he falls dead, and his body is kicked aside, and the games go on, and the people–Christians and all–shout applause. Aye, they go on, and the people shout, for the last time. Their eyes are opened; their sophistry is at an end; the blood of a martyr is on their souls. Shame stops for ever the massacre of gladiators; and because one poor, ignorant hermit has moral courage, one more habitual crime was wiped away from the annals of the world. (Arch deacon Farrar.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 3. Lambs among wolves.] See Clarke on Mt 10:16.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
We met with these instructions before, and opened them in our notes. See Poole on “Mat 10:9“, See Poole on “Mat 10:10” and See Poole on “Mat 10:16“, only there we had not those words,
and salute no man by the way. The meaning of that is no more than, make all possible speed: see 2Ki 4:29.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
3-12. (See on Mt10:7-16).
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Go your ways,…. Into all the villages, towns, cities, and places, where he directed them to go, to make ready for him.
Behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves; as harmless, innocent, profitable, and defenceless creatures, among spiteful, malicious, cunning, and cruel men; [See comments on Mt 10:16].
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
As lambs ( ). Here again the same language as that in Mt 10:16 except that there “sheep” () appears instead of “lambs.” Pathetic picture of the risks of missionaries for Christ. They take their life in their hands.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
I send forth [] . See on Mt 10:2.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “Go your ways: behold, I send you forth,” (hupagete idou apostello humas)”You all go, behold, I commission you all” mandate you all to go out on a mission, as also set forth Mat 10:16.
2) “As lambs among wolves.” (hos arnas en meso lukon) “As lambs in the midst of or among wolves,” this is not imaginary, Mat 10:16; Mat 7:15. The idea is that there will be vicious, ravenous enemies all about you as you go witnessing and working for the Lord, Joh 15:20. Lambs are valuable, but simple, ignorant, helpless and must be protected or guarded against wolves that are vicious, worthless, crafty and strong. You are sent among men who are morally vicious, like wolves of prey in the night, Jer 5:6; Gen 49:27; Isa 65:25.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
(3) As lambs among wolves.See Note on Mat. 10:16.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
3. Go your ways Take your various routes. This address to the Seventy is much on the model of that to the twelve in Matthew 10. It has, however, no limitation to the house of Israel, or prohibition from Samaria. On the other hand, the powers are less extensive, and the prediction of persecutions is briefer.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
“Go your ways. Behold, I send you forth as lambs in the midst of wolves.”
He sends them out as messengers of peace. They are to be like lambs in the midst of wolves, seeking to bring the wolves into oneness with themselves (Isa 11:6; Isa 65:25) but recognising that they might be ‘eaten’. There is a recognition here in the mention of wolves of the dangers and tribulations that they will face (compare Eze 22:27; Mat 7:15; Mat 10:16; Joh 10:12; Act 20:29), including harsh treatment from the synagogues (Luk 21:12; Mat 10:17; Mat 23:34; Mar 13:9; Joh 16:2). But they are be like lambs, not retaliating but being non-belligerent and accepting of what comes to them, in a similar way to the Servant of the Lord (Isa 53:7), and recognising that as His lambs God carries them in His arms (Isa 40:11). Ancient Jewish tradition (Psalm of Solomon Luk 8:23 /28) also says, ‘The pious of God are like innocent lambs in their midst’ (that is, in the midst of the nations of the earth).
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
The first instructions:
v. 3. Go your ways; behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.
v. 4. Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes; and salute no man by the way,
v. 5 And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.
v. 6. And if. the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it; if not, it shall turn to you again.
v. 7. And in the same house remain, eating- and drinking such, things as they give; for the laborer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house. Throughout the instructions the note is sounded: It is the business of the King; and the business of the King requireth haste. In general, these marching orders do not differ from those given to the apostles, for the circumstances were practically the same. The order was to go; but the Lord frankly tells them that their position would resemble that of lambs in the midst of wolves. They should know from the start that their helplessness was absolute, so far as their own strength was concerned. The enemies that would arise to combat them would be so much mightier than they that with might of theirs could naught be done; their one trust should be the Lord and His protection. They were not to carry a purse, since money should not be found on them; they were not to follow the methods of the itinerant prophets and have a beggar’s sack on the shoulder; they should not even take sandals with them, the heavy sandals used for journeys. They should not indulge in the circumstantial Oriental salutations, during which, for example, the inferior stood still until the superior had passed by; they should be intent exclusively upon their business. Theirs was to be a house mission, and with the greeting of peace, as the first words spoken, they should enter into every house. If anyone were living there that fitted the attribute “son of peace,” a person of uprightness and benevolence, a true Israelite, then their peace should and would rest upon such a person; but in the opposite event, the blessing of the peace would return to him that uttered it. In any case the good wish would not be lost. True Christian courtesy is never in vain, for even if the intended recipient chooses to be unpleasant and grouchy, there is always the satisfaction of having shown politeness. A kind word costs nothing, and may bring rich interest. Incidentally, the seventy should not scout around from house to house, looking for the best boarding-place, but should remain in the house where they first entered. And there they should eat and drink the meat and drink which belonged to the people of the house as though it were their own. For, Christ says, the laborer is worthy of his hire; their food and keep was their hire, it belonged to them of right for work done, 1Co 9:11-14.
Fuente: The Popular Commentary on the Bible by Kretzmann
Luk 10:3 . See on Mat 10:16 , where appears. A different form of the tradition, not to be explained as though Jesus called the Twelve as being (Euthymius Zigabenus). Comp. Joh 21:15-17 .
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
3 Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.
Ver. 3. Go your ways ] Christ had no sooner bidden them pray, but he answers their prayers. When we bid our children ask us for this or that, it is because we mean to give it to them.
As lambs among wolves ] Sed sollicitudo pastoris boni effici ut lupi in agnos audere nil possint saith Ambrose. The care of the good shepherd is the safety of the flock.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
3, 4. ] The time was now one of greater danger than at the mission of the Twelve; therefore Luk 10:3 is bound immediately up with their present sending , whereas in Mat 10:16 it regards a time yet distant in the future; also one requiring greater haste, which accounts for the addition, . . . . These reasons also account for merely the healing the sick being enjoined, Luk 10:9 .
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
Luk 10:3 . , go , whither? Mt.’s version of the instructions to the Twelve says: not to Samaria, but to the lost sheep of Israel only; this omitted by Lk. with the one word, “go,” retained. , etc., as lambs among wolves; sheep ( ) in Mat 10:16 ; pathetic hint as to the helplessness of the agents and the risks they run; not imaginary, as the recent experience at the Samaritan village shows.
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
behold = lo. Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6.
among = in (Greek. en. App-104.) the midst.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
3, 4.] The time was now one of greater danger than at the mission of the Twelve; therefore Luk 10:3 is bound immediately up with their present sending, whereas in Mat 10:16 it regards a time yet distant in the future; also one requiring greater haste,-which accounts for the addition, . . . . These reasons also account for merely the healing the sick being enjoined, Luk 10:9.
Fuente: The Greek Testament
Luk 10:3. , lambs) So the Seventy are called; but the twelve apostles, sheep, Mat 10:16. [He gave to both a safe-conduct, as it is termed, by the words, Behold, I send you.-V. g.]
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
Go your
(See Scofield “Mat 10:16”). The same remark is applicable here.
Fuente: Scofield Reference Bible Notes
I send: Psa 22:12-16, Psa 22:21, Eze 2:3-6, Mat 10:16, Mat 10:22, Joh 15:20, Joh 16:2, Act 9:2, Act 9:16
wolves: Zep 3:3, Mat 7:15, Joh 10:12, Act 20:29
Reciprocal: Mar 6:7 – the twelve Joh 4:35 – for Rom 16:19 – simple
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
3
A lamb among wolves would be in great danger. But by great care he might not attract needless attention to himself and so would escape harm.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.
[As lambs among wolves.] It is added in another evangelist, “Be ye wise as serpents,” etc.: with which we may compare that in Midrash Schir; “The holy blessed God saith concerning Israel those that belong to me are simple as doves, but amongst the nations of the world, they are subtle as serpents.”
Fuente: Lightfoot Commentary Gospels
Luk 10:3. Go your ways. This, too, implies urgency. The Seventy are not forbidden to go to the Gentiles and Samaritans (Mat 10:5). Possibly they did visit the latter; and besides their route was made known to them in advance, which was not the case when the Twelve were sent out.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
Our Saviour, 1. Arms his disciples against the difficulties, dangers, and discouragements which they might meet with in the course of their ministry, by telling them, that he sent them forth as lambs among wolves; thereby intimating, that the enemies of the gospel have as great an inclination, from their malicious nature, to devour and destroy the ministers of Christ, as wolves have from their natural temper to devour lambs: Behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.
2. Our Saviour directs them in this their first expedition to preach the gospel, to commit themselves to the gracious care and good providence of God, both for provision and protection: Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor staff, says St. Matthew; as if he had said, trust God with the care of your lives, rely upon his providence both for protection and provision: yet must we take notice, that this was only a temporary command, given to the disciples for this particular journey, which they were quickly to despatch; for in the general, Christ allows his ministers as well as others, to exercise a prudent and provident care for themselves and their families.
And as it is the ministers’ duty to trust God in the use of prudential means for their maintenance, so it is the people’s duty to take care for their ministers’ comfortable subsistence. The workman is worthy of his meat, says our Saviour; that is, of all necessary supplies: he is worthy of a comfortable, subsistence, and, where it may be had, of an honorable maintenance.
Fuente: Expository Notes with Practical Observations on the New Testament
Luk 10:3-4. I send you forth as lambs, &c. As so many defenceless lambs, in the midst of ravenous and cruel wolves. Carry neither purse nor scrip, &c. See notes on Mat 10:9-10; Mat 10:16. Salute no man by the way Let not matters of mere compliment detain you, but make all the haste you possibly can. The salutations usual among the Jews took up much time. But these had so much work to do in so short a space, that they had not a moment to spare.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Vers. 3, 4.Go your ways; behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves. Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way. They are to set out just as they are, weak and utterly unprovided. The first characteristic of the messengers of Jesus is confidence. Jesus, who gives them their mission ( is certainly authentic), charges Himself with the task of defending them and of providing for their wants., change of sandals; this is proved by the verb , to carry a burden.
It is difficult to understand the object of the last words. Are they meant to indicate haste, as in 2Ki 4:29? But the journey of Jesus Himself has nothing hurried about it. Does He mean to forbid them, as some have thought, to seek the favour of men? But the words by the way would be superfluous. Jesus rather means that they must travel like men absorbed by one supreme interest, which will not permit them to lose their time in idle ceremonies. It is well known how complicated and tedious eastern salutations are. The domestic hearth is the place where they are to deliver their message. A tranquillity reigns there which is appropriate to so serious a subject. The following verses readily fall in with this idea.
Fuente: Godet Commentary (Luke, John, Romans and 1 Corinthians)
10:3 {2} Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.
(2) The faithful ministers of the word are in this world as lambs among wolves: but if they are diligent to do their duty, he who sent them will also preserve them.
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
The importance of participation continues in Jesus’ imperative command to the Seventy to go (Gr. hypagete, cf. Mat 28:19). The sheep among wolves figure was evidently a favorite one for Jesus (cf. Mat 10:16). It pictures the dependent and vulnerable position of His disciples among hostile adversaries. They needed to trust in and pray to God, therefore, as they ministered. Jesus sent them out (Gr. apostello) as apostles, in the general sense of that word: missionaries. Jesus was speaking as the Shepherd of His sheep.