Matthew 10:12

And when ye come into an house, salute it.

Matthew 10:12 (KJV)

Context

Jesus speaks these words while commissioning His twelve disciples for their first mission. In Matthew 10, He sends them to the lost sheep of Israel, warning them of persecution and rejection while giving practical instructions for their journey. This verse sits within that larger charge, just after Jesus tells them to find a worthy house and remain there (Matthew 10:11). The instruction to salute the house is therefore part of the disciples’ entry into a home, not an isolated rule about etiquette.

Meaning

The word “salute” translates the Greek verb aspazomai, meaning to greet or welcome. In Jewish culture of that time, a greeting was more than a casual word; it was a sign of respect and a way to establish connection. The “house” here means the household or family living within it, as the following verse makes clear when Jesus speaks of the house being worthy (Matthew 10:13). By telling the disciples to salute the house, Jesus instructs them to greet the family with the customary blessing of peace. This was not empty formality. It acknowledged the people inside, honored them, and set a tone of goodwill for the message they had come to bring.

Biblical connections

The greeting Jesus commands echoes the broader gospel theme of peace. The disciples were to be bearers of peace, and their salutation was an extension of the good news they proclaimed. The act of saluting a house also reflects God’s own desire for relationship and reconciliation with humanity. Just as the disciples offered a blessing when they entered, believers today are called to extend love and grace in their interactions.

Application

This instruction carries practical weight for believers today. When we enter homes, workplaces, or any gathering of people, we represent Christ. A genuine greeting of peace demonstrates respect, kindness, and hospitality. It creates an atmosphere where the message of the gospel can be shared effectively. The disciples were not told to enter with demands or harshness, but with a blessing. The same principle applies whenever we seek to share our faith: we approach others with goodwill, not with pressure. A simple, sincere greeting can open doors that arguments never could.

Reflection

Matthew 10:12 reminds us that the gospel is good news of peace. Before the disciples preached, they greeted. Before they taught, they blessed. This order matters. It shows that respect and relationship are not secondary to the message; they are part of how the message is carried. As we go about our daily lives, we can ask ourselves whether our words and manner toward others reflect the peace we claim to have received. A warm salutation, offered in the name of Christ, is a small but meaningful way to represent Him faithfully.