Luke 10:5

And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.

Luke 10:5 (KJV)

Context

Jesus spoke these words as He sent out seventy disciples ahead of Him to proclaim the kingdom of God. The mission was urgent and demanding: they were sent like lambs among wolves, without purse, bag, or sandals, and were told not to greet anyone on the road (Luke 10:1-4). In this setting, the first word they were to speak upon entering a house was to be a greeting of peace.

Meaning

The phrase “Peace be to this house” was more than a customary salutation. It was a blessing that carried spiritual weight. By offering peace, the disciples were invoking God’s favour upon the household—wishing its members well-being in every sense: temporal, spiritual, and eternal. The instruction to say this “first” highlights the priority of blessing in Christian witness. The disciples were to enter homes with a posture of peace, not presumption or judgment.

The parallel passage in Matthew 10:12-13 clarifies that this peace is a real blessing: if the household is worthy, the peace rests upon it; if not, it returns to the messenger. This shows that the peace offered is not empty words but carries spiritual significance. It is given freely, and its reception or rejection is in God’s hands. The messenger’s peace is not diminished by rejection; it returns to the one who offered it, providing assurance and encouragement for those who faithfully proclaim peace in a hostile world.

Biblical connections

This greeting of peace is integral to the disciples’ mission of proclaiming the nearness of God’s kingdom. As they healed the sick and announced that the kingdom had come near (Luke 10:9), the peace they offered was a practical expression of the gospel’s reconciling power. The peace we offer comes from our own relationship with God; through faith in Jesus Christ, we experience peace with God (Romans 5:1), and as we share this peace with others, we extend His love and reconciliation to them.

Application

In our daily lives, we can apply the message of Luke 10:5 by being intentional about spreading peace and blessing to those we encounter. The first word in any encounter should be a word of peace, not criticism or demand. We can greet others with kindness, show empathy, offer forgiveness, and seek to resolve conflicts. By being ambassadors of peace, we reflect the character of Christ and draw others closer to Him.

Reflection

Consider the homes and relationships you enter this week. How can you make peace your first word? The peace you offer is not dependent on the response you receive; it is given freely, and its outcome rests with God. This simple yet profound instruction challenges us to prioritize blessing in all our interactions, trusting that the peace of Christ will accomplish its purpose.