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 (KJV)

Context

This verse opens a new phase in Jesus’ ministry. In Luke 9, He had sent out the twelve apostles with power to preach the kingdom of God, heal the sick, and cast out demons. Now, after those events, He appoints seventy other disciples and sends them on a similar mission. The phrase “After these things” ties this sending directly to that earlier work, showing that the mission was expanding beyond the Twelve to a larger group of followers.

Meaning

The Lord “appointed” the seventy, meaning He chose them for a specific task. He then sent them “two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.” They were forerunners, going ahead of Jesus to prepare the way for His visit. The sending in pairs provided mutual support, encouragement, and accountability, and it also satisfied the biblical principle that testimony is established by two witnesses. The phrase “before his face” indicates that they represented Him and went with His authority, preparing the people for His arrival.

Biblical connections

The number seventy recalls the seventy elders whom Moses appointed to help him lead Israel, as recorded in Numbers 11:16-17. This connection suggests continuity with God’s pattern of raising up appointed servants. Some readers also see the number as symbolizing completeness or the universal scope of the gospel, possibly echoing the seventy nations listed in Genesis 10, though the Bible does not explicitly assign that meaning. The mission of the seventy also foreshadows the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, where all believers are called to go and make disciples.

Application

The sending of the seventy reminds believers that Christian service is not self-driven but a response to God’s calling. Just as the disciples were sent by the Lord Himself, we are commissioned by Christ to share the gospel and make disciples. The pattern of going in pairs teaches the value of teamwork, fellowship, and mutual accountability in ministry. The focus on proclaiming the kingdom of God calls us to prioritize the advancement of God’s kingdom in our lives and in the world around us.

Reflection

Luke 10:1 shows that Jesus involves His followers in His work, granting them authority and sending them ahead of Him. The seventy were not acting on their own initiative; they were sent by the Lord Himself, and their mission carried divine backing. This verse challenges us to see ourselves as active participants in spreading the gospel, working together in unity, and relying on God’s authority and power. It is a powerful reminder of our mission and purpose as followers of Jesus Christ.