Luke 10:4

Ben Crick ben.crick at argonet.co.uk
Thu Jul 5 06:16:02 EDT 2001


On Wed  4 Jul 2001 (22:03:52), rbsads at aol.com wrote:
> MH BASTAZETE BALLANTION, MH PHRAN, MH UPODHMATA, KAI MHDENA KATA THN
> ODON ASPASHSQE
> 
> "Do not carry a bag, a sack, sandals, and you may not greet anyone by
> the way."
> 
> I have not read in any commentary a satisfactory interpretation of the 
> command to greet no one along the way.

 Dear Richard,

 This is probably connected with the mission of Gehazi acting on Elisha's
 instructions in 2 Kings 4:29. The LXX has KAI DEURO, hOTI EAN EULOGHSHi SE
 ANHR OUK APOKRIQHSHi AUTWi, ktl.

 Jewish etiquette required an elaborate exchange of greetings, not just a
 flippant "Goodday". If one was in a hurry, as Gehazi was, then one avoided eye
 contact with passers-by so as not to have spend the time in conversation when
 more important things were being delayed. However, when they have arrived at
 their intended destination, they *are* to give the customary salutation EIRHNH
 TWi OIKWi TOUTWi (verse 5; compare Matthew 10:12). This is a lesson on
 single-mindedness, and not being sidetracked by peripheral matters. The
 "Peace" they are bringing is the Peace of God which passes understanding; not
 the conventional "Shalom".

 Jesus did not urge this upon the Twelve in Luke 9:3-4; but maybe following
 their debriefing, he found it necessary to instruct the 70 (or 72?) as in
 Luke 10:1-4.

 ERRWSQE
 Ben
-- 
 Revd Ben Crick, BA CF
 <ben.crick at argonet.co.uk>
 232 Canterbury Road, Birchington, Kent, CT7 9TD (UK)
 http://www.cnetwork.co.uk/crick.htm






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