Luke 10:7

Luke 10:7, in plain English

Stay in that house, eat and drink what they offer, because the worker deserves their wages. Do not hop from house to house looking for something better.

Why it's here

Accept what is given with gratitude. The person who serves God deserves support. And moving around looking for better accommodations sends the wrong message about what the mission is really about.

Who's speaking

Jesus gives practical hospitality guidelines.

Where it sits in the story

Jesus told them to be content with whatever hospitality came their way. Stay put, eat what is offered, and know that your work for the kingdom earns you the right to be supported.

The scholarly reading

The missionaries should menete ('remain') in the same house, eating and drinking ta par' autōn ('what is provided by them'), because axios ho ergatēs tou misthou autou ('the worker is worthy of his wages'). This principle (cited by Paul in 1 Timothy 5:18) establishes the right of ministry workers to material support.

Language and setting

The instruction not to move from house to house prevents both the appearance of seeking luxury and the offense of implying that initial hosts are inadequate. The wages principle balances the radical trust teaching with practical provision through hospitality.

Voice

Jesus gives guidelines about accepting hospitality during the mission.

Significance

Jesus told the missionaries to stay in one home per town, accepting whatever food and drink was offered, because workers deserve their wages. This established the principle that those who serve God's kingdom merit material support.

5Whatever house you enter, begin by saying, ‘Peace to this house.’

6If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you.

7Stay at the same house, eating and drinking whatever you are offered. For the worker is worthy of his wages. Do not move around from house to house.

8If you enter a town and they welcome you, eat whatever is set before you.

9Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God is near you.’

Read all of Luke 10 — A lawyer asks how to inherit eternal life and gets an answer he doesn't expect. The hero of the story is the one everyone despises.