Luke 10:3
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Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
(See on Mat 10:7-16).
Open source ↗In this chapter we have, I. The ample commission which Christ gave to the seventy disciples to preach the gospel, and to confirm it by miracles; and the full instructions he gave them how to manage themselves in the execution of their commissions, and great encouragements therein (v. 1-16). II. The report which the seventy disciples made to their Master of the success of their negotiation, and his discourse thereupon (Luk 10:17-24). III. Christ's discourse with a lawyer concerning the way to heaven, and the instructions Christ gave him by a parable to look upon every one as his neighbour whom he had occasion to show kindness to, or receive kindness from (Luk 10:25-37). IV. Christ's entertainment at Martha's house, the reproof he gave to her for her care about the world, and his commendation of Mary for her care about her soul (Luk 10:38-42).
Open source ↗10:3 lambs among wolves: Jesus’ followers are not to dominate others, but to sacrifice themselves for the benefit of others. This makes them vulnerable (see Jer 5:6; Ezek 22:27; Hab 1:8; Zeph 3:3), but the Good Shepherd (Ps 23:1) protects them from the wolves.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.
I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.
Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they kept My word, they will keep yours as well.
You will be hated by everyone because of My name, but the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.
The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock.
They will put you out of the synagogues. In fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God.
Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.
Her princes are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves, leaving nothing for the morning.
I will show him how much he must suffer for My name.”
and requested letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women belonging to the Way, he could bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem.