Who were the seventy disciples?

The Seventy Disciples, also known as the Seventy (or Seventy-Two) in some translations, are a significant group mentioned in the New Testament. Their role and importance in the ministry of Jesus are highlighted primarily in the Gospel of Luke. This study will explore who these Seventy Disciples were, their function, and their impact on Jesus’ mission.

Biblical References to the Seventy Disciples

The Appointment of the Seventy

The primary reference to the Seventy Disciples is found in the Gospel of Luke. This passage details their appointment and mission.

• Luke 10:1 (NKJV):
  “After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go.”

This verse introduces the Seventy Disciples, who were appointed by Jesus to precede Him into various towns and cities. Their mission was to prepare the way for Jesus’ ministry.

The Mission of the Seventy

The mission of the Seventy Disciples was to preach the message of the Kingdom of God and to perform miracles in the towns where Jesus would later visit.

• Luke 10:2 (NKJV):
  “Then He said to them, ‘The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.’”

Jesus emphasizes the urgency of the mission and the need for more workers in the harvest field, highlighting the importance of the Seventy in His ministry.

• Luke 10:9 (NKJV):
  “And heal the sick there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’”

The Seventy were instructed to heal the sick and proclaim the nearness of the Kingdom of God, demonstrating their role in both the physical and spiritual aspects of Jesus’ ministry.

The Return of the Seventy

After their mission, the Seventy Disciples returned to Jesus with reports of their experiences.

• Luke 10:17 (NKJV):
  “Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name!’”

Their joy and amazement at the success of their mission, including the authority they had over demons, illustrate the effectiveness of their work and the power given to them by Jesus.

• Luke 10:19 (NKJV):
  “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”

Jesus reassures them of the divine protection and authority they have been given, underscoring the significance of their role.

The Identity of the Seventy Disciples

The specific identities of the Seventy Disciples are not detailed in the Bible. Unlike the Twelve Apostles, who are named and play a central role in the New Testament narrative, the Seventy Disciples are not individually identified. However, their function and significance can be inferred from their mission and the broader context of Jesus’ ministry.

Comparison with the Twelve Apostles

The Twelve Apostles were the primary disciples chosen by Jesus to be His closest followers and leaders of the early Church. They were given special authority and were witnesses to Jesus’ ministry, death, and resurrection.

• Matthew 10:2-4 (NKJV):
  “Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananite, and Judas Iscariot who also betrayed Him.”

The Twelve Apostles had a unique role in the foundation of the Church, but the Seventy Disciples were also important in extending Jesus’ ministry to a broader audience.

Role and Function

The Seventy Disciples were appointed to carry out a specific mission, preparing the way for Jesus and spreading His message. Their role was crucial in expanding the reach of Jesus’ ministry and establishing His presence in various regions.

• Luke 10:8-9 (NKJV):
  “Whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. And heal the sick there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’”

Their tasks included healing and proclaiming the arrival of the Kingdom of God, reflecting the nature of their mission as forerunners of Jesus.

Theological Implications of the Seventy Disciples

The Expanding Scope of Jesus’ Ministry

The appointment of the Seventy Disciples illustrates the expanding scope of Jesus’ ministry beyond the Twelve Apostles. It signifies a broader outreach effort and the involvement of more followers in the mission of spreading the gospel.

• Luke 10:1 (NKJV):
  “After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go.”

This expansion demonstrates the importance of communal effort in the ministry and the readiness of Jesus to involve more disciples in His work.

The Power and Authority Given to Disciples

The success and authority of the Seventy Disciples highlight the power that Jesus imparted to His followers. This power was not only for performing miracles but also for proclaiming the message of the Kingdom.

• Luke 10:19 (NKJV):
  “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”

The authority given to the Seventy demonstrates the divine backing of their mission and the effectiveness of their work in confronting evil.

The Response to Rejection

The instructions given to the Seventy Disciples included how to respond to rejection, which is an important lesson for all believers.

• Luke 10:10-11 (NKJV):
  “But whatever city you enter, and they do not receive you, go out into its streets and say, ‘The very dust of your city which clings to us we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near you.’”

Their response to rejection was to shake off the dust and move on, signifying that the message of the Kingdom must be declared regardless of acceptance or rejection.

Historical and Cultural Context

Historical Significance

The appointment of the Seventy Disciples reflects Jesus’ strategic approach to His ministry, utilizing a larger group of followers to extend His message. This method also illustrates the early Church’s emphasis on the collective effort in spreading the gospel.

• Acts 1:21-22 (NKJV):
  “Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us—one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.”

This verse highlights the importance of the disciples’ experiences and their role as witnesses to Jesus’ ministry.

Cultural Context

In the cultural context of first-century Judaism, the appointment of additional disciples to prepare the way for a significant figure was a recognized practice. The Seventy Disciples would have been seen as a crucial part of Jesus’ broader mission.

Conclusion

The Seventy Disciples, appointed by Jesus as detailed in Luke 10:1-20 (NKJV), played a significant role in His ministry by preparing the way for His visits to various towns, proclaiming the arrival of the Kingdom of God, and demonstrating the authority and power given to them. Their mission extended the reach of Jesus’ work beyond the Twelve Apostles and illustrated the importance of collective effort in spreading the gospel.

While the Bible does not provide the names or detailed identities of the Seventy Disciples, their role and function are clearly outlined in the New Testament. They were integral to Jesus’ ministry, exemplifying the expansion of His message and the empowerment of His followers. Their appointment and mission underscore the collaborative nature of ministry and the importance of faith and obedience in carrying out God’s work.