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Luk 10:1. Μετὰ ταῦτα, after these things) i.e. after proving those who were fit for the embassy or the contrary, of whom three are mentioned in ch. Luk 9:57, et seqq.-ἀνέδειξεν, declared or designated) as His ambassadors [Engl. Vers. appointed].-ὁ Κύριος, the Lord) There is described in this passage an act truly worthy of the Lord [Luk 10:2-3; Luk 10:9; Luk 10:11].-ἐτέρους, others) [of whom the embassy was not indeed of loner continuance, but yet was of such a nature as to be very nearly approximating to the apostolical office, so as that also not a few of them might be able in subsequent times to establish the testimony concerning Jesus Christ. Nay, indeed, individuals among them, who had seen and heard Jesus, as well as also through the faith which they entertained towards Him, testified concerning Him, had something analogous, according to their position (in their own sphere), to the eminence of the apostles themselves.-Harm., p. 391]. The kingdom of God is always acquiring more strength, and good undertakings have a tendency to growth: especially the prophetical office of Christ was not without speedy fruits appearing. The number increased from twelve to seventy, then to five hundred and more; see 1Co 15:6.-ἑβδομήκοντα, seventy) L. Valla remarks: “We observe the number both of the apostles and of the disciples prefigured by the Lord in the books of Moses, by the twelve fountains and seventy palms in the desert [Exo 15:27]. Therefore we ought to read here seventy [not seventy-two]: which was also the number of those upon whom God bestowed a portion of the spirit which was in Moses [Num 11:16-17].” Valla finds fault with the Latin of the Vulgate, which has “septuaginta duos.” The word δύο follows within four words after ἑβδομήκοντα, [ἀνὰ δύο.] It would seem that some very ancient transcriber hastily transferred the word δύο from thence to this place. Or else Luke wrote the accurate number, seventy-two, in the first verse, and then in the seventeenth verse wrote in round numbers seventy: and so others set down in both verses either seventy or seventy-two.[91]-[καὶ ἀπέστειλεν, and sent them) It is not said that power was granted to these, as to the Twelve, to heal the sick and to cast out demons (comp. Luk 10:17, note).-V. g.]-ἀνὰ δύο, two by two) There were thus thirty-five or else thirty-six pairs.-οὗ ἔμελλεν αὐτὸς ἔρχεσθαι, whither He Himself was about to come) So, when the apostles preceded the Lord, those who wished to hear and to be healed, were able to flock together to Christ from the localities on both sides, adjoining the route through which they were directing their journey.-[δεήθητε οὖν, pray ye then) By this precept Jesus forthwith provoked the longing desires of the workmen, as also their prayers, and satisfied those prayers.-V. g.]
[91] The δύο, which Lachm. brackets, and Tisch. omits, is supported by BDacd, Amiat. the oldest MS. and other MSS. of Vulg. and Hil. But Ab and Cod. Fuldensis of the Vulg. Iren. 200, and, in express words, 146, support ἑβδομήκοντα without δύο. In Luk 10:17, all the best MSS. of Vulg. have the ‘duo.’ But otherwise the same authorities respectively support the opposite readings.-ED. and TRANSL.