Were there 70 or 72 disciples?

Overview of the Question

One of the more intriguing textual questions in the Gospel of Luke involves whether Jesus sent out seventy or seventy-two disciples. Luke 10:1 and Luke 10:17 in the Berean Standard Bible read “seventy-two,” while some other manuscript traditions say “seventy.” This entry explores the relevant Scriptural passages, manuscript evidence, historical perspectives, and possible reasons for the numeric difference.

Scriptural Context

Luke 10:1 states, “After this, the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of Him to every town and place He was about to visit.” Luke 10:17 similarly describes, “The seventy-two returned with joy and said, ‘Lord, even the demons submit to us in Your name.’”

Some manuscripts of Luke have “seventy” in these verses, but the translators—according to their evaluation of the Greek manuscript tradition—render it as “seventy-two.” Both readings occur in early manuscripts, resulting in a genuine variation. Despite the difference, the teaching clearly conveys that a distinct group of believers (beyond the Twelve Apostles) were commissioned by the Lord.

Manuscript Evidence and Textual Variants

Textual critics such as Dr. Dan Wallace and others utilize a broad range of ancient texts—papyrus fragments, codices (e.g., Codex Vaticanus, Codex Sinaiticus), and early translations—to determine the most likely original reading. Several early manuscripts have “seventy-two,” while others support “seventy.” This has led scholars to note that both readings appear very early in the textual tradition. Because the numeric difference is small and does not alter theological meaning, the variation is considered a minor scribal discrepancy.

In addition, some scholars suggest that scribes might have been influenced by Old Testament patterns, where the number “70” appears prominently (e.g., the 70 elders of Israel in Numbers 11:16–25). Others note the parallel with the Septuagint (the ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures) often abbreviated LXX, which literally stands for “70” but in some historical accounts may have had 72 translators. Consequently, some scribes might have favored “seventy” while others leaned toward “seventy-two” in parallel to biblical and historical precedent.

Symbolic Significance of the Number

In Old Testament texts, “70” appears often. For instance, Genesis 10 lists genealogies of nations that traditionally total 70, reflecting completeness or a representative spread of all cultures. Some interpreters see “72” as echoing the same theme, reminding readers of the universality of Christ’s mission.

• “70” in Numbers 11:24–25 refers to elders who received the Spirit in the wilderness.

• “70” in Exodus 24:9–11 highlights the elders accompanying Moses.

• “70” (or “72”) in the Septuagint tradition reflects a longstanding numerical tradition tied to translation and representation of nations.

Luke’s emphasis may be that Jesus’ mission extends to all peoples, fulfilling God’s plan to reach every nation. Whether “70” or “72,” the overall point remains: Jesus sent out a significant group beyond the Twelve, commissioning them to heal the sick, proclaim the kingdom, and cast out demons (Luke 10:9).

Perspectives from Early Church and Other Writings

Throughout church history, commentators noted both readings even before modern textual criticism. Many of the early Greek manuscripts, Latin translations (the Vulgate by Jerome), and writings from Church Fathers reveal awareness of both variants. The difference rarely caused theological controversy in antiquity. For them, the essential truth was Jesus’ multiplication of kingdom workers.

Consistency With the Gospel Message

Regardless of the number, Luke 10 demonstrates the Lord empowering followers for ministry. He sends them in pairs, instructs them on hospitality, and underscores the urgency of announcing the kingdom of God. The rendering of “seventy-two” simply follows the predominant modern scholarly consensus on the extant evidence. Through careful study of Greek manuscripts, it is evident that Scripture consistently presents Christ’s commission to a group larger than the Twelve, emphasizing the expansion of the gospel ministry.

Furthermore, the minor nature of this discrepancy confirms that Scripture’s central message—God’s redemptive plan through Jesus—remains unchanged. Both “seventy” and “seventy-two” reflect a coherent testimony of historical events. The reliability of Luke’s account is repeatedly seen in its detailed descriptions of places, people groups, and historical touchpoints (e.g., references to city names and leaders) that archaeological investigations and ancient documents regularly affirm.

Reflections on Divine Inspiration and Purpose

The presence of small differences, such as “70” or “72,” demonstrates the real-world history of Bible transmission. Given the vast manuscript evidence, the overall harmony and consistency of the Gospels stand out. Even with slight numerical variations, the Biblical message shines clearly: Jesus empowered a group of followers to advance His kingdom. This commission prefigures the Church’s worldwide evangelistic mission and reminds believers that service is not limited to a select few, but calls all believers into active ministry.

Conclusion

The question “Were there 70 or 72 disciples?” arises from a minor, well-documented manuscript variation in Luke 10. The Berean Standard Bible presents “seventy-two,” reflecting strong textual support, though “seventy” also appears in early manuscripts. Either reading upholds the same core message: Christ appointing numerous disciples to proclaim His kingdom, a vital step in the unfolding plan spanning from the Old Testament into the global witness of the New.

Such textual nuances underscore the careful preservation and rich manuscript tradition of Scripture, affirming that these differences do not undermine the integrity or power of its teaching. Ultimately, whether 70 or 72, the episode stands as a testament to Jesus’ mission to “go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (cf. Mark 16:15), inviting believers in every generation to participate in God’s redemptive work.