Topical Bible: Ministers: Faithful: The Seventy

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The Seventy, also referred to as the Seventy Disciples or the Seventy-Two, are a group of followers of Jesus Christ mentioned in the Gospel of Luke. They were appointed by Jesus to go ahead of Him in pairs to every town and place He was about to visit, as recorded in Luke 10:1-24. This mission underscores the importance of faithful ministry and the spreading of the Gospel message.

Biblical Account

In Luke 10:1-2 , it is written: "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. 'The harvest is plentiful,' He said, 'but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field.'"

The Seventy were given specific instructions by Jesus, emphasizing the urgency and importance of their mission. They were to travel light, relying on the hospitality of those they encountered, and to proclaim the Kingdom of God. Jesus instructed them in Luke 10:9 , "Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God is near you.’"

Faithfulness in Ministry

The mission of the Seventy highlights several key aspects of faithful ministry:

1. Obedience to Christ's Command: The Seventy demonstrated their faithfulness by obeying Jesus' command to go out and prepare the way for His coming. Their willingness to follow His instructions without question is a testament to their dedication and trust in His authority.

2. Dependence on God: Jesus instructed them to carry no purse, bag, or sandals, teaching them to rely on God's provision and the hospitality of others (Luke 10:4). This dependence on divine provision is a hallmark of faithful ministry, emphasizing trust in God's care and guidance.

3. Proclamation of the Kingdom: The primary task of the Seventy was to announce the nearness of the Kingdom of God. Their message was one of hope and urgency, calling people to recognize the presence and power of God's reign.

4. Spiritual Authority: Jesus granted the Seventy authority over demons and the power to heal the sick, as seen in Luke 10:17 : "The seventy-two returned with joy and said, 'Lord, even the demons submit to us in Your name.'" This authority was a sign of their faithful representation of Christ and His mission.

5. Joy in Service: The Seventy's return was marked by joy, not only because of the authority they exercised but also because of their participation in God's work. Jesus reminded them in Luke 10:20 , "Nevertheless, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."

Theological Significance

The mission of the Seventy serves as a model for Christian ministry, emphasizing the importance of obedience, reliance on God, proclamation of the Gospel, and the exercise of spiritual authority. Their faithfulness is a reminder of the call to all believers to participate in the mission of God, trusting in His provision and rejoicing in the eternal significance of their work.

The account of the Seventy also reflects the broader theme of discipleship in the New Testament, where followers of Christ are called to be active participants in His mission, spreading the message of salvation and embodying the values of the Kingdom of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 10:1,17
After these things the LORD appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, where he himself would come.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Twelve and the Seventy.
... relationship to the Twelve or the Seventy by an ... on the uninterrupted succession of
its ministers than does ... to choose amongst themselves such faithful men as ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter iii the twelve and.htm

Of the Teachers and Ministers of the Church. Their Election and ...
... Titus, and the like; perhaps, also, the seventy disciples whom ... so account of us,
as of the ministers of Christ ... bishop as one "holding fast the faithful word as ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 3 of the teachers.htm

The Holy Catholic Church.
... come now to the second order of Ministers, the Elders ... When the numbers of the faithful
increased, it is ... them"probably from amongst the seventy disciples sent ...
/.../burbidge/the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter ix the holy catholic.htm

Whether the New Law Made Sufficient Ordinations About External ...
... certain observances pertaining to the faithful should also ... Baptism, Eucharist, Orders
of the ministers of the New Law ... of the apostles and seventy-two disciples ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the new law made.htm

The Puritan Beginnings of the Church in virginia ---Its Decline ...
... with him a letter to the Boston church, signed by seventy-four names ... As result of
this correspondence, three eminently learned and faithful ministers of New ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter v the puritan beginnings.htm

Ten Reasons Demonstrating the Commandment of the Sabbath to be ...
... Lamech died in the year of his life seven hundred and seventy-seven. ... the Lord's Sabbaths,
and for contemning his word in the mouth of his faithful ministers. ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/ten reasons demonstrating the commandment.htm

The Life of Mr. Robert Garnock.
... duty: but soon after the restoration, the faithful presbyterian ministers being
turned ... it"And there was as good as seventy ministers sent unto ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr robert 7.htm

Meditations against Despair, or Doubting of God's Mercy.
... thee, to hear the prayers of his faithful ministers for thee ... and offer unto me from
a faithful and contrite ... itself, will forgive to thee thy seventy times seven ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations against despair or doubting.htm

Ezra, the Priest and Scribe
... third issued since the close of the seventy years' captivity ... upon whom Ezra could
rely as wise ministers and good ... by Ezra and his company of faithful souls just ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 50 ezra the priest.htm

The Organization of the Apostolic Church.
... inculcates the unity of all the faithful, as well ... 1] This court consisted of seventy
or seventy-two members ... our Lord a large proportion of the ministers of the ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter iii the organization of.htm