New Testament
Matthew 10:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
If the household is worthy, let your peace rest on it. But if it isn't, take your peace back.
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And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.
What Matthew 10:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus instructs His disciples on how to approach households during their mission. If they enter a home that is receptive and worthy, they should share their peace, symbolizing goodwill and blessing. This peace represents the presence of God and the message of the Gospel. However, if the household is unworthy or rejects their message, they are to take their peace back, indicating that they should not force their message on those who do not want it. This teaches the importance of discernment in ministry and the need to focus efforts where there is openness to the message. The act of taking back their peace also signifies that the responsibility for acceptance lies with the hearers, not the messengers. This principle encourages believers to seek out those who are willing to listen and to respect the choices of those who are not.
How to apply Matthew 10:13 to your life
When sharing your faith, look for those who are open and receptive. Offer your peace and goodwill to those who welcome it, but recognize when to step back from those who are not interested. This approach fosters meaningful connections and respects individual choices.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Sending Out the Twelve (Matthew 10:1–42)
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 10:13 mean?
Matthew 10:13 conveys Jesus' instruction to His disciples on how to interact with households during their mission. If a home is worthy and receptive, they should share their peace; if not, they should take it back, indicating that acceptance of their message is up to the hearers.
What is the meaning of peace in Matthew 10:13?
In Matthew 10:13, peace symbolizes goodwill and the blessing of God that the disciples offer to those who welcome their message. It represents the presence of the Gospel and the hope for a positive response from the household.
How should I apply Matthew 10:13 in my life?
You can apply Matthew 10:13 by seeking out people who are open to discussing faith and sharing your beliefs with them. If someone is not interested, it's important to respect their choice and not force the conversation.
What is the main lesson of Matthew 10:13?
The main lesson of Matthew 10:13 is the importance of discernment in ministry. It teaches that believers should focus their efforts on those who are receptive to their message while respecting the choices of those who are not.
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