Luke 10:5 Commentary and Bible Study

‘Peace be to this house’ is not just a greeting – may you have peace and prosperity – this is about the message. The word ‘peace’ is not used in the Gospels simply as a greeting, particularly in the Gospel of Luke, but as a word for salvation. These words are equivalent to, ‘May you know salvation’, ‘May you know reconciliation with God’, ‘May you know peace with God, and be joined with him.’ Into whatever house you enter – it will say city later – the first thing you do is to desire salvation for those people, and take the opportunity to say, ‘Peace be to this house.’ In Luke 1:77-79 we read, ‘To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, ⁷⁸ Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, ⁷⁹ To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.’ This is about the ministry of John the Baptist. ‘Peace’ is a very significant word in the passage; all these are terms of salvation. Similarly in Luke 2:14 the angel says: ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.’ The notorious woman who comes into Simon’s house is assured by the Lord, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men’ (Luke 2:14). Christ weeping over Jerusalem says, ‘If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace!’ (Luke 19:42), and speaking to the disciples after the resurrection he says, ‘Peace be unto you’ (Luke 24:36). May your alienation of from God come to an end. May you know peace with him. May you be saved. So it's all about the message. We are concerned to spread a message of personal salvation. It should be the most welcome message that men and women could possibly hear.