On Wed 4 Jul 2001 (22:03:52), rbsads@aol.com wrote: > MH BASTAZETE BALLANTION, MH PHRAN, MH UPODHMATA, KAI MHDENA KATA THN > ODON ASPASHSQE > > "Do not carry a bag, a sack, sandals, and you may not greet anyone by > the way." > > I have not read in any commentary a satisfactory interpretation of the > command to greet no one along the way. Dear Richard, This is probably connected with the mission of Gehazi acting on Elisha's instructions in 2 Kings 4:29. The LXX has KAI DEURO, hOTI EAN EULOGHSHi SE ANHR OUK APOKRIQHSHi AUTWi, ktl. Jewish etiquette required an elaborate exchange of greetings, not just a flippant "Goodday". If one was in a hurry, as Gehazi was, then one avoided eye contact with passers-by so as not to have spend the time in conversation when more important things were being delayed. However, when they have arrived at their intended destination, they *are* to give the customary salutation EIRHNH TWi OIKWi TOUTWi (verse 5; compare Matthew 10:12). This is a lesson on single-mindedness, and not being sidetracked by peripheral matters. The "Peace" they are bringing is the Peace of God which passes understanding; not the conventional "Shalom". Jesus did not urge this upon the Twelve in Luke 9:3-4; but maybe following their debriefing, he found it necessary to instruct the 70 (or 72?) as in Luke 10:1-4. ERRWSQE Ben -- Revd Ben Crick, BA CF 232 Canterbury Road, Birchington, Kent, CT7 9TD (UK) http://www.cnetwork.co.uk/crick.htm --- B-Greek home page: http://metalab.unc.edu/bgreek You are currently subscribed to b-greek as: [jwrobie@mindspring.com] To unsubscribe, forward this message to leave-b-greek-327Q@franklin.oit.unc.edu To subscribe, send a message to subscribe-b-greek@franklin.oit.unc.edu