THE SEVENTY DISCIPLES OF JESUS
SEVENTH FRIDAY OF APOSTLES
Theme: Called by Christ, Sent Together, and Commissioned to Proclaim the Kingdom of God
INTRODUCTION
The Syro-Malabar Church commemorates the Seventy Disciples of Jesus on the Seventh Friday of the Season of Apostles. This celebration recalls an important event in the public ministry of Jesus, when He appointed a large group of disciples and sent them in pairs to proclaim the Kingdom of God.
The Gospel of Luke is the only Gospel that explicitly describes this particular mission. According to different ancient manuscripts, Jesus appointed either seventy or seventy-two disciples (Lk 10:1). Although the number differs, the essential message remains the same: Jesus extended His missionary work beyond the Twelve Apostles and entrusted His disciples with the responsibility of preparing people to receive Him.
The choice of seventy or seventy-two has important connections with the Old Testament. Moses appointed seventy elders to help him guide the people of Israel. The Book of Genesis also associates the number seventy with the nations of the world. These biblical connections help explain the spiritual significance of Jesus sending a larger group of disciples.
Another striking feature of this mission is that Jesus sent the disciples two by two. He did not expect them to carry out their responsibilities alone. They were to support one another, bear witness together, and proclaim the Gospel as members of a community.
The commemoration reminds us that missionary responsibility belongs to the entire Church. Every baptized Christian has a role in proclaiming Jesus Christ through faith, prayer, charity, and Christian witness.
BIBLE PASSAGES
First Reading: Ex 24:1–11 — Moses and the Seventy Elders
Moses ascends the mountain with Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy elders of Israel. These leaders participate in a solemn covenantal encounter with God. Their presence emphasizes the shared responsibility of leadership within God’s people.
Second Reading: Is 50:4–10 — The Faithful Disciple and Servant of God
The servant of the Lord listens attentively to God’s instruction and remains faithful despite opposition and suffering. This passage teaches that a true disciple must first listen to God before proclaiming His message to others.
Third Reading: 2 Cor 6:1–10 — Faithful Servants of God
St. Paul describes the sacrifices, difficulties, patience, holiness, and love that should characterize Christian ministers. His life demonstrates that missionary service requires perseverance and fidelity.
Gospel: Lk 10:1–12, 17–20 — The Mission and Return of the Seventy Disciples
Jesus sends the disciples in pairs to proclaim the Kingdom of God, bring peace, and heal the sick. When they return rejoicing over the success of their mission, Jesus reminds them that their greatest joy should come from belonging to God.
Other relevant passages include Num 11:16–30, Gen 10:1–32, Deut 19:15, Mk 6:7–13, Mt 28:18–20, and Acts 13:1–3.
WHY DOES THE CHURCH COMMEMORATE THE SEVENTY DISCIPLES?
The Season of Apostles, known as Slihe in the East Syriac tradition, follows the celebration of Pentecost. It emphasizes the missionary activities of the apostles and the growth of the early Church through the power of the Holy Spirit.
During this season, the Church reflects upon how the Good News spread from Jerusalem to other regions and eventually throughout the world.
The commemoration of the Seventy Disciples recalls the wider missionary community formed by Jesus during His earthly ministry. It also anticipates the mission of the Church after Pentecost, when the apostles and other believers proclaimed the risen Christ to different nations.
The seventy disciples were distinct from the Twelve Apostles. The Twelve had a unique foundational role in the Church, while the wider group participated in Jesus’ missionary work.
This distinction reminds us that the Church has different ministries and responsibilities, but all are directed toward the same mission of proclaiming Christ.
The feast emphasizes that evangelization is not the exclusive responsibility of bishops, priests, or religious. Every baptized person is called to participate in the mission of the Church according to his or her vocation and abilities.
WHY DO SOME BIBLES SAY SEVENTY AND OTHERS SEVENTY-TWO?
One of the most interesting questions about this Gospel concerns the number of disciples sent by Jesus. Some ancient Greek manuscripts of Luke 10:1 and 10:17 mention seventy disciples, while others mention seventy-two. This difference is called a textual variant. It arose during the transmission of the biblical text through handwritten manuscripts in the early centuries of Christianity.
Since the original manuscripts of the New Testament have not survived, biblical scholars compare ancient copies to determine the wording most likely used by the inspired authors.
Both readings are supported by important ancient witnesses. Some traditional biblical texts and Eastern Christian liturgical traditions use the number seventy. Several modern Catholic Bible translations, including the New American Bible, Revised Edition, use seventy-two while acknowledging the alternative reading.
The existence of this variation does not affect any essential Christian doctrine. The central message is that Jesus appointed a group of disciples beyond the Twelve and commissioned them to prepare people for His coming. The numbers seventy and seventy-two also suggest important connections with Old Testament traditions.
THE CONNECTION WITH THE SEVENTY ELDERS OF MOSES
One of the strongest biblical parallels is found in Num 11:16–30. During the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness, Moses faced great difficulties in guiding the people. The Israelites frequently complained about their circumstances, and Moses became overwhelmed by the responsibility of leadership.
He expressed his inability to carry the burden of the entire community alone. God responded by instructing Moses to gather seventy elders who were recognized as leaders among the people. God then shared with them the Spirit that empowered Moses, enabling them to assist in governing the community.
The passage teaches an important principle: God’s work should not depend entirely upon one human leader. Moses needed the assistance of others, and God provided them with the spiritual gifts necessary for their responsibilities.
When Jesus appointed the seventy disciples, His action recalled this Old Testament pattern of shared mission and leadership. Just as Moses received assistance from the seventy elders, Jesus involved a wider group of disciples in His mission.
There is also an important difference. Moses’ elders were principally appointed to assist in guiding Israel, while Jesus’ disciples were sent outward to proclaim the arrival of God’s Kingdom. Thus, Jesus’ mission builds upon the Old Testament tradition while giving it a new missionary direction.
WHY IS THE NUMBER SEVENTY-TWO ALSO SIGNIFICANT?
The Book of Numbers contains another interesting detail. Although Moses was instructed to gather seventy elders, two men named Eldad and Medad remained in the camp instead of going to the meeting tent. Nevertheless, the Spirit came upon them, and they began to prophesy (Num 11:26–30).
Joshua became concerned and asked Moses to stop them. Moses refused and expressed his desire that all God’s people might receive the Spirit and become prophets.
The account of seventy elders and the additional mention of Eldad and Medad has sometimes been connected with the number seventy-two. However, the biblical text says that the two men were included among those registered, so it is not certain that the total number of distinct elders was seventy-two.
The relationship is therefore a possible symbolic interpretation rather than a definite explanation of Luke’s number. Nevertheless, the theological connection is meaningful.
God’s Spirit is not restricted to one person or one place. The gift of the Spirit can be shared with many people for the benefit of the whole community. This anticipates the broader outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, when the followers of Jesus were empowered to proclaim the Gospel.
The mission of the seventy disciples reminds us that God distributes spiritual gifts among His people so that His saving work may continue.
THE SEVENTY NATIONS OF THE WORLD (GENESIS 10)
Another possible explanation for the number comes from the Table of Nations in Genesis 10. After the account of Noah and the flood, Genesis presents the descendants of Noah’s sons and the nations associated with them. In traditional Jewish interpretation, the list is associated with seventy nations, representing the peoples of the world.
In the ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament, known as the Septuagint, the corresponding list is commonly counted as seventy-two. This provides a possible explanation for the presence of both numbers in the Gospel tradition.
The symbolic meaning is particularly appropriate for Luke’s Gospel, which emphasizes the universal scope of salvation. While the Twelve Apostles recall the twelve tribes of Israel, the seventy or seventy-two disciples may symbolize the future mission of the Church to all nations.
Jesus came as the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel, but His saving mission extends to the entire human family. The mission of the seventy disciples anticipates the command of the risen Christ to proclaim the Gospel to all nations (Mt 28:18–20).
This interpretation does not prove that Jesus deliberately chose the number for this particular reason. Nevertheless, the biblical symbolism provides a meaningful way to understand the universal mission of the Church.
WHY DID JESUS SEND THE DISCIPLES TWO BY TWO?
Jesus deliberately sent the disciples in pairs rather than individually (Lk 10:1). Although the Gospel does not explicitly explain all His reasons, the practice has several important biblical and practical meanings.
1. Mutual Support and Encouragement
Missionary work often involves difficulties, uncertainty, rejection, and personal sacrifices. Two disciples traveling together could encourage and support each other during challenging experiences. When one became discouraged, the other could offer strength. When one encountered difficulties, the other could provide assistance.
This principle remains important in Christian ministry. Priests, religious, missionaries, catechists, and lay leaders benefit from cooperation and mutual encouragement. No one should imagine that the mission of the Church must be accomplished alone.
2. The Biblical Principle of Two Witnesses
The Old Testament teaches that important matters should be established through the testimony of two or more witnesses (Deut 19:15). Sending disciples in pairs gave their proclamation a communal character consistent with this biblical principle of trustworthy witness.
They were not merely announcing personal opinions or individual experiences. They were bearing witness to the mission of Jesus Christ.
The Gospel does not explicitly state that the legal requirement of two witnesses was the reason for their pairing, but the connection is a meaningful biblical interpretation. Christian evangelization should be grounded in the truth of the Gospel and supported by the witness of the Church.
3. The Importance of Christian Fellowship
Jesus did not establish a mission based upon isolated individuals. He formed a community of disciples who shared faith, prayer, responsibilities, and service. The practice of sending disciples in pairs reflects the communal nature of Christian life.
The Church is the Body of Christ, in which members possess different gifts and work together for the common good. Healthy Christian communities require cooperation rather than competition.
4. Practical Protection During Travel
Travel in the ancient world could be difficult and dangerous. Missionaries could face illness, robbery, hostility, or other unexpected problems. Traveling in pairs offered practical assistance and greater security.
This remains relevant for missionary work today. Cooperation and responsible planning help ensure that charitable and pastoral ministries can be carried out effectively.
5. Learning Humility and Cooperation
Working closely with another person requires patience, understanding, and willingness to compromise. Disciples may have different personalities, abilities, and opinions.
By sending them in pairs, Jesus provided an opportunity for them to practice the very virtues they were called to proclaim. The Gospel is not only something we preach to others. It must also shape our relationships with fellow disciples.
6. Preparing Others for the Mission of Christ
The Gospel explains that Jesus sent the disciples ahead of Him to the towns and places He intended to visit. Their responsibility was to prepare the people to welcome Jesus.
They were not sent to attract followers to themselves. Their mission was to direct attention toward Christ.
This is a fundamental principle of Christian ministry. The purpose of preaching, catechesis, pastoral service, and missionary activity is to bring people closer to Jesus rather than build personal popularity.
GOSPEL INTERPRETATION: LUKE 10:1–12, 17–20
1. Jesus Appoints the Disciples (Lk 10:1)
The Gospel begins by explaining that Jesus appointed other disciples and sent them ahead of Him. The initiative belongs to Jesus. The disciples did not simply choose a religious activity for themselves; they received a mission from the Lord.
Christian vocation begins with God’s invitation. Every baptized Christian is called to discover how to serve Christ through the circumstances of daily life.
2. The Harvest Is Abundant (Lk 10:2)
Jesus compares the mission to a great harvest requiring many workers. The harvest represents people who need to hear the Gospel and experience God’s saving love.
Jesus commands His disciples to pray for more laborers. This remains relevant today, when the Church needs faithful priests, religious, missionaries, catechists, parents, and lay leaders. Prayer for vocations should be accompanied by encouragement, formation, and willingness to serve.
3. Sent Like Lambs Among Wolves (Lk 10:3)
Jesus warns that His disciples may encounter opposition and danger. The image of lambs among wolves emphasizes their vulnerability. They are not sent with worldly power or military strength. Their mission depends upon God’s grace.
Christian witness requires courage, but it must also preserve gentleness, humility, and respect for others.
4. Travel with Simplicity and Trust (Lk 10:4)
Jesus instructs the disciples to avoid unnecessary possessions and distractions. His instructions emphasize urgency, simplicity, and trust in divine providence. The disciples must not allow material concerns to become more important than their mission.
This principle challenges Christians who become excessively attached to wealth, status, comfort, or personal recognition. Material resources are necessary for the Church’s work, but they should always remain instruments of service.
5. Bring Peace to Every Household (Lk 10:5–7)
Jesus instructs the disciples to offer peace when entering a home. The Gospel message must therefore be accompanied by reconciliation and goodwill.
Christians are called to become instruments of peace within families, parishes, workplaces, and communities. A person who proclaims Christ while promoting hatred, jealousy, or unnecessary division contradicts the spirit of the mission.
6. Heal the Sick and Proclaim the Kingdom (Lk 10:8–9)
Jesus unites the proclamation of the Kingdom with care for those who suffer. The disciples must not restrict their mission to words alone. They are called to bring practical expressions of God’s love.
The Church continues this responsibility through hospitals, charitable institutions, education, pastoral care, and service to people experiencing poverty, illness, disability, or other difficulties. Christian mission must always respect human dignity.
7. Respond Faithfully to Rejection (Lk 10:10–12)
Jesus prepares His disciples for the possibility that some people will reject their message. The disciples must remain faithful without becoming discouraged or hostile.
Evangelization respects human freedom. Christians are called to proclaim the truth with love rather than compel others to believe. Even when their message is rejected, the disciples must remain faithful to Christ.
8. The Disciples Return with Joy (Lk 10:17–19)
The disciples return rejoicing because they have experienced the power of Jesus working through their ministry. Their joy reveals the effectiveness of the mission entrusted to them. However, the power they experienced did not originate from their own abilities. It came from Christ. This reminds us that the success of Christian ministry should lead to gratitude rather than pride.
9. The Greatest Joy Is Belonging to God (Lk 10:20)
Jesus redirects the attention of the disciples from their extraordinary spiritual experiences to their relationship with God. Their deepest joy should not come from the authority they exercised but from the promise of eternal life.
This is an important lesson for everyone involved in Christian ministry. The success of a ministry is not measured only by public recognition, large attendance, financial achievements, or extraordinary experiences. The greatest success is remaining faithful to Christ and growing in holiness.
CATHOLIC TEACHING: THE MISSION OF THE WHOLE CHURCH
The Catholic Church teaches that missionary responsibility belongs to all the baptized. The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains in CCC 849–856 that the Church is missionary by her very nature because she has been sent by Christ to proclaim salvation to the world.
CCC 863 teaches that all members of the Church share in its apostolic mission, although they participate in different ways according to their vocations and responsibilities.
The Second Vatican Council emphasizes the same principle in Ad Gentes, 2–6, and Apostolicam Actuositatem, 2–3. Bishops, priests, religious, and laypeople participate in the same mission through different forms of service.
The mission of the seventy disciples offers a biblical example of this wider participation in evangelization. Their commissioning by Jesus illustrates that His saving message is entrusted to a community rather than restricted to a few individuals. The Church must therefore encourage the participation of families, children, young people, and adults in its missionary work.
AN ILLUSTRATION: THE TWO MISSIONARIES
Imagine two missionaries assigned to serve a remote village. One is an excellent preacher who communicates the Gospel clearly. The other is especially gifted in visiting families, caring for the sick, and organizing charitable activities. If they work independently without cooperation, each may accomplish some good. However, when they work together, their mission becomes more effective.
The preacher helps people understand the message of Christ, while the other missionary demonstrates that message through compassionate service. Their different gifts complement one another. This provides a simple illustration of why Jesus sent His disciples in pairs.
Christian ministry becomes stronger when different people contribute their abilities with humility and cooperation.
A parish also functions in this manner. Priests, religious, catechists, parents, youth leaders, and volunteers contribute different gifts, but they share one mission.
WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM THE SEVENTY DISCIPLES?
1. Accept Our Missionary Responsibility
Every Christian is called to share the Gospel. We do not necessarily need to travel to another country to become missionaries. Our families, workplaces, schools, and neighborhoods provide opportunities to witness to Christ through words and actions.
2. Work Together Rather Than Compete
Jesus sent the disciples in pairs. Parish ministries should likewise encourage cooperation, mutual respect, and shared responsibility. The mission of the Church becomes stronger when people use their gifts for the common good.
3. Support Those Who Serve the Church
Missionaries, priests, religious, catechists, and volunteers need encouragement and prayer. Families and parish communities should support those who dedicate themselves to evangelization and charitable service.
4. Bring Peace into Our Families
Jesus commanded His disciples to bring peace to every household. We should practice forgiveness, avoid unnecessary arguments, and strengthen family relationships through prayer and mutual respect.
5. Combine Evangelization with Charity
The disciples were instructed to heal the sick and proclaim God’s Kingdom. Christian witness should therefore include concern for people who experience poverty, illness, disability, loneliness, or other difficulties.
6. Train Children and Young People for Mission
Children should learn that they are already called to live as disciples of Jesus. Parents and catechists can encourage them to pray together, help others, share their faith appropriately, and participate in charitable projects.
Young people should also be encouraged to consider priestly, religious, missionary, and lay apostolic vocations.
7. Seek Holiness Rather Than Recognition
Jesus reminded the returning disciples that their greatest joy was their relationship with God. Our service should therefore be motivated by love for Christ rather than personal popularity or recognition.
SPIRITUAL MESSAGES AND CALL TO CONVERSION
1. Every Christian is called to mission. Jesus sent a wider group of disciples beyond the Twelve, reminding us that evangelization involves the entire Church.
2. God shares His gifts with many people. The seventy elders of Moses demonstrate the importance of shared responsibility and the action of God’s Spirit.
3. The Gospel is intended for all nations. The symbolic significance of seventy or seventy-two points toward the universal mission of the Church.
4. Mission requires cooperation. Jesus sent the disciples in pairs to encourage mutual support, unity, and trustworthy witness.
5. Christian ministry must bring peace. Our words and actions should promote reconciliation, compassion, and unity.
6. Evangelization includes charitable service. Proclaiming Christ must be accompanied by practical concern for those in need.
7. Remain faithful during difficulties. Rejection and hardship should not discourage us from living according to the Gospel.
8. Our greatest joy is belonging to Christ. Spiritual success is measured ultimately by faithfulness to God rather than worldly recognition.
HOMILY OUTLINE FOR PREACHERS
Theme: Seventy Disciples — One Mission, Shared Responsibility
1. Why the Feast? The Seventh Friday of Apostles commemorates the wider group of disciples sent by Jesus to proclaim God’s Kingdom.
2. Seventy or Seventy-Two? Ancient manuscripts of Luke contain both readings. The difference does not affect the central Gospel message.
3. Connection with Moses — Num 11:16–30: God empowered seventy elders to share Moses’ responsibility. Eldad and Medad also received the Spirit.
4. Connection with Genesis 10: Seventy nations in Hebrew tradition and seventy-two in the Greek tradition symbolize the peoples of the world and the universal scope of evangelization.
5. Why Two by Two? Mutual support, trustworthy witness, cooperation, practical protection, and shared responsibility.
6. Gospel — Lk 10:1–12: Pray for laborers, trust in God, bring peace, heal the sick, proclaim the Kingdom, and remain faithful amid rejection.
7. Return of the Disciples — Lk 10:17–20: Their greatest joy should be belonging to God, not their extraordinary accomplishments.
8. Our Responsibility: Become missionaries in daily life, support Church ministries, promote unity, practice charity, and train the next generation.
Central Message: Jesus sent the seventy disciples to reveal that the proclamation of God’s Kingdom is a shared mission. Every Christian is called to cooperate with others and become a faithful witness to Christ.
