{5} And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.

(5) Happy are they that receive the preaching of the gospel: and unhappy are they that refuse it.

People's New Testament

10:11 There abide. With some one noted for hospitality and worth. They were not to board round from house to house.

Wesley's Notes

10:11 Inquire who is worthy - That you should abide with him: who is disposed to receive the Gospel. There abide - In that house, till ye leave the town. Mark 6:10; Luke 9:4.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

11. And into whatsoever city or town-town or village.

ye shall enter inquire-carefully.

who in it is worthy-or "meet" to entertain such messengers; not in point of rank, of course, but of congenial disposition.

and there abide till ye go thence-not shifting about, as if discontented, but returning the welcome given with a courteous, contented, accommodating disposition.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

10:5-15 The Gentiles must not have the gospel brought them, till the Jews have refused it. This restraint on the apostles was only in their first mission. Wherever they went they must proclaim, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. They preached, to establish the faith; the kingdom, to animate the hope; of heaven, to inspire the love of heavenly things, and the contempt of earthly; which is at hand, that men may prepare for it without delay. Christ gave power to work miracles for the confirming of their doctrine. This is not necessary now that the kingdom of God is come. It showed that the intent of the doctrine they preached, was to heal sick souls, and to raise those that were dead in sin. In proclaiming the gospel of free grace for the healing and saving of men's souls, we must above all avoid the appearance of the spirit of an hireling. They are directed what to do in strange towns and cities. The servant of Christ is the ambassador of peace to whatever place he is sent. His message is even to the vilest sinners, yet it behoves him to find out the best persons in every place. It becomes us to pray heartily for all, and to conduct ourselves courteously to all. They are directed how to act as to those that refused them. The whole counsel of God must be declared, and those who will not attend to the gracious message, must be shown that their state is dangerous. This should be seriously laid to heart by all that hear the gospel, lest their privileges only serve to increase their condemnation.