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What does it mean to "shake off the dust from your feet"?



      

Matthew 10:14

ESV - 14 And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town.

Clarify Share Report Asked September 16 2014 Mini Connie Howard Supporter

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Image41 Ezekiel Kimosop Supporter
Shaking off dust on ones feet is a Jewish act that is meant to express disgust for inhospitable conduct. Most Middle Eastern cultures respected visitors and we can see this in Abraham when he received angels. It was unusual to reject visitors or aliens who sought refuge in a city. 

Jesus was aware that his disciples would be rejected because of the message they coneveyed and the person they represented. This act is also to show that the dsciples had discharged their duty In briging the gospel of peace and when God's judgment falls on those who reject Christ, they will have themselves to blame.

However, there is no biblical command that Christians are to replicate this act in their evangelism. I have also heard some believers argue based on the passages of context (Matthew 10:5-15; Mark 6:7-13; Luke 9:1-6) that when visiting homes on evangelism they should not carry any belongings whether extra clothing or even money because the hosts should supply all needs. They misread the scripture. Jesus issued the command because of the urgency of the mission.

September 17 2014 0 responses Vote Up Share Report


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Img 0137 Stacy Leuty Supporter
This idiom, saying from a certain culture and time, is found in Matthew 10:14 and whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of you feet. 
This ancient oriental saying means to shake off the animosity and bitter feelings which arose between another and you as you leave, so that you may go on you way with your hear full of peace and joy, as a godly person should. You must never take with you the dust of hatred and resentment; shake it off and leave it behind so you may continue with a pure heart. 
[quoted from Light Through an Eastern Window By Bishop K. C. Pillai D. D. pp102&121]

September 18 2014 0 responses Vote Up Share Report


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