The 72 disciples played a crucial but often overlooked role in Jesus’ ministry. Unlike the 12 apostles, these followers were sent out in pairs to prepare towns and villages for Jesus’ arrival. They preached peace, healed the sick, and declared that the Kingdom of God had come near. Their mission was clear, urgent, and Spirit-led—showing that Jesus intended His message to reach far beyond just a small group. This strategy of multiplication laid the foundation for how the Gospel would eventually spread across the world.
What makes the 72 especially significant is that they were ordinary believers, not elite leaders. Their story proves that you don’t need a title to make an impact in God’s kingdom. Jesus trusted them with real responsibility, and they returned amazed at what God had done through them. Their example challenges us today to go out, trust God, and be part of His mission. Keep reading for a deeper dive into who these disciples were, what they did, and why their work still matters today.
You’ve probably heard of the 12 disciples. But what about the 72 disciples that Jesus also sent out? Most people skip over this part, but it’s crucial to understanding how Jesus expanded His ministry and laid the groundwork for the early church.
In this article, you’ll learn who the 72 disciples were, what they did, and why they matter to your understanding of Jesus’ mission. We’ll break it down clearly, straight from Scripture, with practical insights you can apply.
Who Were the 72 Disciples?
The 72 disciples (some Bible manuscripts say 70) are introduced in Luke 10:1:
“After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go.”
Unlike the 12 apostles—who were Jesus’ closest followers—these 72 were part of a larger group of believers who had committed to following Him. They weren’t random people; they were handpicked for a specific mission.
Were They Different from the 12?
Yes. The 12 apostles had a more intimate role with Jesus. They were His inner circle, witnessing key events like the Transfiguration (Matthew 17) and the Last Supper (Luke 22). But the 72 played a different, yet vital role: they were the advance team.
Their Mission: Go Before Jesus
The 72 disciples were sent “two by two” to towns and villages ahead of Jesus, preparing the way for Him. Their work was urgent and mobile.
Here’s a breakdown of their mission based on Luke 10:2–12:
1. Proclaim Peace and the Kingdom of God
“When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’” (Luke 10:5)
They brought a message of peace and the nearness of God’s kingdom. This wasn’t just small talk—it was a direct challenge to people’s priorities and beliefs.
2. Heal the Sick
“Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’” (Luke 10:9)
Healing wasn’t just for show—it validated their message. Miracles served as proof that God’s power was real and active.
3. Travel Light and Trust God
“Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.” (Luke 10:4)
Jesus told them to travel without extra supplies. Why? To teach them dependence on God and the generosity of others.
4. Face Rejection Without Retaliation
“But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town we wipe from our feet as a warning to you.’” (Luke 10:10–11)
They weren’t supposed to argue or fight. If a town rejected the message, they simply moved on.
Why 72 Disciples?
The number 72 (or 70) has symbolic meaning:
- In Genesis 10, 70 nations are listed—representing the entire known world at the time.
- In Numbers 11:16–25, Moses appoints 70 elders to help him lead Israel, and the Spirit of God rests on them.
By choosing 72, Jesus may have been signaling that the Gospel was for all nations, not just Israel.
Their Impact and Legacy
1. They Expanded Jesus’ Reach
Jesus was only one man during His earthly ministry. By sending the 72, He could multiply His reach. Think of them as mobile missionaries, spreading the message far and wide.
2. They Were Part of a Larger Strategy
Jesus was modeling something deeper—delegation and discipleship. He trained, empowered, and trusted others to carry His message. That model carried into the early church and still works today.
3. They Returned with Joy
“The seventy-two returned with joy and said, ‘Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.’” (Luke 10:17)
Their mission wasn’t just effective—it was exhilarating. They experienced spiritual authority and saw real results.
But Jesus gave them a deeper truth:
“Do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:20)
Power is temporary. Salvation is eternal.
Lessons You Can Take From the 72
You don’t have to be one of the 12 to be part of God’s plan. The 72 show us that Jesus uses everyday believers in mighty ways. Here’s how that applies to you:
1. You’re Sent, Too
Jesus said in John 20:21: “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
If you follow Jesus, you’re part of the mission. You’re not just called to believe, but to go—to your workplace, family, and community.
2. Your Role Matters
The 72 weren’t famous. We don’t know their names. But their work mattered. Your obedience, even when unseen, advances God’s kingdom.
3. You’re Not Alone
Jesus sent them two by two. Ministry isn’t solo work. Whether it’s a church team, a small group, or a spiritual partner—God designed mission to happen in community.
4. Expect Both Results and Rejection
Some people will welcome the Gospel. Others won’t. Don’t let rejection stop you. Shake the dust off, as Jesus said, and keep going.
Did the 72 Disciples Appear Again?
Not directly. Scripture doesn’t name them or detail their lives afterward. But Church tradition gives us some possible identities:
- Some say Luke, the Gospel writer, was among them.
- Others list names like Barnabas, Mark, or Matthias as part of the 72.
Whether or not these are accurate, it shows the legacy of the 72 lived on through the church’s growth in Acts and beyond.
Final Thoughts
The 72 disciples were an essential part of Jesus’ ministry. They weren’t the most famous, but they were faithful. Their mission was bold, Spirit-led, and multiplied Jesus’ reach.
Quick Recap:
- They were chosen and sent by Jesus (Luke 10:1).
- They healed the sick, proclaimed peace, and prepared towns for Jesus.
- They were told to travel light and stay focused.
- They rejoiced in the power of God—but Jesus reminded them to value their salvation more than results.
If you’re a follower of Jesus, the same mission applies to you. You may not see yourself as a missionary, but you’re sent, just like the 72. Be faithful, and trust God to use you in ways you may never fully see.
Related Scriptures to Read:
- Luke 10:1–24 — Full account of the 72’s mission
- Matthew 9:37–38 — “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few”
- Acts 1:8 — “You will be my witnesses… to the ends of the earth”
- Isaiah 52:7 — “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news”
Got questions about this story or how it applies to your life? Drop them below or keep exploring the Gospel accounts. There’s always more to learn.
FAQs: What Was the Role of the 72 Disciples in Jesus’ Ministry?
1. Who were the 72 disciples in Jesus’ ministry?
The 72 disciples were followers personally chosen by Jesus to go ahead of Him to towns and villages, preaching the Gospel, healing the sick, and preparing people to receive His message (Luke 10:1).
2. What was the role of the 72 disciples in Jesus’ ministry?
Their role was to serve as advance messengers. They spread the message of peace, healed the sick, and declared the nearness of God’s kingdom—effectively multiplying Jesus’ reach before He arrived in each town.
3. How were the 72 disciples different from the 12 apostles?
The 12 apostles were Jesus’ closest inner circle and witnesses to key events, while the 72 disciples were part of a broader group of committed followers sent out to support His wider mission.
4. Why did Jesus send the 72 disciples out in pairs?
Jesus sent them two by two for support, accountability, and witness credibility, following the biblical principle that truth is established by the testimony of two or more (Deuteronomy 19:15).
5. What instructions did Jesus give the 72 disciples?
Jesus told them to travel light, depend on hospitality, stay in one place, heal the sick, and proclaim that the Kingdom of God was near (Luke 10:4–9).
6. Did the 72 disciples perform miracles?
Yes, they healed the sick and even drove out demons in Jesus’ name, which surprised and excited them. Jesus reminded them to rejoice more in their salvation than in power (Luke 10:17–20).
7. What can we learn from the 72 disciples today?
The 72 show that ordinary believers can be used powerfully by God. Their obedience, boldness, and trust in God are models for any Christian who wants to live on mission.
8. Are the names of the 72 disciples known?
The Bible doesn’t list their names, but early church tradition suggests a few possible members, like Luke or Barnabas. Still, their impact speaks louder than their identities.
9. Why is the number 72 significant in Jesus’ ministry?
The number 72 (or 70 in some manuscripts) may symbolize the nations of the world listed in Genesis 10, showing that Jesus’ mission was for all people, not just Israel.
10. How did the mission of the 72 disciples impact the early church?
Their mission helped set a pattern of multiplication and delegation. The early church adopted this same model of sending out trained believers to spread the Gospel across the world.
