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Book of Mark - Chapter 6 - Verse 11

6:11
And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.

Meaning

In this verse from the book of Mark, Jesus instructs his disciples on how to handle rejection and hostility when sharing the message of the gospel. He tells them that if they are not received or heard in a certain place, they should symbolically shake off the dust from their feet as a testimony against those who rejected them. This action signifies that they have done all they could to deliver the message, and the responsibility now lies with the individuals who refused to listen. By mentioning Sodom and Gomorrah, two cities known for their extreme wickedness, Jesus emphasizes the severity of rejecting the message of salvation. He states that those who reject the gospel will face a harsher judgment in the day of judgment than the infamous cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of spreading the message of the gospel, even in the face of rejection, and highlights the consequences of rejecting the truth of God.

Theological Overview

In this verse, Jesus instructs his disciples on how to respond when they are not received or listened to by others. He tells them to shake off the dust under their feet as a testimony against those who reject their message. This action was a symbolic gesture, indicating that they had done all they could to share the good news and were now moving on. By referencing Sodom and Gomorrah, Jesus emphasizes the severity of the judgment that will come upon those who refuse to accept the message of the disciples. Sodom and Gomorrah were notorious for their wickedness, yet Jesus says that it will be more tolerable for them than for the cities that reject his disciples. This underscores the importance of receiving the word of God and the consequences of rejecting it. This verse serves as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with hearing and responding to the message of the gospel.

American Standard Version

And whatsoever place shall not receive you, and they hear you not, as ye go forth thence, shake off the dust that is under your feet for a testimony unto them.
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