Bible Strands
Luke 9:10
Then the apostles returned and reported to Jesus all that they had done. Taking them away privately, He withdrew to a town called Bethsaida.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The narrative places the apostles reporting their mission results to Jesus immediately after Herod’s confusion regarding John’s death. Jesus then removes them from the crowd to withdraw to a town named Bethsaida.
The words — ὑποστρέψαντες (hupostrepsantes) translates as “having returned,” marking the completion of the apostles’ journey. διηγήσαντο (diēgēsanto) means “related” or “reported,” indicating a full accounting of their activities given to Jesus.
The thread — Jesus’ pattern of private withdrawal after ministry reports echoes Matthew 14:13, where He retreats following news of John’s death. The location Bethsaida later appears in Matthew 11:21, where Jesus notes the town witnessed miracles but failed to repent.
Why it lands — The text requires acknowledging that ministry activity must be submitted to Jesus’ authority before seeking rest. It establishes a structural rhythm of reporting, withdrawal, and divine direction rather than autonomous action.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And the apostles, when they were returned, told him all that they had done. And he took them, and went aside privately into a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida.
Cross-references
- Matthew 11:21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
- Matthew 14:13 When Jesus heard about John, He withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. But the crowds found out about it and followed Him on foot from the towns.
- Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you.
- Zechariah 1:10 Then the man standing among the myrtle trees explained, “They are the ones the LORD has sent to patrol the earth.”
- Mark 2:7 “Why does this man speak like this? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
- Mark 6:30 Meanwhile, the apostles gathered around Jesus and brought Him news of all they had done and taught.
- Luke 9:10 Then the apostles returned and reported to Jesus all that they had done. Taking them away privately, He withdrew to a town called Bethsaida.
- Luke 10:17 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in Your name.”
- John 1:44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the same town as Andrew and Peter.
- John 6:5 When Jesus looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where can we buy bread for these people to eat?”