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I. THE WORK AND OFFICE OF MINISTERS. They are appointed by the Prince of Peace to be the messengers of peace.

1. The ministers whom Christ here sends forth are supposed to enter into private houses; and that under the character of Christ's ambassadors, and in the execution of their office.

(1) Sometimes they were forced into such corners. Though the message they brought had everything in it to recommend them to an universal acceptance, yet it is probable in many places they were not permitted to preach in the synagogues; the rulers there who had a jealous eye upon them would take care to keep them thence; and they then retired into private houses, and preached to as many as would come to hear them there. Those who cannot do what they would for God and the souls of men, must do what they can, and God will accept of them.

(2) They always embraced such opportunities of spreading the gospel, and doing good to the souls of men, as visiting people at their houses gave them. Our Lord Jesus preached wherever He visited.

2. They are instructed to say, "Peace be to this house;" that is, to the inhabitants of it; to all under this roof; to the master of the family, for be he ever so great he needs this blessing; and to all the members of the family, for be they ever so mean they are not excluded from this blessing. Ignatius's bishop was to take cognizance even of the servants of the families that belonged to his charge.

(1) We are to preach peace to all.

(a)  Reconciliation, and no war.

(b)  Riches and no want.

(2) We are to pray for peace to all.

(a)  We must earnestly desire the welfare and salvation of precious souls; and not be cold and indifferent about it.

(b)  These desires of the salvation of souls must be offered up to God in prayer.

(c)  It is good to let those we preach to know that we pray for them. We must not only say to God, "Peace be to this house," but we must say it in the hearing of those that dwell in it.

II. THE SUCCESS OF MINISTERS. As to those to whom we minister — the success is varied; not the same with all. On some, the peace comes which we preach and pray for; on others, it does not.

1. The text gives us encouragement to hope that some shall be the better for our praying and preaching; we shall meet with those who are sons of peace, who are disposed to submit to the commands, and qualified to partake of the privileges, of the gospel peace. Who are the sons of peace, on whose heads, and hearts, and houses, the blessings of peace shall come? I answer —

(1)  Those who are so by the designation of the Divine counsel; the chosen of God, whom He hath set apart for Himself to be vessels of mercy.

(2)  Those who are so by the operations of the Divine grace.

2. Wherein shall those who are thus the sons of peace be the better for our ministry We are here told that our peace shall rest upon them, that is —

(1)  Our "prayers" for them shall be heard.

(2)  Our "preaching" to them shall answer the end, and be effectual.

(3)  The fruit of both shall remain.

3. The text also shows us that we ought not to be overmuch discouraged in our work, though there be many who are never the better for our praying and preaching.Let us now make some application of all briefly.

1. Let this awaken us who are ministers to be faithful, and serious, and diligent in delivering our message; as those who are in some measure sensible of the vast importance of the work we are employed in, and the dispensation that is committed to us.

2. Let us, when we have done what we can, look up to God for the success.

3. Let us be very careful that we do not, by any irregularity in our conversation, hinder the success of our praying and preaching, and defeat the ends of them.

4. What success of our labours we have the comfort of, let God have all the glory of.

(Matthew Henry.)

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KJV: And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.

WEB: Into whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace be to this house.'