The twelve disciples were advised to respond to any house that did not receive them during their Missionary Journey by

The twelve disciples were advised to respond to any house that did not receive them during their Missionary Journey by shaking off the dust from their feet. This was a symbolic action indicating that they wanted nothing more to do with that household, and it showed that the responsibility for the outcome of the visit was not theirs. The disciples were not to force themselves on anyone, but they were to proclaim the message of the kingdom of God, and if the people rejected it, they were to move on and seek out others who were more receptive.