Luke 9

Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.

And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.

And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.

And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart.

And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.

And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where.

Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead;

And of some, that Elias had appeared; and of others, that one of the old prophets was risen again.

And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.

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.

And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing.

And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.

But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they said, We have no more but five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy meat for all this people.

For they were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, Make them sit down by fifties in a company.

And they did so, and made them all sit down.

Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude.

And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets.

And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?

They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again.

He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God.

And he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing;

Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.

And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.

For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?

For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.

But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.

And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.

And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.

And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias:

Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.

But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him.

And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said.

While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud.

And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.

And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone. And they kept it close, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen.

And it came to pass, that on the next day, when they were come down from the hill, much people met him.

And, behold, a man of the company cried out, saying, Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son: for he is mine only child.

And, lo, a spirit taketh him, and he suddenly crieth out; and it teareth him that he foameth again, and bruising him hardly departeth from him.

And I besought thy disciples to cast him out; and they could not.

And Jesus answering said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you, and suffer you? Bring thy son hither.

And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare him. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father.

And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But while they wondered every one at all things which Jesus did, he said unto his disciples,

Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men.

But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask him of that saying.

Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest.

And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him,

And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.

And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us.

And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.

And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,

And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.

And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.

And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?

But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.

For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.

And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.

And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.

Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.

And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.

And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

What does Luke 9:1 mean?

Explanation

Luke 9:1 is a powerful verse that showcases Jesus Christ's authority over the spiritual realm and His willingness to share that power with His disciples.

According to the verse, Jesus called the twelve apostles and gave them the power and authority to cast out all demons and to heal diseases.

This act signifies not only the trust Jesus had in His followers but also serves as an example of the ministry that the disciples were to continue after Jesus' time on earth.

The literal meaning is clear: the disciples are empowered to perform acts of healing and exorcism.

On a deeper level, this verse speaks to the themes of divine empowerment, the expansion of Jesus' ministry through His followers, and the establishment of the early church's role in confronting evil and alleviating suffering in the world.

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Historical Context

The Gospel of Luke was written in a Greco-Roman context, where authors often emphasized the importance of historical details.

Estimates for the date of writing range from 60 to 110 AD, and it is thought to have been written to assure Theophilus, and readers like him, of the certainty of the teachings about Jesus.

At the time of this verse, Jesus was actively ministering to the people of Israel, proclaiming the Kingdom of God, performing miracles, and training His disciples for the continuation of His work.

Giving His disciples power and authority was part of preparing them for their mission after His resurrection and ascension, where they would take charge of spreading the gospel throughout the world.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives interpret Luke 9:1 in a variety of ways.

From a Charismatic standpoint, it can be seen as a basis for believing in the continued practice of powerful spiritual gifts.

In Evangelical theology, this moment is often viewed as the commissioning of the disciples for gospel proclamation and divine healing as evidence of the Kingdom of God at hand. Catholicism and Orthodoxy might focus on the apostolic authority given by Jesus as a foundation for the ordained ministry and the sacramental life of the Church, which includes exorcism and anointing of the sick.

Practical Applications

Luke 9:1 can inform how Christians approach their role in society today.

It encourages believers to be proactive in confronting spiritual evil and providing care for those suffering.

This passage can also inspire Christians to engage in prayer and intercession with the belief that God has given them authority to make a positive difference in the world.

It supports the practice of compassion and service in the name of Jesus and encourages the faithful to trust in the power of God to work through them.

Cross-References

Matthew 10:1: "And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease."
Mark 3:14-15: "And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils."
Mark 6:7: "And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;"
Luke 10:19: "Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you."

Language Study

Significant Greek terms in Luke 9:1 include:

"power" (δύναμις, dynamis): often used to refer to supernatural power or miracles.
"authority" (ἐξουσία, exousia): denoting the right or jurisdiction to command and enforce obedience.
"devils" (δαιμόνια, daimonia): usually translated as "demons," indicating malignant spiritual beings.
"to cure" (θεραπεύειν, therapeuein): meaning to heal, treat, or restore to health.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the ancient world, power over evil spirits and diseases was often attributed to gods, magicians, or particular heroes in various mythologies.

Jesus giving such power to His disciples would have been a bold statement in this context, contrasting the exclusive roles of intermediaries in other religions.

It depicted a new movement where ordinary individuals were directly vested with divine authority, which challenged existing religious power structures.

Scientific Perspectives

The modern scientific view tends to be skeptical of claims about miraculous healing and exorcism.

The concept of healing is understood from a medical perspective, while demon possession is often approached as psychological phenomena.

Nevertheless, some scientists and scholars acknowledge the positive effect of faith and community support on individual well-being and how these can contribute to recovery from illness.

commentaries

Various experts and Bible commentators offer diverse perspectives on Luke 9:1:

Matthew Henry emphasizes the completeness of the disciple's power over the devil, signifying the ultimate victory over evil through Jesus.
John MacArthur notes that this commissioning serves as a clear display of Christ's sovereignty and the authority He can bestow upon those He chooses.
William Barclay highlights the trust Jesus put in His disciples to extend His work and the fact that they were given not only the power but also the responsibility that comes with it.
Commentators from the Catholic tradition might reference the Catechism, which discusses the importance of apostolic succession and its connection to the authority given to the disciples.

Luke 9

Luke 9

What does Luke 9:1 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?

What does Luke 9:1 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?