A.T. Robertson Commentary Luke 8

Soon afterwards (εν τω καθεξης). In 7:11 we have εν τω εξης. This word means one after the other, successively, but that gives no definite data as to the time, only that this incident in 8:1-3 follows that in 7:36-50. Both in Luke alone.

That (κα). One of Luke's idioms with κα εγενετο like Hebrew wav. Went about (διωδευεν). Imperfect active of διοδευω, to make one's way through (δια, οδος), common in late Greek writers. In the N.T. here only and Ac 17:1.

Through cities and villages (κατα πολιν κα κωμην). Distributive use of κατα (up and down). The clause is amphibolous and goes equally well with διωδευεν or with κηρυσσων (heralding) κα ευαγγελιζομενος (evangelizing, gospelizing). This is the second tour of Galilee, this time the Twelve with him.

Which had been healed (α ησαν τεθεραπευμενα). Periphrastic past perfect passive, suggesting that the healing had taken place some time before this tour. These women all had personal grounds of gratitude to Jesus.

From whom seven devils (demons) had gone out (αφ' ης δαιμονια επτα εξεληλυθε). Past perfect active third singular for the δαιμονια are neuter plural. This first mention of Mary Magdalene describes her special cause of gratitude. This fact is stated also in Mr 16:9 in the disputed close of the Gospel. The presence of seven demons in one person indicates special malignity . See Mt 17:45 for the parable of the demon who came back with seven other demons worse than the first. It is not known where Magdala was, whence Mary came.

Joanna (Ιωανα). Her husband Χυζα, steward (επιτροπου) of Herod, is held by some to be the nobleman (βασιλικος) of Joh 4:46-53 who believed and all his house. At any rate Christ had a follower from the household of Herod Antipas who had such curiosity to see and hear him. One may recall also Manaen (Acts 13:1), Herod's foster brother. Joanna is mentioned again with Mary Magdalene in Lu 24:10.

Who ministered unto them (αιτινες διηκονουν αυτοις). Imperfect active of διακονεω, common verb, but note augment as if from δια and ακονεω, but from διακονος and that from δια and κονις (dust). The very fact that Jesus now had twelve men going with him called for help from others and the women of means responded to the demand.

Of their substance (εκ των υπαρχοντων αυταις). From the things belonging to them. This is the first woman's missionary society for the support of missionaries of the Gospel. They had difficulties in their way, but they overcame these, so great was their gratitude and zeal.

By a parable (δια παραβολης). Mr 4:2 says "in parables" as does Mt 13:3. This is the beginning of the first great group of parables as given in Mr 4:1-34 and Mt 13:1-53. There are ten of these parables in Mark and Matthew and only two in Lu 8:4-18 (The Sower and the Lamp, 8:16) though Luke also has the expression "in parables" (8:10). See Mt 13 and Mr 4 for discussion of the word parable and the details of the Parable of the Sower. Luke does not locate the place, but he mentions the great crowds on hand, while both Mark and Matthew name the seaside as the place where Jesus was at the start of the series of parables.

His seed (τον σπορον αυτου). Peculiar to Luke.

Was trodden under foot (κατεπατηθη). First aorist passive indicative of καταπατεω. Peculiar to Luke here.

Of the heavens (του ουρανου). Added in Luke.