Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 9
Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary
Luke 9
Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary
Luke 9
"And he called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases." — Luke 9:1 (ASV)
The “Twelve” receive both the “power” (GK 1539) and the “authority” (GK 2026) to do works of the sort that Jesus has performed in the episodes Luke has thus far reported. Signs and wonders are important to Luke, especially as the validation of the Gospel by, among other means, the apostles’ miraculous power as God’s messengers. Since others were claiming supernatural power (cf. Acts 13:6–10; 19:13), it was necessary for Jesus’ disciples to have both “authority” and “power.” This principle appears in a different context in 5:24. The connection between casting out demons and the coming of the kingdom is not as clear there as in 11:20; but the double mention of the ministry of healing here in 9:1–2 suggests that relationship.
"And he sent them forth to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick." — Luke 9:2 (ASV)
The “Twelve” receive both the “power” (GK 1539) and the “authority” (GK 2026) to do works of the sort that Jesus has performed in the episodes Luke has thus far reported. Signs and wonders are important to Luke, especially as the validation of the Gospel by, among other means, the apostles’ miraculous power as God’s messengers. Since others were claiming supernatural power (cf. Acts 13:6–10; 19:13), it was necessary for Jesus’ disciples to have both “authority” and “power.” This principle appears in a different context in 5:24. The connection between casting out demons and the coming of the kingdom is not as clear there as in 11:20; but the double mention of the ministry of healing here in 9:1–2 suggests that relationship.
"And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staff, nor wallet, nor bread, nor money; neither have two coats." — Luke 9:3 (ASV)
The instructions indicate the urgency of the task. The severely limited provisions Jesus allowed the Twelve to take with them may be intended to express their dependence on God alone for food, protection, and shelter. Without bread or money they would need to be given daily food.
"And into whatsoever house ye enter, there abide, and thence depart." — Luke 9:4 (ASV)
The disciples should receive hospitality graciously. Hospitality was important as well as necessary in days of difficult travel conditions and poor accommodations at inns. The disciples were not to move about from house to house, a practice that might gain them more support but would insult their hosts.
They would also encounter those who refused them a welcome. As a solemn symbol of judgment, the disciples were to shake the dust of an unresponsive town off their feet (see comment on Mk 6:10–11).
"And as many as receive you not, when ye depart from that city, shake off the dust from your feet for a testimony against them." — Luke 9:5 (ASV)
The disciples should receive hospitality graciously. Hospitality was important as well as necessary in days of difficult travel conditions and poor accommodations at inns. The disciples were not to move about from house to house, a practice that might gain them more support but would insult their hosts.
They would also encounter those who refused them a welcome. As a solemn symbol of judgment, the disciples were to shake the dust of an unresponsive town off their feet (see comment on Mk 6:10–11).
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