Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 9:50

"But Jesus said unto him, Forbid [him] not: for he that is not against you is for you." — Luke 9:50 (ASV)

This verse is proverbial in form. The man was not against Jesus. Apparently he had not yet joined the group of Jesus’ disciples but was probably “on the way” to joining; he should be welcomed rather than repulsed.