John Calvin Commentary Mark 9:38

"John said unto him, Teacher, we saw one casting out demons in thy name; and we forbade him, because he followed not us." — Mark 9:38 (ASV)

Master, we saw one. From this it is evident that the name of Christ was at that time so celebrated that people who were not among His intimate disciples used that name, or perhaps even abused it; for I will not venture to declare anything on this point as certain.

It is possible that the person mentioned here had embraced the doctrine of Christ and applied himself to performing miracles with no bad intention. However, since Christ bestowed this power only on those whom He had chosen to be heralds of His Gospel, I think that this person had rashly taken, or rather seized, this office.

Now, although he was wrong in making this attempt and in venturing to imitate the disciples without receiving a command to do so, his boldness was not without success. For the Lord was pleased, in this way also, to add luster to His name,⁵⁸⁵ as He sometimes does through those whose ministry He does not approve as lawful.

It is not inconsistent with this to say that someone endowed with special faith followed a blind impulse and thus proceeded inconsiderately to work miracles.

I now come to John and his companions. They say that they forbade a man to work miracles. Why did they not first ask whether or not he was authorized?

For now, being in a state of doubt and suspense, they ask the opinion of their Master. Therefore, it follows that they had rashly taken on themselves the right to forbid. Consequently, every person who undertakes more than he knows he is permitted to do by the word of God is guilty of rashness.

Besides, there is reason to suspect the disciples of Christ of ambition, because they are anxious to maintain their privilege and honor. For why is it that they immediately forbid a man unknown to them to work miracles, if not because they wish to be the sole possessors of this right?

For they assign the reason that he followeth not Christ; as if to say, “He is not one of Your associates, as we are: why then should he possess equal honor?”

⁵⁸⁵ “Pour avancer la gloire de son nom;” — “to advance the glory of his name.”;” — “to advance the glory of his name.”