Matthew Henry Commentary Luke 9:1-9

"And he called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. And he sent them forth to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staff, nor wallet, nor bread, nor money; neither have two coats. And into whatsoever house ye enter, there abide, and thence depart. 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. And they departed, and went throughout the villages, preaching the gospel, and healing everywhere. Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done: and he was much perplexed, because that it was said by some, that John was risen from the dead; and by some, that Elijah had appeared; and by others, that one of the old prophets was risen again. And Herod said, John I beheaded: but who is this, about whom I hear such things? And he sought to see him." — Luke 9:1-9 (ASV)

Christ sent His twelve disciples out, who by this time were able to teach others what they had received from the Lord. They were not to be anxious to commend themselves to people's esteem by outward appearance. They were to go as they were.

The Lord Jesus is the fountain of power and authority, to whom all creatures must, in one way or another, be subject; and if He accompanies the word of His ministers with power to deliver sinners from Satan's bondage, they may be sure that He will care for their needs. When truth and love thus go together, and yet the message of God is rejected and despised, it leaves them without excuse and turns to a testimony against them.

Herod's guilty conscience was ready to conclude that John had risen from the dead. He desired to see Jesus; and why did he not go and see Him? Probably because he thought it beneath him, or because he did not wish to have any more reprovers of sin. Delaying it now, his heart was hardened, and when he did see Jesus, he was just as prejudiced against Him as others were (Luke 23:11).