Luke 9:1

Luke 9:1-6. The Mission of the Twelve.

1. Then he called his twelve disciples together This was at the close of the missionary journeys alluded to in Matthew 9:35; Mark 6:6. St Matthew gives a touching reason for the mission of the Twelve. It was because He pitied the multitude, who were like harassed and panting sheep without a shepherd, and like a harvest left unreaped for want of labourers (Matthew 9:36-38). The Apostles thus became, as their name implied, emissaries (sheloochim), and this was an important step in their training.

and gave them power and authority Power (dunamis) is the capacity, and authority (exousia), the rightto act. See Luke 10:19; Revelation 13:7.

over all devils Rather, over all the demons.

to cure diseases The word is not iasthai,as in Luke 9:2, but therapeuein, -to tend;" but there seems to be no essential difference intended, unless eases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. And he said unto them, Take nothing for yourjourney, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece. And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart. And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony it points to the curious fact mentioned by St Mark that they anointed the sick with oil (Luke 6:13; comp. James 5:14).