Luke 9:1-6

Applebury's Comments

The Mission of the Twelve
Scripture

Luke 9:1-6 And he called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. 2 And he sent them forth to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. 3 And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staff, nor wallet, nor bread, nor money; either have two coats. 4 And into whatsoever house ye enter, there abide, and thence depart. 5 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. 6 And they departed, and went throughout the villages, preaching the gospel, and healing everywhere.

Comments

And he called the twelve together.The account of choosing the twelve is given in Luke 6:12-16. They are now being sent out on their first mission. The Master not only chose them, but He also instructed them and sent them out to share in the work that not even He could do alone. This became a training experience for the greater task of carrying the gospel into all the world (Mark 16:15-16).

power and authority over all demons.The message they would speak would be given them by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 10:20). The miracles were their credentials, proving the God spoke through them. Jesus gave them power and authority to exercise it in casting out demons and curing diseases. Some, such as Jewish exorcists and some faith healers today, to whom no such power has been given have tried to exercise authority in these areas. Luke gives at least two examples of the utter failure of all such unauthorized efforts. See Acts 19:13-16 and Jesus reference to Jewish exorcists in Luke 11:19.

to preach the kingdom of God.They were to proclaim God's rule in the hearts of men. People needed to let God direct their lives. This is the same message John had preached. It must be proclaimed to every generation.

Take nothing for your journey.On this first mission, they were to go among Jewish brethren who understood the meaning of hospitality and respect for teachers. But rejecting their message meant rejecting Christ; rejecting Him meant rejecting God's rule in their hearts.

The wallet or traveling bag was used for various purposes, sometimes to carry extra clothing or food. Since they were to have no extras, not even two coats, they didn-'t need the bag. Deissmann, in Light From the Ancient East (page 109), mentions a bag that was carried by pagan priests as they went about begging. But this could not apply to Christ's disciples since they were to go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel and be taken care of by them. They did face some dangers, however, for some would not believe their message. Jesus pointed this out so that they might be prepared for it (Matthew 10:16-23).

And as many as receive you not.The unwelcomed guests were to leave not only because of the lack of hospitality but also because the message of the kingdom of God was being rejected. They were to shake the dust from their feet and in this dramatic way indicate the unworthinesss of those who did not accept their message. The responsibility for rejecting God's rule was left with those who refused to be taught by Christ's messengers.

preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.The good news of the kingdom was accompanied by the miracles of healing which served to prove that they spoke from God. Mark says that they preached that men should repent (Mark 6:13). Matthew adds that Jesus said, Ye shall not have gone through the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come (Matthew 10:23). They were on an urgent mission. Jesus would meet them before they had time to finish this task. This, of course, is not a reference to His second coming.