Notes on Luke 8:32-55

Luke 8:32-34

In ancient Israel, pigs were considered unclean (Lev. 11:7; Deut. 14:8). This made them a fitting place for the demons. Moreover, their destruction was proof that the demons really came out of the man. Luke makes no comment on the destruction of the pigs. Though this would have caused financial harm, the man's life was more valuable (see 9:25; 12:6-7). The main point is Jesus's authority over the demons.

Luke 8:35

Jesus fully reversed the man's physical and spiritual condition (vv. 27, 29).

Luke 8:37-39

Although the people were gripped by fear the man who had been freed from the demons was filled with faith. He was willing to follow Jesus anywhere, but was called to stay and tell others of his healing. The man is a model of faith and obedience for all Jesus's disciples.

Luke 8:40

crowd. The same Galilean crowd in 8:4, 19.

Luke 8:41

leaders of the synagogue. Respected leaders who helped organize and lead activities in the synagogue (see Acts 13:15; 18:8, 17). fell down . . . begged. A display of humble, desperate faith in Jesus.

Luke 8:43

bleeding for twelve years. The nature of her condition is uncertain. However, it would have made her ceremonially unclean (Lev. 15:25-31). She would have lived apart from the community's regular religious life and fellowship. Anyone who came in contact her would have also been unclean (Num. 5:1-4).

Luke 8:44

touched. Unlike others, Jesus was not made ceremonially unclean by the woman's touch. Instead, he brought healing to the woman.

Luke 8:45-46

During his time of earthly ministry Jesus did not exercise the fullness of his divine power (see Phil. 2:5-8).

Luke 8:47

trembling and fell down. Like Jairus (v. 41), this is evidence of her faith (v. 48).

Luke 8:48

Jesus called the woman out of the crowd to clarify what happened to her. Many were pressing in against him (vv. 42, 45), but only she was healed. Her faith in Jesus set her apart from the others. daughter. A term of affection that would have helped her feel her restoration to the community (see note on v. 43). made you well. A term which is often used for salvation. The woman's physical healing pointed to a deeper, spiritual change.

Luke 8:50

Jesus comforted Jairus and encouraged him to believe.

Luke 8:51

Peter and John and James. Three disciples who emerged as a smaller group of important leaders among the apostles (see 9:28).

Luke 8:52-53

The crowd believed that Jesus could heal the girl (vv. 40-42, 49). But they did not understand the power of Jesus even over death.

Luke 8:54

Touching a dead body made one ceremonially unclean (Num. 19:11). But, Jesus's holy power and authority reversed the direction of purification (5:13; 7:14-15). Jesus's touch sanctified and restored life.

Luke 8:55

spirit returned. A person's spirit continues to exist after death (see Luke 23:46; Acts 7:59). At the command of Jesus, the girl's spirit returned to her body (see 1 Kgs 17:21-22). rose up . . . eat. Obvious evidence of the girl's restored life.

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