Preparation of the Twelve Apostles - Luke 9:1-50
Jesus sent the twelve apostles out to engage in ministry. After they returned, he continued to instruct them and engage in ministry with them.
Luke 9:1
the twelve. The twelve apostles. See note on 6:13.
power and authority. Power is the ability to do something while authority is the right to do something.
demons . . . diseases. Before this only Christ had the power and authority to cast out demons and heal. Here he extended that to the disciples. This was empowerment for their ministry (v. 2).
Luke 9:2
kingdom of God. Like Jesus, the apostles were sent to preach the kingdom of God. It was about the spiritual reign of God over his people (see note on 4:43), a reign that would impact all areas of life, including religious, political and family life. The apostles did not bring about the kingdom. They announced that God was bringing the kingdom in Christ. It could only be entered by faith (Mark 1:15).
heal. The apostles healed the sick to authenticate their message and show the presence of God's kingdom (4:16-19).
Luke 9:3
Jesus's instructions emphasized the apostle's dependence on God for their needs (see 12:22-31). This is similar to the instructions given to Israel for the first Passover (Exod. 12:11). Israel needed to be ready to leave once the final plague fell on Egypt. There was urgency to their preparation. Likewise, there is urgency to the apostles' mission. They spread an important message in a short time.
Luke 9:4
God used the hospitality of believers to provide for the apostles on their mission. But they were not gaining profit for themselves. They stayed only until it was time to move on to another town.
Luke 9:5-6
peace. The reason for the mission's urgency (v. 4). The disciple's preaching would be peace with God to those who accept it.
person of peace. One who accepts the message of the kingdom.
return. The blessing (v. 5) would be nullified for those who are not men of peace.
Luke 9:5
shake off the dust. This was a symbolic act for removing the defilement when removing from Gentile areas (see 10:11; Acts 13:51). Those towns that rejected the gospel message would be left to await God's judgment (see 10:12-15).
Luke 9:7-9
Herod the tetrarch. See note on 3:1.
John . . . risen. See note on 3:18-20.
perplexed. Herod was a man of immense wealth and power. But Jesus made him nervous because he was reminded his own weakness and sinfulness. Herod wanted to know more about Jesus's identity. He didn't like Jesus's preaching. He wanted to know if Jesus was a threat to him.
who is this . . . ? An important question many asked (5:21; 7:20, 49; 9:18-20; 20:2; 22:67-71; 23:3, 9). It is a question that must still be answered today.
Luke 9:10-11
Jesus intended to further instruct the apostles
privately after they returning from preaching and healing (vv. 2, 6). However, the crowds followed them. Despite his plans, Jesus
welcomed the crowds and ministered to them (see vv. 1-2; 4:43; 8:1; Acts 1:8).
Bethsaida. Since they were in an isolated place
(v. 12), Luke probably intended to say that the solitary place was in the region of Bethsaida. This town is north of the Sea of Galilee (John 12:21).
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