Luke 10:20 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."

NIV: However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."

NASB: Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.'

CSB: However, don’t rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."

NLT: But don’t rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven.'

KJV: Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

NKJV: Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”

Various cities and towns experienced visits from seventy-two of Jesus' disciples. They arrive announcing the coming kingdom of God. If a town accepted their message, they stayed and performed miracles of healing (Luke 10:1–12). They are especially impressed that, with Jesus' power and authority, they were able to cast out demons (Luke 10:17–18). Jesus put the situation into perspective. Those exorcisms revealed that God has already ensured the total defeat of Satan and all forces that work against God's plan (Luke 10:19).

Even the destruction of Satan is a secondary issue, however. Whatever mayhem Satan can do does not compare to the greatness of reconciliation with the God of the universe. Authority in the fallen world is nothing compared to eternal life with the Creator. God knows them individually, and nothing can take that away (Romans 8:38–39).

Faced with the hardships—both natural consequences of a fallen world and spiritual attack—we easily lose sight of this. Understandably, we become overwhelmed when faced with sickness and hardships. When God sends relief, we rejoice. We forget that the ultimate restoration of our bodies and spirits is yet to come. So, Paul says:

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:16–18).

And

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. (Romans 8:18).

Those who accept Jesus' message of the kingdom of God and repent look forward to the full healing of our bodies and the eternal defeat of evil.

Luke 10:17–20 describes the return of seventy-two disciples, after a mission of healing and preaching about the kingdom of God (Luke 10:1–12). They celebrate their victories over demons. Jesus gives them an even wider perspective: Satan is already defeated. Their victory is not that demons listen to them but that they have eternal life. Only Luke records these words from Jesus.

Jesus commissions seventy-two of His followers for a unique mission. They are sent into towns and villages, preparing people for Jesus' ministry. Those who accept the message will be blessed; those who reject it will be left behind. The disciples return celebrating what they have seen and accomplished. Jesus reminds them that salvation is the real victory. The parable of the good Samaritan explains that the obligation to love extends to anyone and everyone. A visit to the home of Martha and Mary offers a contrast between good things and the best things.

Luke 10 provides the bulk of the first section of what some refer to as Jesus' travelogue (Luke 9:51—19:27). In this extended description of travels and events, Jesus draws away from public ministry and theological debates. His focus is preparing His disciples for what will happen in Jerusalem, by teaching them about the kingdom of God. In Luke 9:51—11:13, the disciples gradually learn how to properly follow Jesus. Next, the Pharisees will reject Jesus (Luke 11:14–54) and Jesus will teach more about the kingdom (Luke 12:1—19:27). After the travelogue, Jesus will enter Jerusalem and face crucifixion.

Luke was a traveling companion of Paul (Acts 16:10) and a physician (Colossians 4:14). Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke writes his gospel as an historian, rather than as a first-hand eyewitness. His extensive writings also include the book of Acts (Acts 1:1–3). These are deliberately organized, carefully researched accounts of those events. The gospel of Luke focuses on the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Luke's Gentile perspective presents Christ as a Savior for all people, offering both forgiveness and direction to those who follow Him.