Luke 9:6 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.

NIV: So they set out and went from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere.

NASB: And as they were leaving, they began going throughout the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.

CSB: So they went out and traveled from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing everywhere.

NLT: So they began their circuit of the villages, preaching the Good News and healing the sick.

KJV: And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where.

NKJV: So they departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.

The final part of the story of the disciples' first ministry trip without Jesus is a quick overview of their accomplishments.

Jesus has equipped the Twelve with the power and authority to heal, expel demons, and raise the dead (Luke 9:1; Matthew 10:8). The miracles are meant to validate their good news about the kingdom of God—which, for now, they are to share only with Jews willing to hear the message (Matthew 10:5, 14).

"Everywhere" does not mean the disciples taught in every Jewish town in Galilee and Judea. Ancient languages, just as modern languages, often use poetic terms. We might say a person "has been everywhere in the country," and not understand that in an overly literal way. Mark notes that their ministry is so successful that when they return to report to Jesus they don't even have time to eat because so many people are coming and going. Jesus invites them to come away to rest and regroup. Because of their ministry, the people have grown to recognize them, and the people chase the disciples' boat to Bethsaida. By the time they land, a crowd of thousands waits for them (Mark 6:30–33).

Jesus had warned the disciples that they would face the same persecution and hardships He will face (Matthew 10:16–38), because they follow Him. Persecution will strengthen the faith of the faithful (James 1:2–4). However, being adored can be spiritually dangerous. Being known and well thought of may be an advantage for spreading the gospel. Yet popular leaders are faced with temptations to abuse their positions. After Jesus feeds thousands, He must hide away so the mob cannot try to forcibly make Him king (John 6:15). It can be difficult for popular leaders and teachers to stay focused on God's plan for their ministry and not get caught up in what the crowd thinks they should be.

Luke 9:1–6 continues the stories of Jesus' power and authority which began in Luke 8:22. He equips His disciples with the power to perform wonders on His behalf. They experience a welcoming reception for their message. However, Jesus had warned this would not always be so (Luke 8:4–21). The disciples' joy is short-lived; when faced with thousands of hungry people (Luke 9:10–17) and a demon-tortured boy (Luke 9:37–43), they forget their own authority. Mark 6:7–13 also records the disciples' brush with power while Matthew 10 includes a much longer account of their training.

Luke 9 completes Jesus' Galilean ministry and begins describing His journey towards Jerusalem. Jesus gives His disciples miraculous power and commissions them to preach. The empowerment thrills the disciples but confuses Herod Antipas. A hungry crowd of thousands and hard teachings about following Jesus, however, shows the disciples' faith is short-lived. The transfiguration and the demonized boy precede stories of the disciples' continued confusion. They still struggle to accurately represent Jesus. Luke 9:51–62 begins the "travelogue" (Luke 9:51—19:27) with examples of the patience and sacrifice needed to represent Jesus as His followers.

Luke 9 straddles the two major sections biblical scholars call "Jesus' Galilean Ministry" (Luke 4:14—9:50) and "The Travelogue to Jerusalem" (Luke 9:51—19:27). The Galilean ministry alternates calls to discipleship with stories on Jesus' authority and teachings. The travelogue records what Jesus did and taught to prepare the disciples for His crucifixion. After a final group of stories on how to respond to Jesus (Luke 9:51—11:13) and several examples of how the Jewish religious leaders reject Jesus (Luke 11:14–54), Luke presents Jesus' teaching on the kingdom of God (Luke 12:1—19:27).

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.