Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus redirects the disciples' excitement from the ability to cast out demons to the assurance of their salvation. The true reason for rejoicing isn't earthly power or even spiritual success, but the secure, eternal status of belonging to God, like a citizen registered in heaven.
Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just sent out the seventy disciples with the authority to heal and cast out demons, and they return ecstatic about their success in conquering evil forces in His name. He acknowledges their report and shares His own vision of Satan's defeat, but then redirects their immense joy from the visible power they wield to the eternal security of their relationship with God.
You've probably felt the rush of accomplishment – acing a test, landing a job, or even leading a team. But Jesus redirects His followers from celebrating earthly wins to a deeper, more enduring joy.
Jesus tells the seventy disciples, who are thrilled about casting out demons, "Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
This isn't to discount the amazing spiritual power they were experiencing. It was a tangible sign of God's kingdom breaking in! However, Jesus gently guides their perspective.
A Higher Calling to Joy
He's saying that the temporary thrill of having power, even spiritual power, pales in comparison to the profound security and identity found in being God's own. Your name being 'written in heaven' is an ancient way of saying you are a recognized citizen of God's eternal kingdom. It’s about belonging, not just about doing.
This is a joy rooted in God's eternal decision, not in your fleeting performance. It’s a constant, unwavering assurance that you are His, regardless of the victories or struggles of the day.
Imagine your name being entered into an official record. What happens if you break the rules? In ancient times, names could be removed. This verse touches on that reality.
The imagery of names being 'written in heaven' carries weight. In the ancient world, a city's registry or a king's decree wasn't permanent if a citizen fell out of favor. Their names could be struck out.
A Covenantal Understanding
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This is why some commentators suggest Jesus' words contain a note of caution. While the seventy had every reason to rejoice in their heavenly citizenship, the possibility of that status being jeopardized was understood within the Old Testament context (think of Moses' plea in Exodus 32:32).
However, the New Testament ultimately grounds this joy in God's electing love and Christ's finished work. For the true believer, the 'writing' signifies an irrevocable election and a secure salvation. Your name is written not because you've earned it, but because God chose you. This joy, then, is not based on flawless performance, but on the unchangeable character of God and the security found in His covenant love through Christ.
Understand the original words
chairō · Greek Verb
A state of inner gladness and delight, especially that which is grounded in salvation and one's standing before God, rather than in external circumstances.
graphō · Greek Verb
The biblical concept of being recorded in God’s book of life, signifying belonging to His family, eternal security, and guaranteed salvation.
This passage echoes the idea of names being in a book that could potentially be blotted out, highlighting the seriousness of God's favor and the responsibility that comes with it, as hinted at in Luke 10:20.
Philippians 4:3Paul refers to companions 'whose names are in the book of life,' directly linking the joy of having one's name written in heaven with belonging to God's people and fellowshipping in Christ.
Revelation 3:5This verse promises that the one who conquers will not have their name blotted out of the book of life, reinforcing the connection between enduring faithfulness and the security of one's heavenly record.
Psalm 69:28This psalm prays for names to be blotted out of the book of life and not written with the wicked, illustrating the deep significance placed on being included in God's register of the righteous.
wesleyLuke 10:20: "Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven."
10:20 Rejoice not so much that the devils are subject to you, as that your names are written in heaven - Reader, so is thine, if thou art a true, believer. God grant it may never be blotted out!
pulpitLuke 10:20: "Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven."
Verse 20. - But rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. "After all," went on the wise and loving Master, "though you have made the glad discovery of the power you possess, if, as my servants, you use aright my Name, after all, your real reason for joy is, not the possession of a new, mighty power, but the fact of your name havi…
Jesus redirects the disciples' excitement from the ability to cast out demons to the assurance of their salvation. The true reason for rejoicing isn't earthly power or even spiritual success, but the secure, eternal status of belonging to God, like a citizen registered in heaven.
Jesus has just sent out the seventy disciples with the authority to heal and cast out demons, and they return ecstatic about their success in conquering evil forces in His name. He acknowledges their report and shares His own vision of Satan's defeat, but then redirects their immense joy from the visible power they wield to the eternal security of their relationship with God.
Jesus has just sent out the seventy disciples with the authority to heal and cast out demons, and they return ecstatic about their success in conquering evil forces in His name. He acknowledges their report and shares His own vision of Satan's defeat, but then redirects their immense joy from the visible power they wield to the eternal security of their relationship with God.
"Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”" — Jesus redirects the disciples' excitement from the ability to cast out demons to the assurance of their salvation. The true reason for rejoicing isn't earthly power or even spiritual success, but…
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Last reviewed October 2026