And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This wasn't just a casual send-off; the Greek word for "called together" implies a solemn, purposeful assembly, highlighting the weighty nature of the mission Jesus was entrusting to them. He didn't just give them abilities; he bestowed "power and authority," a double emphasis on their delegated dominion over the spiritual and physical realms.
And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal.
English Standard Version (ESV)
As Jesus' Galilean ministry begins to draw to a close, he convenes his twelve apostles for a crucial, final mission before heading south. He commissions them with divine power to cast out demons and heal diseases, sending them out in pairs to preach the coming of God's kingdom. This delegation is a significant step, equipping them with authority and preparing them for the broader mission they will undertake after Pentecost.
Jesus doesn't just send his disciples out; he brings them together for a crucial commissioning. What does this 'calling together' signify?
The Greek word for 'called together' here implies a deliberate, unified assembly. This wasn't a casual meeting but a solemn gathering for a specific purpose. Jesus brought the Twelve into a cohesive unit before empowering them for their mission. This act underscores the importance of community and shared purpose in the work of the Kingdom. Their mission was not just individual acts but a collective demonstration of God's reign.
Jesus gives his disciples 'power and authority.' What's the difference, and why are both necessary?
The verse distinguishes between 'power' (dynamis) and 'authority' (exousia). Power refers to the inherent ability or strength to do something, while authority signifies the right or legitimate command to do it. Jesus bestowed both upon the Twelve. They didn't just have the ability to cast out demons and heal diseases; they had the legitimate right to do so in His name. This dual empowerment allowed them to act as His representatives, demonstrating that the Kingdom of God had indeed arrived and was subduing the forces of evil.
The scope of their mission is 'all' demons and 'all' diseases. What does this comprehensive reach tell us about Jesus' kingdom?
Jesus' commission wasn't limited to a few select issues. He gave the Twelve power over demons and the ability to cure diseases. This signifies the totality of Jesus' redemptive work. The Kingdom He established confronts and overcomes the full spectrum of evil and suffering in the world – spiritual oppression and physical ailments alike. It's a holistic salvation, addressing both the seen and the unseen forces that afflict humanity. Their mission was a preview of the complete victory that Christ would ultimately bring.
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Understand the original words
dōdeka · Greek Noun
The chosen inner circle of Jesus' followers whom He commissioned as His primary witnesses and the foundational leaders of the early church. They were granted special authority to carry out Jesus' ministry and mission.
dynamis · Greek Noun
The divine capacity and enabling force to perform supernatural acts. In Scripture, it is often tied to the Holy Spirit’s activity and the manifestation of God’s rule.
exousia · Greek Noun
The legitimate right, sovereignty, or delegated mandate to act on behalf of another. In a biblical context, it signifies the authority Jesus delegates to His disciples to command spiritual and physical realities.
daimonion · Greek Noun
Malevolent spiritual beings who are opposed to God and His kingdom. They are agents of evil seeking to deceive, harm, or influence humanity, over whom believers have victory through the name and authority of Jesus.
basileia tou Theou · Greek Noun
The sovereign reign and active rule of God over all creation and specifically within the hearts of those who believe. It is both a present spiritual reality and a future kingdom to be fully consummated.
therapeuō · Greek Verb
To restore to wholeness or health, often used in the New Testament to describe the miraculous removal of sickness or infirmity as a sign of the kingdom's presence.
This specific commissioning of the Twelve marks a pivotal moment where Jesus officially empowers his closest followers to extend his ministry, demonstrating that his mission was not solely his own but would be carried on through them.
c. AD 28— this verse
Jesus Calls the Twelve Apostles
Jesus gathers his core group of twelve disciples, commissioning them with spiritual and physical authority.
c. AD 28
The Twelve are Sent Out
Jesus sends the twelve out in pairs to preach the Kingdom of God and perform miracles, a preparatory mission before his final journey to Jerusalem.
c. AD 28
Missionary Journeys and Return
The apostles travel through the villages of Galilee, proclaiming the gospel and healing the sick, likely experiencing success and developing their ministry skills.
c. AD 28
Herod Antipas Hears Rumors
News of Jesus' and the apostles' activities reach Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, stirring his fear and curiosity, especially concerning the resurfaced John the Baptist.
c. AD 28
Retreat to Bethsaida
Following the apostles' return and facing crowds, Jesus leads them to a remote area near Bethsaida to rest, but they are followed by a large multitude.
c. AD 28
Feeding of the Five Thousand
Jesus miraculously feeds over five thousand men, plus women and children, with only five loaves and two fish, demonstrating his power over nature and his compassion.
This passage parallels Luke 9:1 by detailing Jesus' specific commissioning of the twelve, granting them authority to cast out demons and heal diseases, just as they were sent out to do in Luke.
Mark 6:7Mark's account also describes Jesus calling the twelve and sending them out in pairs, giving them authority over the spirit of impurity and the power to heal, reinforcing the theme of divine empowerment for their mission.
Exodus 4:16This verse shows God giving Moses authority and speaking through him to Aaron, mirroring how Jesus delegates divine power and authority to His disciples for their ministry.
1 Corinthians 12:28Paul lists 'gifts of healing' and 'working of miracles' as gifts bestowed by God within the church, highlighting that the authority Jesus gave to the twelve was part of a larger pattern of empowering believers.
barnesLuke 9:1: "Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases."
See the notes at Matthew 10:1-14 . See the notes at Matthew 10:1-14.
expositorsLuke 9:1: "Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases."
Chapter 17THE MIRACLE OF THE LOAVES. Luke 9:1-17 THE Galilean ministry was drawing to a close, for the "great Light" which had risen over the northern province must now move southward, to set behind a cross and a grave. Jesus, however, is reluctant-to leave these borders, amid whose hills the greater part of His life has been spent, and among whose composite populat…
This wasn't just a casual send-off; the Greek word for "called together" implies a solemn, purposeful assembly, highlighting the weighty nature of the mission Jesus was entrusting to them. He didn't just give them abilities; he bestowed "power and authority," a double emphasis on their delegated dominion over the spiritual and physical realms.
As Jesus' Galilean ministry begins to draw to a close, he convenes his twelve apostles for a crucial, final mission before heading south. He commissions them with divine power to cast out demons and heal diseases, sending them out in pairs to preach the coming of God's kingdom. This delegation is a significant step, equipping them with authority and preparing them for the broader mission they will undertake after Pentecost.
As Jesus' Galilean ministry begins to draw to a close, he convenes his twelve apostles for a crucial, final mission before heading south. He commissions them with divine power to cast out demons and heal diseases, sending them out in pairs to preach the coming of God's kingdom. This delegation is a significant step, equipping them with authority and preparing them for the broader mission they will undertake after Pentecost.
"And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal." — This wasn't just a casual send-off; the Greek word for "called together" implies a solemn, purposeful assembly, highlighting the weighty nature of the mission Jesus was entrusting to them. He didn't…
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Last reviewed October 2026