Mark 6:7
And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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What's often missed is that Jesus "began to send them out," implying this was a new, foundational step in their training, not their only mission. He also specifically gave them "authority over the unclean spirits," highlighting the spiritual warfare aspect of their ministry right from the start.
After Jesus' hometown rejected Him, He now commissions His twelve disciples for their first official mission, sending them out in pairs to support each other. This marks a significant step in His ministry, as He delegates His authority to them, specifically empowering them to cast out demons, preparing them for the spiritual battles ahead.
Why did Jesus send His disciples out in pairs instead of alone?
Jesus didn't send His followers out into a complex mission field solo. He specifically instructed them to go "two by two." Think about it: this wasn't just about having a buddy.
What did Jesus equip His disciples to confront?
Right alongside sending them out, Jesus gave the twelve a crucial empowerment: "authority over the unclean spirits." This wasn't a minor detail; it was central to their mission.
Understand the original words
dōdeka · Greek Noun
The designated inner circle of disciples chosen by Jesus to be His closest followers, representatives, and apostles. The number signifies the restoration of the twelve tribes of Israel under the New Covenant.
exousia · Greek Noun
The power, right, or jurisdiction to act and command. In this context, it is delegated power from Jesus, enabling the disciples to exert dominion over demonic forces.
akathartos pneuma · Greek Noun phrase
Spiritual entities opposed to God that possess or influence humans. They are characterized by moral impurity and hostility toward God's kingdom.
This mission wasn't just a practice run; it was Jesus strategically expanding His reach and training His inner circle. Sending them in pairs ensured mutual support and provided credible testimony, vital as His own ministry faced increasing opposition.
c. AD 28-30
Jesus Selects His Twelve Apostles
Jesus designates twelve of his followers to be His closest companions and future leaders of His movement, giving them a foundational understanding of His mission.
c. AD 28-30— this verse
Jesus Commissions the Twelve
Jesus formally calls the twelve, provides them with specific instructions, and empowers them to cast out demons, marking the beginning of their active ministry.
c. AD 28-30
The Twelve Preach and Heal
The apostles travel throughout Galilee, proclaiming repentance, casting out demons, and healing the sick, thus extending Jesus' ministry and impact.
c. AD 30
Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand
A significant public miracle where Jesus miraculously feeds thousands, demonstrating His power and compassion, shortly after the apostles' return from their mission.
This passage directly parallels Mark 6:7 by detailing Jesus calling His twelve disciples and giving them authority over diseases and demons, highlighting the dual nature of their spiritual and physical healing mission.
Luke 9:1Luke's account echoes Mark's by stating Jesus summoned the twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, emphasizing the divine power entrusted to them.
Exodus 12:1-14The instruction for the disciples to go 'two by two' can be seen as a parallel to the pairing of households for the Passover meal, suggesting a communal and divinely ordained approach to a significant divine act.
1 Corinthians 12:28This passage speaks of God appointing various roles within the church, including those with gifts of 'working of miracles' and 'gifts of healing,' which connects to the authority over unclean spirits and sickness given to the twelve.
pooleMark 6:7: "And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;"
Ver. 7,8. Mark had before told us of the election of the twelve, Mark 3:14 , which neither Matthew nor Luke mention: here he gives us an account of their mission, which is mentioned by both them also. The instructions which he gave them are much the same with what we meet with in Matthew 10:1-42 , and there opened. He would have them, upon their first mission, co…
vincentMark 6:7: "And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;"
By two and twoTo help and encourage each other, and also for fulness of testimony.
What's often missed is that Jesus "began to send them out," implying this was a new, foundational step in their training, not their only mission. He also specifically gave them "authority over the unclean spirits," highlighting the spiritual warfare aspect of their ministry right from the start.
After Jesus' hometown rejected Him, He now commissions His twelve disciples for their first official mission, sending them out in pairs to support each other. This marks a significant step in His ministry, as He delegates His authority to them, specifically empowering them to cast out demons, preparing them for the spiritual battles ahead.
After Jesus' hometown rejected Him, He now commissions His twelve disciples for their first official mission, sending them out in pairs to support each other. This marks a significant step in His ministry, as He delegates His authority to them, specifically empowering them to cast out demons, preparing them for the spiritual battles ahead.
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c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Final Journey to Jerusalem
Jesus begins His final journey toward Jerusalem, a period marked by teachings about the Kingdom and His impending suffering and death.
"And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits." — What's often missed is that Jesus "began to send them out," implying this was a new, foundational step in their training, not their only mission. He also specifically gave them "authority over the un…
