Luke 9:1
Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.
Original Language Analysis
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῖς
them
G846
αὐτοῖς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 18
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἔδωκεν
gave
G1325
ἔδωκεν
gave
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
7 of 18
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
αὐτοῖς
them
G846
αὐτοῖς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 18
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
δύναμιν
power
G1411
δύναμιν
power
Strong's:
G1411
Word #:
9 of 18
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐξουσίαν
and authority
G1849
ἐξουσίαν
and authority
Strong's:
G1849
Word #:
11 of 18
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
ἐπὶ
over
G1909
ἐπὶ
over
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
12 of 18
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
John 14:12Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.Luke 10:19Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.Acts 4:30By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.Matthew 16:19And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.Acts 1:8But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.Acts 9:34And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.Acts 3:16And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
Historical Context
This commissioning occurs midway through Jesus's Galilean ministry (circa AD 29), after the Twelve had observed His teaching and miracles for months. Luke uniquely emphasizes both power and authority, highlighting that effective ministry requires divine enablement, not just official appointment. The temporary mission (Luke 9:1-6) prefigures their permanent commission after the resurrection.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the distinction between power (ability) and authority (right) shape your understanding of Christian ministry and spiritual warfare?
- What does Jesus's delegation of authority to the Twelve teach about how God chooses to advance His kingdom through ordinary people empowered by the Spirit?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority (δύναμιν καὶ ἐξουσίαν, dynamin kai exousian)—Jesus delegates both the ability to act (dynamis, inherent power) and the right to act (exousia, delegated authority). This dual commissioning marks a crucial transition: the Twelve move from observers to participants in Christ's messianic mission.
Over all devils (πάντα τὰ δαιμόνια)—the authority is comprehensive and complete, not limited to certain demons. And to cure diseases (θεραπεύειν νόσους)—the ministry includes both spiritual deliverance and physical healing, demonstrating the kingdom's holistic restoration of fallen humanity. This commissioning anticipates the Great Commission (Luke 24:46-49) and the Spirit's empowerment at Pentecost, showing that apostolic ministry flows from Christ's delegated authority, not human ability.