Luke 9:6
And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where.
Original Language Analysis
κατὰ
through
G2596
κατὰ
through
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
4 of 10
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εὐαγγελιζόμενοι
preaching the gospel
G2097
εὐαγγελιζόμενοι
preaching the gospel
Strong's:
G2097
Word #:
7 of 10
to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
This verse describes the successful completion of the Twelve's first independent mission (circa AD 29). Jesus sent them out with minimal provisions (vv. 3-5) to demonstrate dependence on God's provision and the urgency of their message. The Galilean villages were predominantly Jewish, though with Gentile influence from nearby Hellenistic cities. The apostles' preaching focused on Israel's covenant hope—the kingdom of God promised in the prophets was now arriving in Jesus.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the combination of gospel proclamation and healing demonstrate the comprehensive nature of Christ's salvation?
- What does the apostles' immediate obedience teach about responding to Christ's commission, even before fully understanding the outcome?
- In what ways should contemporary Christian ministry balance Word and deed, proclamation and compassionate action?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where. The apostles' obedience was immediate and comprehensive. The verb diērchonto (διήρχοντο, "went through") indicates systematic visitation of village after village. Preaching the gospel (εὐαγγελιζόμενοι, euangelizomenoi) means proclaiming the good news of the kingdom—not merely moral teaching but announcement of God's saving reign breaking into history through Jesus the Messiah.
And healing every where (θεραπεύοντες πανταχοῦ, therapeuontes pantachou) demonstrates that the apostles' authority was effective—they actually healed diseases and cast out demons as Jesus had empowered them (v. 1). The combination of proclamation and power validated their message. Miracles authenticated the apostles as genuine messengers of God, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy that the messianic age would bring healing (Isaiah 35:5-6, 61:1). This pattern continues in Acts, where apostolic preaching is accompanied by signs and wonders (Acts 2:43, 5:12).