And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.
John reported: 'Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us' (Διδάσκαλε, εἴδομέν τινα ἐν τῷ ὀνόματί σου ἐκβάλλοντα δαιμόνια, ὃς οὐκ ἀκολουθεῖ ἡμῖν, καὶ ἐκωλύσαμεν αὐτόν, ὅτι οὐκ ἀκολουθεῖ ἡμῖν). This reveals sectarian impulse—the disciple performed genuine ministry ('casting out devils in thy name') but wasn't part of their group, so they forbad him. John's repeated phrase 'he followeth not us' betrays proprietary attitude toward Jesus and ministry. The Twelve presumed exclusive rights to Jesus' authority. This sectarianism stems from pride, insecurity, and desire for control. Their action contradicted Jesus' teaching about receiving others (v. 37). Jesus' response (v. 39) corrects this narrow-mindedness, teaching that kingdom work transcends organizational boundaries. True disciples rejoice in Christ's advancement, regardless of who performs it.
Historical Context
Jewish exorcism practices existed (Matthew 12:27; Acts 19:13), but this person successfully cast out demons 'in Jesus' name'—unusual for non-disciples. The phrase 'in thy name' indicates authority derived from Jesus, not independent power. The disciples' sectarianism reflects common religious exclusivism—various Jewish sects (Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes) viewed others suspiciously. Early church struggled with similar issues—Paul addressed factionalism (1 Corinthians 1:10-13; 3:4-7). Jesus' response teaches that genuine faith and effective ministry can exist outside official structures. This doesn't endorse doctrinal indifference but warns against proprietary attitudes. The kingdom is larger than any single group.
Questions for Reflection
How does the disciples' sectarianism ('he followeth not us') reveal pride and insecurity masked as doctrinal concern?
What does this incident teach about rejoicing in Christ's work regardless of who performs it, versus protecting organizational territory?
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Analysis & Commentary
John reported: 'Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us' (Διδάσκαλε, εἴδομέν τινα ἐν τῷ ὀνόματί σου ἐκβάλλοντα δαιμόνια, ὃς οὐκ ἀκολουθεῖ ἡμῖν, καὶ ἐκωλύσαμεν αὐτόν, ὅτι οὐκ ἀκολουθεῖ ἡμῖν). This reveals sectarian impulse—the disciple performed genuine ministry ('casting out devils in thy name') but wasn't part of their group, so they forbad him. John's repeated phrase 'he followeth not us' betrays proprietary attitude toward Jesus and ministry. The Twelve presumed exclusive rights to Jesus' authority. This sectarianism stems from pride, insecurity, and desire for control. Their action contradicted Jesus' teaching about receiving others (v. 37). Jesus' response (v. 39) corrects this narrow-mindedness, teaching that kingdom work transcends organizational boundaries. True disciples rejoice in Christ's advancement, regardless of who performs it.