Luke 8:39
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 8:39
39 Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.
Chapter Context
Luke 8 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of truth, mercy, covenant. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-56: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 8:39
39 Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.
Analysis
Jesus commands the healed demoniac: 'Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee.' Typically Jesus commanded healed people not to publicize miracles (Mark 1:44, 5:43), but here He commands proclamation. The phrase 'how great things God hath done' emphasizes divine action—testimony focuses on God's work, not personal experience. 'Return to thine own house' sends him back to family and community as living witness. His obedience is recorded: 'he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.' His testimony prepared Decapolis for later gospel reception.
Historical Context
The healed man had been possessed by Legion—many demons (v. 30)—living among tombs, naked, violent, isolated. Jesus cast demons into swine, which drowned (v. 32-33). The local people, fearing economic loss and supernatural power, begged Jesus to leave (v. 37). Jesus' command sent the healed man as missionary to his own people—the Decapolis, a largely Gentile region. His testimony was uniquely powerful—everyone knew his previous condition, making his transformation undeniable. This pattern continues—effective witnesses testify what God did for them, credibly because others observed their previous condition. Personal testimony authenticates gospel claims.
Reflection
- Why did Jesus send the healed demoniac home to testify when He usually commanded silence about miracles?
- What does the man's testimony 'how great things God hath done' teach about focusing witness on God's work rather than personal experience?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- References Jesus: Mark 1:45
- References God: Deuteronomy 10:21, Psalms 66:16
- Parallel theme: John 4:29, 1 Timothy 5:8