Luke 9:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 9:6
6 And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where.
Chapter Context
Luke 9 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of redemption, judgment, wisdom. 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 21-62: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. 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 9:6
6 And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where.
Analysis
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).
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.
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?