This verse from Mark 6:7 is a crucial point in understanding Jesus' ministry and the role of his disciples. Let's break it down:
"He called to himself the twelve": This refers to Jesus gathering his core group of disciples, the ones he had chosen to be his closest followers and apostles. This reinforces that they were specifically selected and appointed by him for a special purpose.
"and began to send them out two by two": Jesus didn't send them out individually but in pairs. There are several potential reasons for this:
Support and encouragement: Working in pairs offered mutual support, encouragement, and accountability. Travelling and ministering could be challenging, and having a companion provided a source of strength.
Witness: The Hebrew legal system often required two witnesses to confirm a testimony. Sending them in pairs could have provided a stronger witness to the miracles and teachings they performed.
Practicality: Two people could share tasks, help each other with needs, and be more effective in reaching out to others.
Community: It also modeled the importance of community and working together in the faith.
"and he gave them authority over the unclean spirits": This is the most significant part of the verse. Jesus specifically granted his disciples authority or power over "unclean spirits" (demons). This authority wasn't inherent to them, but a gift from Jesus himself. This meant they were empowered to cast out demons, a significant part of Jesus' own ministry.
In essence, this verse illustrates:
Jesus' delegation of authority: He wasn't just teaching, he was actively training and empowering his disciples to carry on his work.
The power of the Gospel: The ability to cast out demons demonstrated the power and reality of Jesus' authority over evil.
The disciples' role in ministry: They were becoming active participants in spreading the message of the kingdom of God and demonstrating its power through their actions.
The importance of working together: Sending them out in pairs emphasized the value of community, mutual support, and strengthened witness.
This verse sets the stage for the disciples' first missionary journey, a practical application of their training and a demonstration of the power of Jesus' name.
This verse from Mark 6:7 is a crucial point in understanding Jesus' ministry and the role of his disciples. Let's break it down:
"He called to himself the twelve": This refers to Jesus gathering his core group of disciples, the ones he had chosen to be his closest followers and apostles. This reinforces that they were specifically selected and appointed by him for a special purpose.
"and began to send them out two by two": Jesus didn't send them out individually but in pairs. There are several potential reasons for this:
Support and encouragement: Working in pairs offered mutual support, encouragement, and accountability. Travelling and ministering could be challenging, and having a companion provided a source of strength.
Witness: The Hebrew legal system often required two witnesses to confirm a testimony. Sending them in pairs could have provided a stronger witness to the miracles and teachings they performed.
Practicality: Two people could share tasks, help each other with needs, and be more effective in reaching out to others.
Community: It also modeled the importance of community and working together in the faith.
"and he gave them authority over the unclean spirits": This is the most significant part of the verse. Jesus specifically granted his disciples authority or power over "unclean spirits" (demons). This authority wasn't inherent to them, but a gift from Jesus himself. This meant they were empowered to cast out demons, a significant part of Jesus' own ministry.
In essence, this verse illustrates:
Jesus' delegation of authority: He wasn't just teaching, he was actively training and empowering his disciples to carry on his work.
The power of the Gospel: The ability to cast out demons demonstrated the power and reality of Jesus' authority over evil.
The disciples' role in ministry: They were becoming active participants in spreading the message of the kingdom of God and demonstrating its power through their actions.
The importance of working together: Sending them out in pairs emphasized the value of community, mutual support, and strengthened witness.
This verse sets the stage for the disciples' first missionary journey, a practical application of their training and a demonstration of the power of Jesus' name.