Luke 7:18

KJV

And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the disciples {G3101} of John {G2491} shewed {G518} him {G846} of {G4012} all {G3956} these things {G5130}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yochanan's talmidim informed him of all these things. Then Yochanan called two of his talmidim

Berean Standard Bible

Then John’s disciples informed him about all these things.

American Standard Version

And the disciples of John told him of all these things.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 7:18 serves as a crucial narrative bridge, detailing how the disciples of John the Baptist brought him comprehensive reports of Jesus' burgeoning ministry, including His miraculous healings and teachings. This verse sets the immediate stage for John's pivotal inquiry concerning Jesus' identity as the long-awaited Messiah, highlighting the widespread impact of Jesus' works and the critical juncture in the unfolding divine plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows two powerful demonstrations of Jesus' authority and compassion: the [healing of the Roman centurion's servant](/luke/7-1-10 "Luke 7:1-10 - Jesus Heals the Centurion's Servant") in Capernaum and the astonishing [raising of the widow's son from the dead](/luke/7-11-17 "Luke 7:11-17 - Jesus Raises the Widow's Son at Nain") in Nain. These miracles, particularly the latter, generated immense awe and widespread discussion, leading people to declare that "a great prophet has risen among us!" and that "God has visited his people!" ([Luke 7:16](/luke/7-16 "Luke 7:16 - A Great Prophet Has Risen")). The news of these events, and Jesus' growing fame, spread throughout Judea and the surrounding region. It is this widespread report of "all these things" that John's disciples convey to him, directly preceding John's critical question to Jesus in [Luke 7:19](/luke/7-19 "Luke 7:19 - John the Baptist's Question to Jesus").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this point in the narrative, John the Baptist was imprisoned, likely by Herod Antipas in the fortress of Machaerus, due to his outspoken condemnation of Herod's unlawful marriage ([Luke 3:19-20](/luke/3-19-20 "Luke 3:19-20 - John Imprisoned by Herod")). Despite his incarceration, John maintained a loyal following of disciples who continued to visit him and keep him informed of current events, especially those pertaining to the spiritual landscape of Israel. The act of disciples reporting to their master was a common and expected practice in the ancient world, reflecting the deep bond and hierarchical structure of rabbinic schools and prophetic movements. The news of a new, powerful prophet performing signs and wonders would have been of paramount interest, particularly to John, who had dedicated his life to preparing the way for the Messiah.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 7:18 contributes to several significant themes within the Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the **irresistible spread of Jesus' fame and the undeniable nature of His miraculous works**, which were so profound they reached even those in confinement. Secondly, it highlights **John the Baptist's continued relevance and his unique role as the forerunner**, even as his ministry was waning and Jesus' was ascending. His awareness, though indirect, sets the stage for his genuine inquiry, revealing a human side to the prophet who had previously declared Jesus to be the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Finally, the verse subtly emphasizes the **intersection of two divine movements**—John's preparatory ministry and Jesus' messianic ministry—showing how God orchestrates events and uses various individuals, including loyal disciples, to advance His sovereign plan, as seen in the broader narrative of [Luke 7](/luke/7 "Luke 7 - Jesus' Authority and John's Question").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **disciples (Greek, _mathētḗs'_):** Derived from a word meaning "to learn," this term refers to a "learner" or "pupil." In this context, John's disciples were not merely followers but committed students who adhered to his teachings and ministry, demonstrated by their active role in bringing him news. Their loyalty to John is evident, yet their engagement with Jesus' ministry also suggests a fluidity and openness to new revelation.
* **shewed (Greek, _apangéllō'_):** This verb means "to announce," "to report," or "to bring word." It implies a detailed and intentional communication, not just casual gossip. The disciples were actively conveying specific information about Jesus' deeds, indicating the profound impact these events had and their understanding of their significance for John. This word underscores the deliberate nature of the report.
* **all (Greek, _pâs'_):** This comprehensive adjective means "all," "every," or "the whole." When combined with "these things," it emphasizes the extensive and varied nature of the reports. It wasn't just one miracle, but the cumulative effect of Jesus' entire ministry, encompassing His teachings, healings, and the raising of the dead, that was being conveyed to John.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the disciples of John":** This phrase identifies the messengers as those closely associated with John the Baptist, indicating their loyalty and their direct access to him even in his imprisonment. Their identity immediately signals the importance of the message, as it comes from John's inner circle.
* **"shewed him":** This signifies the act of reporting or announcing. It highlights the active role of the disciples in conveying information to John, who, due to his incarceration, was reliant on others for news of the outside world. The verb suggests a deliberate and perhaps urgent communication.
* **"of all these things":** This refers to the entirety of Jesus' recent activities and growing reputation. Specifically, it encompasses the powerful miracles of healing the centurion's servant and raising the widow's son, as well as the broader impact of Jesus' teaching and ministry that had captivated the region. The comprehensive nature of "all these things" underscores the compelling evidence of Jesus' divine authority.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 7:18 functions primarily as a **Narrative Bridge**, seamlessly connecting the preceding accounts of Jesus' miracles with John the Baptist's subsequent inquiry. It provides the crucial link that explains how John, despite his imprisonment, became aware of Jesus' powerful ministry. The verse also employs **Foreshadowing**, as the report of "all these things" directly sets the stage for John's profound question in the following verses, hinting at the theological tension and spiritual discernment required even by a great prophet. Furthermore, there is an element of **Dramatic Irony** at play; John, who had previously identified Jesus as the Messiah, now requires a report from his disciples to understand the full scope of Jesus' work, suggesting a human struggle with faith amidst difficult circumstances.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, though brief, is rich with theological significance. It demonstrates God's providential working even through human agents and challenging circumstances. The news of Jesus' powerful works, reaching John in prison, underscores the undeniable manifestation of God's Kingdom breaking into the world through Christ. It also highlights the reality that even those divinely appointed for specific roles, like John the Baptist, can experience moments of human doubt or a need for confirmation amidst the unfolding of God's mysterious plan. The disciples' faithful reporting serves as a model for how God's people are called to bear witness to His works, ensuring that the truth of His Son's ministry is proclaimed and understood, even in the most unlikely places.

* [Matthew 11:2-3](/matthew/11-2-3 "Matthew 11:2-3 - John's Question to Jesus")
* [John 1:29-34](/john/1-29-34 "John 1:29-34 - John the Baptist's Testimony About Jesus")
* [Isaiah 35:5-6](/isaiah/35-5-6 "Isaiah 35:5-6 - Prophecy of Messiah's Works")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 7:18 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. Just as John's disciples diligently reported Jesus' deeds, we are called to be attentive witnesses to God's ongoing work in the world and in our lives. This involves not only observing but also actively sharing the testimonies of His grace, power, and truth with others, especially those who may be spiritually confined or struggling with doubt. The fact that John, the great forerunner, sought confirmation reminds us that questioning and seeking deeper understanding are not antithetical to faith but can be integral parts of a maturing spiritual journey. It is a reminder that God often uses human messengers to convey divine truth and that staying connected to the community of faith, where news of God's activity is shared, is vital for spiritual nourishment and discernment. We are encouraged to be both diligent reporters of God's work and humble seekers of His truth, recognizing that even in moments of uncertainty, God's plan continues to unfold.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the diligence of John's disciples in reporting "all these things" challenge or inspire my own commitment to sharing news of God's work?**
* **In what ways might I be "imprisoned" by circumstances or doubts, and how can I seek out reliable reports of God's activity to strengthen my faith?**
* **What "things" has Jesus done in my life or in the world recently that I should be "showing" or reporting to others?**

### FAQ
**Why did John the Baptist need to be informed of Jesus' works if he was the forerunner?**

Answer: Despite being divinely appointed as the forerunner who baptized Jesus and declared Him the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), John was still a human being subject to human limitations and circumstances. At this point, John was imprisoned ([Luke 3:19-20](/luke/3-19-20 "Luke 3:19-20 - John Imprisoned by Herod")), cut off from direct observation of Jesus' public ministry. Therefore, he relied on his loyal disciples to bring him news. Furthermore, John's subsequent question in [Luke 7:19](/luke/7-19 "Luke 7:19 - John the Baptist's Question to Jesus") suggests that his imprisonment and the unexpected nature of Jesus' ministry (not immediately ushering in a kingdom of judgment as John might have anticipated) may have led to some human doubt or a need for confirmation regarding Jesus' messianic identity. This highlights the reality of faith even for great prophets, who, in their humanity, may seek reassurance amidst challenging circumstances.

**What was the nature of "all these things" that John's disciples reported?**

Answer: "All these things" refers to the comprehensive and widely publicized aspects of Jesus' ministry that had been unfolding, particularly the powerful miracles and authoritative teachings He had performed. Immediately preceding this verse, Luke records the [healing of the centurion's servant](/luke/7-1-10 "Luke 7:1-10 - Jesus Heals the Centurion's Servant") and the [raising of the widow's son from the dead](/luke/7-11-17 "Luke 7:11-17 - Jesus Raises the Widow's Son at Nain"). These events, especially the resurrection of the widow's son, caused great fear and led people to proclaim that God had "visited his people" ([Luke 7:16](/luke/7-16 "Luke 7:16 - A Great Prophet Has Risen")). The disciples' report would have encompassed not just these specific miracles but the overall reputation and impact of Jesus' ministry, which was spreading throughout Judea and the surrounding regions ([Luke 7:17](/luke/7-17 "Luke 7:17 - News of Jesus Spreads")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 7:18, though seemingly a simple narrative detail, profoundly contributes to the Christ-centered understanding of the Gospel. The report brought to John by his disciples is not merely news of a great man, but of the very works that fulfill ancient prophecies concerning the Messiah. Jesus' miracles—healing the sick, casting out demons, and even raising the dead—were the very signs that Isaiah foretold would accompany the coming of God's anointed one ([Isaiah 35:5-6](/isaiah/35-5-6 "Isaiah 35:5-6 - Prophecy of Messiah's Works"); [Isaiah 61:1](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Ministry")). When John's disciples convey "all these things," they are, in essence, presenting the undeniable evidence of Jesus' messianic identity. Jesus Himself later points to these very works as proof of His divine commission ([Luke 7:22](/luke/7-22 "Luke 7:22 - Jesus' Answer to John's Disciples")). Thus, this verse underscores that Jesus is not just a prophet, but the one whom John was sent to announce, the one who brings the Kingdom of God with power and authority. The works of Christ speak for themselves, serving as the ultimate testimony to His unique person and mission as the Son of God, fulfilling God's redemptive plan for humanity, a truth proclaimed throughout the New Testament, such as in [John 14:11](/john/14-11 "John 14:11 - Believe Me for the Works' Sake").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 3:26

And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all [men] come to him.

Matthew 11:2

Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples,

Matthew 11:19

The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.