Luke 8:1

KJV

¶ And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve [were] with him,

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} it came to pass {G1096} afterward {G1722}{G2517}, that {G2532} he {G846} went {G1353} throughout every {G2596} city {G4172} and {G2532} village {G2968}, preaching {G2784} and {G2532} shewing the glad tidings {G2097} of the kingdom {G932} of God {G2316}: and {G2532} the twelve {G1427} were with {G4862} him {G846},

Complete Jewish Bible

After this, Yeshua traveled about from town to town and village to village, proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom of God. With him were the Twelve,

Berean Standard Bible

Soon afterward, Jesus traveled from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with Him,

American Standard Version

And it came to pass soon afterwards, that he went about through cities and villages, preaching and bringing the good tidings of the kingdom of God, and with him the twelve,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 8:1 serves as a pivotal summary statement, encapsulating the extensive and purposeful nature of Jesus Christ's ongoing ministry throughout the region of Galilee and beyond. It highlights His unwavering commitment to proclaiming the central message of the Kingdom of God, a mission undertaken with the constant companionship and active involvement of His chosen twelve disciples, underscoring the collaborative and training aspects of His public outreach.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse acts as a significant transitional and summarizing statement within Luke's Gospel. It follows a series of powerful narratives in [Luke 7](/luke/7 "Luke 7 - Jesus' Authority and Compassion"), including the healing of the centurion's servant, the raising of the widow's son at Nain, and the anointing of Jesus by a sinful woman, all of which demonstrate Jesus' divine authority, compassion, and the radical nature of His Kingdom message. Luke 8:1 then sets the stage for the subsequent parables, most notably the [Parable of the Sower](/luke/8-4-15 "The Parable of the Sower Explained") in [Luke 8:4-15](/luke/8-4-15 "Luke 8:4-15 - The Parable of the Sower"), which immediately follows, illustrating how the "glad tidings" are received. It underscores that Jesus' teaching was not confined to a single location but was a pervasive, active endeavor.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' ministry as an itinerant preacher was a common, though highly impactful, method of disseminating religious and philosophical teachings in the ancient world. Traveling "throughout every city and village" meant reaching both established urban centers and smaller, more remote communities, ensuring broad exposure to His message. This widespread travel also highlights the Jewish expectation of a coming messianic kingdom, which Jesus was now proclaiming to be "at hand" or even "among you" ([Luke 17:21](/luke/17-21 "The Kingdom of God is Among You")). The presence of "the twelve" with Him was also culturally significant, mirroring the rabbinic practice of disciples accompanying their master, but also uniquely foreshadowing their future apostolic role as the foundation of the new Israel.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 8:1 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel. Firstly, it emphasizes the **extensive and inclusive nature of Jesus' ministry**, demonstrating His desire to reach all people, regardless of their social standing or location, with the transformative message of God's reign. Secondly, the verse reiterates the **centrality of the Kingdom of God** as the core content of Jesus' preaching, a theme consistently highlighted from His inaugural sermon in [Luke 4:43](/luke/4-43 "Jesus Must Preach the Kingdom of God"). This "kingdom" is not merely a future political entity but God's sovereign rule breaking into the present through Jesus Himself. Finally, the presence of "the twelve" underscores the theme of **discipleship and apostolic training**, indicating that Jesus was not only proclaiming the Kingdom but also actively preparing His followers to continue this mission, as evidenced by their later commissioning in [Luke 9:1-6](/luke/9-1-6 "Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Disciples").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **went throughout (Greek, _diodeúō'_):** From *diá* (through) and *hodeúō* (to travel), this verb signifies an active, pervasive movement. It implies a deliberate and systematic journeying through various locations rather than a casual or sporadic visit. This highlights the intentionality and tireless nature of Jesus' evangelistic mission, emphasizing His commitment to widespread proclamation.
* **shewing the glad tidings (Greek, _euangelízō'_):** This verb literally means "to announce good news" or "to evangelize." It specifically refers to the proclamation of the gospel, the joyous message of salvation and the establishment of God's reign. The use of this term underscores that Jesus' primary activity was not merely teaching or performing miracles, but delivering a message of profound hope and transformation.
* **kingdom (Greek, _basileía'_):** This noun denotes royalty, rule, or a realm. In the context of Jesus' ministry, it refers to God's sovereign reign, which is both a present reality inaugurated by Jesus' coming and a future consummation. It encompasses God's redemptive plan, His righteous governance, and the sphere of His divine authority, forming the very core of Jesus' message.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass afterward,"**: This introductory phrase, common in Luke's narrative, serves as a temporal marker, indicating a continuation of Jesus' ministry following the events described in the preceding chapter. It suggests a sustained period of activity, not an isolated incident, emphasizing the ongoing nature of His work.
* **"that he went throughout every city and village,"**: This clause describes the geographical scope and method of Jesus' ministry. "Every city and village" implies a comprehensive and widespread outreach, demonstrating His commitment to reaching diverse populations, from urban centers to rural communities. It speaks to the tireless, itinerant nature of His mission.
* **"preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God:"**: This is the core purpose of Jesus' journey. "Preaching" (kērýssō) implies a public, authoritative proclamation, while "shewing the glad tidings" (euangelízō) specifies the content as "good news." The object of this proclamation is explicitly "the kingdom of God," signifying God's active, sovereign rule breaking into human history through Jesus, offering salvation and restoration.
* **"and the twelve [were] with him,"**: This final clause highlights the crucial role of the disciples. Their constant presence signifies ongoing training and participation in Jesus' ministry. They were not just observers but active apprentices, learning firsthand the message and methods of the Kingdom, preparing them for their future commission.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 8:1 functions primarily as a **Summary Statement**, efficiently consolidating the essence of Jesus' ongoing public ministry into a single, comprehensive sentence. This provides the reader with a clear overview before delving into specific events. The phrase "went throughout every city and village" employs **Hyperbole** or **Generalization** to convey the extensive and pervasive nature of Jesus' travels, emphasizing His tireless commitment to reaching a broad audience. The verse also utilizes **Emphasis** through the pairing of "preaching and shewing the glad tidings," underscoring the dual nature of His communication: authoritative proclamation and joyful announcement. Finally, the inclusion of "the twelve" serves as a subtle **Foreshadowing** of their future apostolic mission, indicating their training and integral role in the unfolding narrative of the Kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 8:1 profoundly encapsulates the heart of Jesus' earthly mission: the active, widespread proclamation of God's sovereign rule. This verse serves as a theological anchor, reminding us that the Kingdom of God is not merely a future hope but a present reality inaugurated by Christ's presence and power. It highlights the divine initiative in redemption, as God, through His Son, actively seeks to establish His reign in human hearts and society. The inclusion of the twelve disciples underscores the communal and reproductive nature of this mission, where the message is not only proclaimed but also embodied and multiplied through trained followers. This pattern of active outreach and discipleship remains foundational for the church's mission today, reflecting God's desire for all to hear and respond to the good news of His Kingdom.

* [Matthew 4:23](/matthew/4-23 "Jesus Teaching and Healing in Galilee")
* [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "The Great Commission and Witnessing")
* [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "The Great Commission")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 8:1 offers a powerful blueprint for contemporary believers and the Church. Jesus' example of tirelessly going "throughout every city and village" challenges us to move beyond passive invitation to proactive engagement in sharing the gospel. Our mission, like His, must be characterized by an intentional, widespread outreach to all segments of society, driven by the urgency and joy of the "glad tidings." Furthermore, the verse underscores the paramount importance of centering our message on the Kingdom of God – its present reality, its transforming power, and its call to repentance and faith. Finally, the presence of "the twelve" reminds us that ministry is not a solo endeavor but a communal, discipled effort. We are called not only to proclaim but also to equip and empower others, fostering a culture of mentorship and shared mission, ensuring that the Kingdom message continues to spread through generations of faithful witnesses.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways can I, or my community, more actively "go throughout" our spheres of influence with the good news, rather than waiting for people to come to us?**
* **How clearly is the "kingdom of God" central to my understanding and articulation of the gospel message? What does it mean for God's reign to be present in my daily life?**
* **What practical steps can I take to invest in the spiritual development and equipping of others, mirroring Jesus' intentional discipleship of the twelve?**

### FAQ

**What does "the glad tidings of the kingdom of God" truly mean?**

Answer: "The glad tidings of the kingdom of God" (Greek: *euangelion tēs basileías tou theoú*) is the core message of Jesus' ministry. It refers to the "good news" that God's sovereign rule and reign (His "kingdom") is breaking into human history through Jesus Christ. This is not merely a political or earthly kingdom, but a spiritual reality where God's will is done, His authority is recognized, and His redemptive purposes are fulfilled. It encompasses the forgiveness of sins, the defeat of evil, the promise of eternal life, and the restoration of humanity's relationship with God. Jesus Himself embodies and inaugurates this Kingdom, offering salvation and inviting people to live under God's loving rule. This message is foundational throughout the Gospels, as seen in [Mark 1:14-15](/mark/1-14-15 "Jesus Preaches the Kingdom of God") and [Luke 4:43](/luke/4-43 "Jesus Must Preach the Kingdom of God").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 8:1, while describing Jesus' earthly itinerant ministry, profoundly points to His ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment. The "glad tidings of the kingdom of God" that Jesus preached were not merely abstract concepts but were embodied in His very person and work. He is the King of this Kingdom, the one through whom God's reign is established and made manifest. His tireless journeying "throughout every city and village" foreshadows the universal scope of His redemptive work, culminating in His death, resurrection, and ascension, which secured the Kingdom's victory over sin and death. The presence of "the twelve" with Him prefigures the Great Commission, where His followers would be sent out to continue proclaiming these same glad tidings to the ends of the earth, testifying to the King and His Kingdom. Ultimately, Luke 8:1 reminds us that the Kingdom of God is not just a message, but a reality powerfully initiated by Christ, who now reigns as Lord, having delivered us from the domain of darkness into [His beloved Son's Kingdom](/colossians/1-13 "God's Kingdom of Light"). Every city and village reached by Jesus' feet in Galilee anticipates the day when [every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord](/philippians/2-9-11 "Christ's Exaltation"), and the kingdoms of this world will finally [become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ](/revelation/11-15 "The Kingdom of the World Becomes Christ's").

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

Matthew 4:23

¶ And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.

Romans 10:15

And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

Acts 10:38

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

Acts 13:32

And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,

Matthew 10:2

Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James [the son] of Zebedee, and John his brother;

Matthew 10:4

Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

Mark 3:16

And Simon he surnamed Peter;