Luke 9:2

KJV

And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he sent {G649} them {G846} to preach {G2784} the kingdom {G932} of God {G2316}, and {G2532} to heal {G2390} the sick {G770}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and he sent them out to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal.

Berean Standard Bible

And He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

American Standard Version

And he sent them forth to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Encapsulates the core mission Jesus bestowed upon His twelve disciples, empowering them not only to verbally proclaim the imminent arrival of God's sovereign reign but also to tangibly demonstrate its redemptive power through acts of healing. This pivotal commission marks a significant expansion of Jesus' ministry, transitioning from His personal work to a broader movement carried forward by His chosen representatives, establishing a foundational pattern for the church's dual mandate of word and deed.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows [Luke 9:1](/luke/9-1 "Luke 9:1 - Jesus Gives Authority to His Disciples"), where Jesus grants His twelve disciples "power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases." The sending out in [Luke 9:2](/luke/9-2 "Luke 9:2 - Jesus Sends Out the Twelve") is the direct consequence and purpose of that empowerment. It is part of a larger section in Luke's Gospel (chapters 9-18) where Jesus increasingly focuses on training His disciples for future ministry, preparing them for His departure and the establishment of the church. This specific commissioning narrative is paralleled in [Matthew 10:7-8](/matthew/10-7-8 "Matthew 10:7-8 - The Commissioning of the Twelve") and [Mark 6:12-13](/mark/6-12-13 "Mark 6:12-13 - The Disciples Preach and Heal"), underscoring its historical significance and the unified understanding across the Synoptic Gospels regarding the disciples' initial mission. The subsequent narrative in Luke describes their return and the miraculous feeding of the five thousand, further validating their mission and Jesus' authority.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judaism, the concept of the "kingdom of God" (or "kingdom of heaven" in Matthew) was deeply rooted in Old Testament prophecies, signifying God's ultimate reign, often associated with the coming Messiah. There was a widespread expectation among the Jewish people for a political and spiritual deliverance from Roman oppression and a restoration of Israel's glory under a Davidic king. Jesus, however, redefined this kingdom as primarily spiritual, breaking into the present through His ministry, rather than a purely political entity. The act of healing was profoundly significant in this context. Sickness was often associated with sin or demonic oppression, and miraculous healing was seen as a powerful sign of God's presence, favor, and the breaking in of His redemptive power. Prophets and holy men were sometimes associated with healing, but Jesus' consistent and authoritative healings, and His delegation of this power, marked a new era. The disciples, as emissaries, were expected to represent their sender, and their ability to heal served as tangible proof of the divine authority behind their message.

* **Key Themes:** The commissioning in [Luke 9:2](/luke/9-2 "Luke 9:2 - The Disciples' Dual Mission") highlights several crucial themes central to Jesus' ministry and the early church. First, the **Proclamation of the Kingdom of God** is paramount. This refers not merely to a future heavenly realm, but to God's active, sovereign rule breaking into human history through Jesus Christ. It was a message of repentance, salvation, and the dawning of a new era under divine authority, inviting people to align with His will and purposes. Second, it emphasizes **Holistic Ministry and Compassion**. The instruction "and to heal the sick" demonstrates Jesus' integrated approach to ministry, where physical healing served as a powerful sign and validation of the spiritual message of the kingdom. It showcased God's compassion for human suffering and His power to overcome the effects of sin and brokenness, a hallmark of Jesus' own ministry (e.g., [Matthew 4:23](/matthew/4-23 "Matthew 4:23 - Jesus' Ministry of Teaching, Preaching, and Healing")). Finally, it underscores **Divine Authority and Empowerment**. The disciples were not sent in their own strength but with authority granted by Jesus, enabling them to perform miraculous healings. These acts were not just kindness but demonstrations of God's power working through them, authenticating their message about the [Kingdom of God](/luke/17-21 "Luke 17:21 - The Kingdom of God is Within You"). This empowerment continued through the Holy Spirit for the early church, as seen in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Be Witnesses").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sent (Greek, _apostéllō'_):** From G649, meaning "set apart, i.e. (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively." This term carries significant weight, implying a deliberate commissioning with a specific purpose and delegated authority. It's the root of "apostle," signifying one who is "sent out" as an authorized representative. The disciples were not merely going on an errand, but on a divine mission, acting on behalf of Jesus.
* **preach (Greek, _kērýssō'_):** From G2784, meaning "to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)." This word denotes a public, authoritative proclamation, not merely a quiet teaching or discussion. It implies a formal declaration, much like a royal messenger announcing a king's decree. The disciples were to boldly announce the arrival and nature of God's kingdom.
* **kingdom (Greek, _basileía'_):** From G932, meaning "properly, royalty, i.e. (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)." This refers to God's sovereign reign and kingship, not just a geographical territory. It encompasses His dynamic rule in the hearts of people and in the world, inaugurated by Christ. The disciples were proclaiming God's active dominion breaking into human history.
* **heal (Greek, _iáomai'_):** From G2390, meaning "middle voice of apparently a primary verb; to cure (literally or figuratively):--heal, make whole." This term suggests a complete restoration to health, implying not just temporary relief but a fundamental reversal of illness. It highlights the comprehensive nature of God's redemptive work, addressing both spiritual and physical brokenness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he sent them":** This phrase establishes Jesus' initiative and authority. He is the one who commissions and dispatches His chosen disciples. The "them" refers specifically to the twelve apostles, whom He had previously empowered in [Luke 9:1](/luke/9-1 "Luke 9:1 - Jesus Gives Authority to His Disciples"). This act signifies a delegation of His own ministry, extending His reach through His representatives.
* **"to preach the kingdom of God":** This is the primary verbal component of their mission. "Preach" (kērýssō) implies a public, authoritative proclamation. The "kingdom of God" is the central theme of Jesus' teaching, referring to God's active, sovereign rule breaking into human history through Christ. The disciples were to announce that God's reign was at hand, calling people to repentance and faith in response to this divine reality.
* **"and to heal the sick":** This is the tangible, demonstrative component of their mission, linked by the conjunction "and" (kai), indicating an inseparable connection to the preaching. "To heal" (iáomai) signifies making whole or restoring health. The healing of the sick served as concrete evidence and a powerful sign of the kingdom's arrival and God's compassionate power. It validated their message, showing that God's reign was not just a concept but a transforming reality with power over disease and suffering.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 9:2 employs several significant literary devices. **Parallelism** is evident in the dual mandate given to the disciples: "to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick." This structural balance emphasizes the equally vital nature of both verbal proclamation and tangible demonstration in the ministry. The act of healing functions as **Symbolism**, serving as a visible sign and authentication of the invisible reality of the Kingdom of God. It represents God's power breaking into a broken world, offering a foretaste of the complete restoration that the Kingdom brings. Furthermore, the verse is part of a **Commissioning Narrative**, a common literary form in biblical texts where a figure of authority sends out individuals with a specific task and delegated power. This narrative device highlights the divine origin of the mission and the authority of those sent.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 9:2 is foundational for understanding the nature of Christian ministry, both then and now. It reveals that the mission entrusted by Jesus is inherently holistic, encompassing both the spiritual and the physical dimensions of human need. The proclamation of the Kingdom of God is not merely an intellectual exercise but a declaration of a dynamic reality that has tangible implications for human suffering. The power to heal, granted by Jesus, underscores God's compassion and His desire to restore creation from the effects of sin and brokenness. This verse establishes a pattern for the church: to embody the good news through compassionate action even as it articulates it through verbal witness. It reminds believers that authentic faith is expressed through both orthodoxy (right belief) and orthopraxy (right practice), demonstrating the Kingdom's power through acts of love, justice, and mercy.

* [Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")
* [Acts 4:29-30](/acts/4-29-30 "Acts 4:29-30 - Prayer for Boldness and Healing")
* [James 2:14-17](/james/2-14-17 "James 2:14-17 - Faith Without Works Is Dead")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 9:2 continues to resonate deeply with believers today, offering a timeless blueprint for Christian engagement with the world. Just as Jesus sent His disciples with a dual mandate, so too are His followers called to both declare and demonstrate the reality of God's Kingdom. This means that our faith is not to be confined to words alone, but must be enfleshed in acts of compassion, service, and justice that reflect the heart of God. Whether through advocating for the marginalized, caring for the sick, working for reconciliation, or simply extending kindness to a neighbor, our actions become powerful testimonies to the transforming power of the Gospel. We are empowered by the same Spirit who enabled the disciples, called to be agents of God's holistic redemption, bringing light and healing to a broken world. This verse challenges us to ask: How are we, individually and corporately, proclaiming God's reign not just with our lips, but with our lives? How are we extending God's healing touch—physically, emotionally, spiritually—to those around us?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways does my life currently reflect both the "preaching of the kingdom of God" and the "healing of the sick"?**
* **How can my local church better integrate verbal proclamation with tangible acts of compassion and service in our community?**
* **What specific "sicknesses" (physical, emotional, social, spiritual) in my sphere of influence is God calling me to address with His healing touch?**
* **How does understanding Jesus' authority in sending the disciples empower me in my own calling and ministry today?**

### FAQ
**What is the "kingdom of God" that they were to preach?**

Answer: The "kingdom of God" (or "kingdom of heaven" in Matthew) refers to God's active, sovereign reign and rule, not merely a physical place or a future heavenly realm. It is the dynamic outworking of God's will and purposes, breaking into human history through Jesus Christ. When the disciples preached the kingdom, they were announcing that God's long-awaited rule was inaugurating through Jesus, inviting people to repent and align their lives with His divine authority. Jesus Himself taught extensively about this kingdom, indicating it was both present (e.g., [Luke 17:21](/luke/17-21 "Luke 17:21 - The Kingdom of God is Within You")) and future (e.g., [Luke 22:18](/luke/22-18 "Luke 22:18 - Jesus Speaks of the Kingdom in the Last Supper")).

**Why was healing so important to their mission?**

Answer: Healing was crucial because it served as a tangible sign and powerful validation of the spiritual message of the kingdom. In a culture where sickness was often associated with sin or demonic oppression, miraculous healing demonstrated God's power over evil and the effects of the Fall. It showed that the Kingdom of God was not just a concept but a reality with power to transform lives and bring restoration. Jesus' own ministry consistently combined teaching with healing (e.g., [Matthew 9:35](/matthew/9-35 "Matthew 9:35 - Jesus' Ministry of Teaching, Preaching, and Healing")), and He commissioned His disciples to do likewise, providing concrete evidence that God's compassion and power were truly breaking into the world through their work.

**Does this commission apply to believers today?**

Answer: While the specific, unique apostolic commission of the twelve was for a particular moment in redemptive history, the underlying principles of their mission are universally applicable to believers today. The church, as the body of Christ, is still called to "preach the kingdom of God" through evangelism, discipleship, and prophetic witness. Furthermore, the call "to heal the sick" extends to all forms of compassionate ministry that alleviate suffering and demonstrate God's love and power in tangible ways. This includes physical healing (though perhaps not always miraculous in the same way), as well as emotional, social, and spiritual healing. The Great Commission in [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission") broadens this mandate to "all nations," and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit (e.g., [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Be Witnesses")) enables believers to continue this holistic mission.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 9:2 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. He is the quintessential herald of the Kingdom, the one who perfectly "preached the kingdom of God" not merely with words but with His very presence and life. Every sermon He delivered, every parable He told, and every act of power He performed pointed to the reality that God's reign had drawn near in Him. More profoundly, Jesus is the ultimate Healer, embodying God's compassionate power over all forms of brokenness. He not only healed the sick, cast out demons, and raised the dead, but through His atoning death and glorious resurrection, He provided the definitive healing for humanity's deepest sickness: sin. His sacrifice on the cross (e.g., [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - By His Wounds We Are Healed")) and triumph over death inaugurated the full reality of God's Kingdom, conquering the powers of darkness and death. Thus, the disciples' mission in [Luke 9:2](/luke/9-2 "Luke 9:2 - Jesus Sends Out the Twelve") is a participation in Christ's ongoing work; they are sent to proclaim and demonstrate the Kingdom because the King Himself has come, and His reign is now breaking forth through His body, the church, until His glorious return when the Kingdom will come in its fullness (e.g., [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Has Become the Kingdom of Our Lord")).

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

Luke 10:9

And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

Matthew 10:7

And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Matthew 10:8

Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

Matthew 3:2

And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Mark 6:12

And they went out, and preached that men should repent.

Luke 9:11

And the people, when they knew [it], followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing.

Matthew 13:19

When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth [it] not, then cometh the wicked [one], and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.