Luke 9:50

KJV

And Jesus said unto him, Forbid [him] not: for he that is not against us is for us.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} Jesus {G2424} said {G2036} unto {G4314} him {G846}, Forbid {G2967} him not {G3361}: for {G1063} he {G3739} that is {G2076} not {G3756} against {G2596} us {G2257} is {G2076} for {G5228} us {G2257}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua said to him, “Don’t stop such people, because whoever isn’t against you is for you.”

Berean Standard Bible

“Do not stop him,” Jesus replied, “for whoever is not against you is for you.”

American Standard Version

But Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against you is for you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 9:50 captures a pivotal teaching from Jesus, delivered in response to the disciples' attempt to restrict an exorcist who was operating outside their immediate circle. This verse profoundly challenges a narrow, exclusive understanding of ministry, asserting that anyone who is not actively opposing Christ and His work is, in fact, an ally. It establishes a foundational principle of inclusivity within the Kingdom of God, emphasizing alignment with divine purpose over rigid institutional affiliation or human-defined boundaries, thereby encouraging a broader perspective on who is genuinely contributing to God's redemptive mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This declaration by Jesus immediately follows a series of significant teachings and events in Luke's narrative. In [Luke 9:46-48](/luke/9-46-48 "Luke 9:46-48 - Humility and Greatness"), Jesus addresses the disciples' argument about who among them was the greatest, using a child as an object lesson in humility. It is in this atmosphere of internal jockeying for position and authority that John reports seeing someone casting out demons in Jesus' name, and the disciples "forbad him, because he followeth not with us" ([Luke 9:49](/luke/9-49 "Luke 9:49 - The Disciples Forbid an Exorcist")). Jesus' response in [Luke 9:50](/luke/9-50 "Luke 9:50 - Jesus' Teaching on Inclusivity") directly corrects their restrictive mindset, demonstrating that true authority and effectiveness in ministry derive from Christ's power, not from exclusive membership in a particular group. This passage also sets the stage for Jesus' resolute journey towards Jerusalem and the cross, indicating a shift in focus from internal disputes to the broader mission of the Kingdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the first century, religious authority was often tightly controlled and highly hierarchical, particularly within Jewish society. Discipleship generally involved strict adherence to a rabbi's teachings and membership within his specific school or group. The disciples' reaction to the unauthorized exorcist reflects this prevailing cultural expectation: they believed that only those formally recognized and associated with Jesus' immediate company had the legitimate right to perform such acts. Their concern was not about the authenticity of the exorcism itself, but about the individual's lack of formal affiliation with "us." Jesus' teaching here, therefore, cuts against the grain of typical hierarchical and exclusive religious structures, advocating for a more expansive understanding of God's work that transcends human-made boundaries and affiliations.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme emerging from [Luke 9:50](/luke/9-50 "Luke 9:50 - Jesus' Teaching on Inclusivity") is **Kingdom Inclusivity versus Sectarianism**. Jesus directly confronts the disciples' sectarian impulse, which sought to limit God's work to their own defined group. He broadens their understanding of who is "with" Him, emphasizing that genuine spiritual work, even by those outside one's immediate fellowship, should be affirmed rather than hindered. This ties into the broader theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Authority**, highlighting that power to do God's work flows from God alone, not from human organizational structures or titles. The verse also subtly touches on **Discernment in Ministry**, suggesting that the fruit of one's work (casting out demons in Jesus' name) is a more crucial indicator of divine alignment than formal association. This stands in contrast to the seemingly contradictory statement in [Matthew 12:30](/matthew/12-30 "Matthew 12:30 - He Who Is Not With Me Is Against Me"), which addresses active opposition to Christ, whereas [Luke 9:50](/luke/9-50 "Luke 9:50 - Jesus' Teaching on Inclusivity") speaks to those genuinely working for Him, albeit outside one's preferred methods or groups.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Greek, _épō'_):** This primary verb (G2036) means "to speak or say (by word or writing)." In this context, it signifies Jesus' authoritative and direct response, not merely an opinion, but a definitive statement intended to correct and instruct His disciples. His words carry the weight of divine truth.
* **Forbid (Greek, _kōlýō'_):** Derived from the base of G2849 (kolázō), this verb (G2967) means "to estop, i.e., prevent (by word or act)." John and the disciples actively tried to stop the man from casting out demons. Jesus' command "Forbid him not" is a direct counter-injunction, prohibiting their restrictive action and advocating for non-interference.
* **against (Greek, _katá'_):** This primary particle (G2596) is a preposition meaning "down (in place or time), in varied relations," but in composition, it frequently denotes "opposition." Here, "not against us" signifies the absence of active hostility or counter-purpose to Christ's mission. It implies alignment by non-opposition.
* **for (Greek, _hypér'_):** This primary preposition (G5228) means "over," but in a causal sense, it means "for the sake of, instead, regarding," or "on behalf of." "Is for us" therefore means "is on our behalf," "is in our favor," or "is working for our benefit." It denotes active support and alignment with Christ's mission and His followers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jesus said unto him,"**: This phrase establishes Jesus' direct and immediate response to John's report in [Luke 9:49](/luke/9-49 "Luke 9:49 - The Disciples Forbid an Exorcist"). It highlights Jesus' role as the ultimate authority and teacher, correcting His disciples' misguided zeal.
* **"Forbid him not:"**: This is a direct command from Jesus, unequivocally overturning the disciples' action. The imperative "forbid not" indicates that their attempt to stop the man was contrary to God's will and Jesus' own principles. It champions non-interference when genuine divine work is occurring.
* **"for he that is not against us"**: This clause provides the rationale for Jesus' command. It sets the criterion for acceptance: the absence of opposition. The "us" refers to Jesus and His mission, encompassing the broader work of the Kingdom. If an individual is not actively hostile or counteracting Christ's purposes, they pass this initial test.
* **"is for us."**: This concluding clause defines the positive status of such an individual. If one is not an adversary, they are, by default, an ally. "For us" (Greek: _hypér hēmōn_) signifies being "on our side," "on our behalf," or "working for our benefit." This radical statement broadens the scope of God's co-laborers beyond the immediate, visible group, emphasizing shared purpose over shared affiliation.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 9:50 employs **Aphorism** and **Juxtaposition**. The verse itself functions as a concise, memorable statement of a general truth, characteristic of an aphorism, making its principle easily digestible and repeatable. Jesus' statement "he that is not against us is for us" is a pithy, universal maxim. This aphorism is **juxtaposed** with the disciples' narrow, exclusionary mindset. The contrast between their attempt to "forbid" and Jesus' command "forbid him not," followed by His inclusive principle, highlights the fundamental difference between human-centered, group-specific authority and God's expansive, mission-focused Kingdom. This juxtaposition serves to underscore the radical nature of Jesus' teaching on inclusivity and the true criteria for identifying allies in God's work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 9:50 offers a profound theological insight into the nature of God's Kingdom and the scope of His work. It challenges the human tendency towards sectarianism and exclusive claims of divine authorization, asserting that God's Spirit is not confined to particular groups or methods. The core principle—that non-opposition implies alignment—underscores God's sovereignty and His ability to work through diverse instruments for His purposes. This verse encourages believers to look beyond superficial differences in practice or affiliation and discern genuine spiritual fruit, recognizing that the ultimate authority and power reside in Christ alone, not in human organizations. It calls for a generous and expansive view of the body of Christ, where unity of purpose in advancing the Gospel transcends denominational or organizational boundaries.

* [Mark 9:38-40](/mark/9-38-40 "The Parallel Account of the Exorcist")
* [Philippians 1:15-18](/philippians/1-15-18 "Philippians 1:15-18 - Christ Preached")
* [1 Corinthians 12:4-6](/1_corinthians/12-4-6 "1 Corinthians 12:4-6 - Diversity of Gifts, Unity in Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 9:50 is a timeless call to humility and broad-mindedness within the Christian faith. It urges us to resist the natural human inclination to define God's work exclusively by our own group, denomination, or preferred methods. Instead, we are challenged to recognize and affirm the genuine work of the Holy Spirit wherever it is evident, even if it operates outside our immediate sphere of influence or understanding. This verse fosters a spirit of collaboration over competition, encouraging us to celebrate the advancement of God's Kingdom regardless of who receives the credit, as long as Christ is honored and His truth proclaimed. It compels us to prioritize the overarching mission of the Gospel above sectarian loyalties, fostering a sense of unity among all who genuinely serve Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I or my Christian community inadvertently "forbid" those who are doing good in Christ's name but are outside our immediate circle?**
* **How can I better discern genuine spiritual fruit and alignment with Christ's mission, rather than focusing on organizational affiliation or methodological differences?**
* **What practical steps can I take to foster greater unity and cooperation with other believers or ministries who are "not against us, but for us"?**
* **How does this verse challenge my assumptions about authority and effectiveness in ministry, and what does it teach me about God's expansive ways of working?**

### FAQ

**Does Luke 9:50 contradict Matthew 12:30, where Jesus says, "He that is not with me is against me"?**

Answer: No, these two statements, while seemingly contradictory at first glance, address different contexts and aspects of allegiance to Christ. [Luke 9:50](/luke/9-50 "Luke 9:50 - Jesus' Teaching on Inclusivity") speaks to those who are actively doing good in Jesus' name, even if they are not formally part of the disciples' immediate group. Their actions (casting out demons) demonstrate that they are effectively "for" Christ, even if their affiliation is unconventional. It's a call for inclusivity towards those who are genuinely contributing to God's Kingdom. In contrast, [Matthew 12:30](/matthew/12-30 "Matthew 12:30 - He Who Is Not With Me Is Against Me") is spoken in the context of intense spiritual warfare, specifically when Jesus is accused of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul. Here, Jesus emphasizes that in the battle against evil, there is no neutrality; one is either actively gathering with Him or scattering. It's a warning against active opposition or passive indifference to Christ's work. Thus, [Luke 9:50](/luke/9-50 "Luke 9:50 - Jesus' Teaching on Inclusivity") encourages broad acceptance of genuine allies, while [Matthew 12:30](/matthew/12-30 "Matthew 12:30 - He Who Is Not With Me Is Against Me") demands decisive commitment in the face of spiritual conflict.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 9:50, though seemingly a simple instruction on ministry inclusivity, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the expansive and universal nature of the New Covenant and the global mission of the Church. Jesus, as the ultimate Head of the Church, transcends all human divisions and affiliations. His statement "he that is not against us is for us" foreshadows the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, empowering believers from "every nation under heaven" ([Acts 2:5](/acts/2-5 "Acts 2:5 - Multitudes from Every Nation")) to proclaim the Gospel and perform signs and wonders, often outside the established religious structures of the time. The very concept of the Church as the "body of Christ" ([1 Corinthians 12:27](/1_corinthians/12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:27 - You Are the Body of Christ")), with diverse members and gifts, yet united in one Spirit ([Ephesians 4:4-6](/ephesians/4-4-6 "Ephesians 4:4-6 - One Body, One Spirit")), directly embodies this principle. Christ's redemptive work was not for a select few, but for "the world" ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")), breaking down "the dividing wall of hostility" ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Broke Down the Wall")) between Jew and Gentile, and ultimately, between all who are "in Christ" ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile, Slave or Free, Male or Female")). Thus, Luke 9:50 reveals Jesus' heart for a Kingdom that embraces all who genuinely serve Him, empowered by His name, regardless of their specific human association, reflecting His universal Lordship and the Spirit's boundless work.

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 11:23

He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.

Matthew 12:30

He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.

Philippians 1:15

Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:

Philippians 1:18

What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

1 Corinthians 12:3

Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and [that] no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

Luke 16:13

No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Proverbs 3:5

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.