Mark 3:15

KJV

And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} to have {G2192} power {G1849} to heal {G2323} sicknesses {G3554}, and {G2532} to cast out {G1544} devils {G1140}:

Complete Jewish Bible

and to have authority to expel demons:

Berean Standard Bible

and to have authority to drive out demons.

American Standard Version

and to have authority to cast out demons:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 3:15 elaborates on the divine commission given by Jesus to His twelve chosen disciples, specifying the miraculous authority He bestowed upon them. This verse highlights two primary manifestations of their delegated power: the ability to heal various sicknesses and to forcefully cast out demonic spirits. This empowerment was crucial for validating their message and demonstrating the tangible arrival of God's Kingdom through their ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct continuation and clarification of the preceding verse, [Mark 3:14](/mark/3-14 "Mark 3:14 - Jesus Appoints the Twelve"). In [Mark 3:14](/mark/3-14 "Mark 3:14 - Jesus Appoints the Twelve"), Jesus "ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach." [Mark 3:15](/mark/3-15 "Mark 3:15 - Disciples Given Power") then immediately defines the practical authority accompanying this sending. It moves from the disciples' primary calling to "be with him" to their active mission, providing the necessary supernatural credentials for their proclamation of the Kingdom. This sequence underscores that their power was not inherent but derived from their intimate relationship with Jesus and was specifically for the purpose of their mission.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the 1st-century Jewish context, illness and demonic oppression were often intertwined, viewed as manifestations of evil or divine judgment. Healers and exorcists were known, but Jesus' authority, and by extension His disciples', was distinct and unparalleled, demonstrating a direct confrontation with the powers of darkness and the brokenness of the world. The expectation of a coming Messiah often included the restoration of Israel and the defeat of evil, and Jesus' ministry of healing and exorcism directly fulfilled these messianic expectations, signaling the inbreaking of God's reign. The public display of such power served as undeniable proof of divine endorsement in a culture that valued signs and wonders as validation of a prophet's message.

* **Key Themes:** [Mark 3:15](/mark/3-15 "Mark 3:15 - Disciples Given Power") contributes significantly to several key themes within Mark's Gospel. Firstly, it emphasizes **Delegated Authority**, showing that Jesus shares His own divine power with His chosen representatives, enabling them to extend His work. This reflects the broader theme of Christ's supreme authority, as seen in passages like [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus"). Secondly, it highlights the **Validation of the Gospel Message** through miraculous signs. The ability to heal and cast out demons served as tangible evidence that the Kingdom of God was indeed at hand, confirming the truth of the disciples' preaching, much like Jesus' own ministry of healing and exorcism throughout [Mark 1](/mark/1 "Mark 1 - Jesus' Ministry Begins"). Lastly, the specific mention of "casting out devils" underscores the theme of **Spiritual Warfare**, revealing that Jesus' mission, and that of His followers, involves a direct and forceful confrontation with the forces of evil that hold humanity captive.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **power (Greek, _exousía'_):** (G1849) This term signifies not merely raw strength or ability (which would be _dynamis_), but rather **authority, right, or delegated permission**. It implies a legitimate claim or jurisdiction. In this context, the disciples are not acting on their own inherent strength but with the full authorization and backing of Jesus' supreme authority. Their power is a direct bestowal, enabling them to act as agents of God's Kingdom.
* **heal (Greek, _therapeúō'_):** (G2323) Derived from a root meaning "to wait upon menially," this word specifically refers to **relieving or curing disease**. It encompasses both the act of caring for the sick and the miraculous restoration to health. This highlights the compassionate and redemptive aspect of Jesus' ministry, which the disciples are now commissioned to extend.
* **cast out (Greek, _ekbállō'_):** (G1544) From _ek_ (out) and _bállō_ (to throw), this verb means **to eject, drive out, or expel forcefully**. It conveys a sense of decisive and authoritative expulsion, emphasizing the confrontational nature of dealing with demonic forces.
* **devils (Greek, _daimónion'_):** (G1140) This refers to **demonic beings or evil spirits**. In the New Testament, these are malevolent spiritual entities under the dominion of Satan, responsible for oppression, illness, and spiritual bondage. The disciples' ability to "cast out" these beings signifies a direct assault on the kingdom of darkness and a demonstration of God's superior power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And to have power":** This phrase immediately connects to the previous verse, [Mark 3:14](/mark/3-14 "Mark 3:14 - Jesus Appoints the Twelve"), establishing the purpose for which Jesus "ordained" the twelve. The "power" (exousia) is not an inherent quality of the disciples but a specific authority delegated to them by Jesus. It is a divine enablement for a divine mission, indicating that their subsequent actions are sanctioned and backed by Christ's own authority.
* **"to heal sicknesses":** This clause specifies the first major manifestation of the delegated power. "Sicknesses" (nósos) encompasses a wide range of physical ailments and diseases. The ability to heal was a hallmark of Jesus' ministry, demonstrating God's compassion and power to restore broken humanity. By granting this ability, Jesus empowered His disciples to bring tangible relief and demonstrate the inbreaking of God's Kingdom through acts of mercy and restoration.
* **"and to cast out devils":** The second, and equally significant, manifestation of their power is the ability to expel demonic spirits. This highlights the spiritual warfare dimension of their mission. "Devils" (daimónion) refers to malevolent spiritual entities. This capability signifies a direct confrontation with the forces of evil and spiritual oppression, underscoring that the Kingdom of God actively triumphs over the dominion of darkness. This power was a clear sign of Jesus' victory over Satan and the spiritual forces aligned against God.

#### Literary Devices
Mark's Gospel often employs **Conciseness** and **Directness**, and [Mark 3:15](/mark/3-15 "Mark 3:15 - Disciples Given Power") is a prime example, stating the disciples' empowerment without elaborate detail, focusing purely on the function. There is clear **Parallelism** in the two specific powers mentioned: "to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils." This pairing is common in the Gospels when describing Jesus' own ministry and that of His disciples, suggesting a comprehensive assault on the effects of the Fall—physical suffering and spiritual bondage. The phrase "to have **power**" (exousia) functions as a form of **Metonymy**, where "power" stands for the authority and right to perform the subsequent actions. The actions themselves—healing and exorcism—are deeply **Symbolic**, representing the inbreaking of God's Kingdom and the defeat of evil, both physical and spiritual. They are not merely isolated acts but signs of a greater spiritual reality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 3:15 profoundly illustrates the concept of delegated authority within the Kingdom of God. Jesus, possessing "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission")), chooses to empower His disciples to participate in His redemptive mission. This is not merely an act of sharing power but an invitation to co-labor in the establishment of God's reign, confronting the effects of sin and evil in the world. The healing of sicknesses and the casting out of demons are tangible demonstrations of God's compassion and His triumph over the forces of darkness, serving as undeniable signs that the Kingdom has drawn near. This empowerment signifies that the disciples are not simply messengers, but agents through whom divine power is manifested, validating their proclamation and revealing the active presence of God among humanity.

* [Matthew 10:1](/matthew/10-1 "Matthew 10:1 - Disciples Given Authority"): "And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease."
* [Luke 9:1](/luke/9-1 "Luke 9:1 - Jesus Sends Out the Twelve"): "Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases."
* [Acts 19:11-12](/acts/19-11-12 "Acts 19:11-12 - God Works Miracles Through Paul"): "And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 3:15 offers profound insights for believers today, reminding us that God's mission in the world continues through His empowered people. While the specific manifestations of power may vary across times and contexts, the underlying principle remains: Christ empowers His followers for His purposes. We are called to participate in His ongoing work of bringing healing to a broken world and confronting spiritual darkness. This verse encourages us to pray for the sick, to stand firm against spiritual oppression, and to live lives that bear witness to the transforming power of God's Kingdom. It affirms that Christ's victory over sin, sickness, and evil is not a past event but an ongoing reality that He continues to enact through those He commissions. Our confidence in engaging with the world's suffering and spiritual battles rests not in our own strength, but in the authority and power graciously delegated to us by our Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do you believe Christ empowers believers today to participate in His mission of healing and deliverance?**
* **How does understanding that Jesus "delegated" power change your perspective on your own spiritual authority and responsibility as a follower of Christ?**
* **What "sicknesses" (physical, emotional, spiritual) or "devils" (spiritual strongholds, destructive patterns) in your own life or community do you need to bring before the authority of Christ?**

### FAQ

**Did the disciples' power to heal and cast out devils come from themselves?**

Answer: No, the power the disciples possessed did not originate from themselves but was explicitly "given" or "delegated" to them by Jesus. The Greek word used for "power" here, _exousia_ (G1849), signifies authority or right, emphasizing that they were acting under Christ's direct commission and with His authorization. Their ability to heal sicknesses and cast out devils was a direct manifestation of Jesus' own divine authority working through them, validating their message and demonstrating the inbreaking of God's Kingdom. This is consistent with Jesus' own ministry, where His miracles always pointed to the Father's power and presence, as seen in [John 14:10](/john/14-10 "John 14:10 - Jesus in the Father").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 3:15, with its depiction of the disciples receiving power to heal and cast out devils, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself. He is the preeminent Healer, whose touch brought wholeness to the sick and infirm, demonstrating His compassion and divine authority over all physical ailments, as seen throughout [Matthew 8](/matthew/8 "Matthew 8 - Jesus Heals Many"). More profoundly, He is the supreme Victor over all demonic forces, casting out legions with a mere word and liberating those bound by spiritual oppression, as powerfully illustrated in the account of the Gerasene demoniac in [Mark 5:1-20](/mark/5-1-20 "Mark 5:1-20 - Jesus Heals the Gerasene Demoniac"). The power given to the disciples was a participation in *His* victory and a foretaste of the comprehensive redemption He would accomplish. His death on the cross and resurrection from the dead represent the decisive triumph over sin, sickness, and the devil's power, disarming the spiritual rulers and authorities ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")). Therefore, the disciples' delegated authority was not an end in itself, but a signpost pointing to the one who possesses all authority and through whom all healing and deliverance ultimately flow—Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who came "that he might destroy the works of the devil" ([1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - Purpose of the Son of God")).

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.