Mark 6:7

¶ And he called [unto him] the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;

And {G2532} he called {G4341} unto him the twelve {G1427}, and {G2532} began {G756} to send {G649} them {G846} forth {G649} by two {G1417} and two {G1417}; and {G2532} gave {G1325} them {G846} power over {G1849} unclean {G169} spirits {G4151};

Yeshua summoned the Twelve and started sending them out in pairs, giving them authority over the unclean spirits.

Then Jesus called the Twelve to Him and began to send them out two by two, giving them authority over unclean spirits.

And he calleth unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and he gave them authority over the unclean spirits;

Context

Mark 6:7 marks a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, following His rejection in His hometown of Nazareth (Mark 6:1-6). Having demonstrated His own authority and compassion throughout Galilee, Jesus now extends His mission by delegating authority to His chosen disciples. This verse initiates the first official sending out of the Twelve Apostles, a crucial step in the expansion of the Kingdom of God beyond Jesus' immediate presence. Their initial calling was to be with Him and to be sent out, and here that commission begins to be fulfilled.

Key Themes

  • Commissioning and Delegation: Jesus, as the ultimate authority, empowers His disciples to participate directly in His ministry. This act underscores His intention to build a movement that would continue after His ascension.
  • Partnership and Accountability: The instruction to send them "by two and two" highlights the importance of companionship, mutual support, and accountability in ministry. It also provides a stronger, more credible witness, as affirmed by Old Testament legal principles (Deuteronomy 19:15).
  • Supernatural Authority: The specific grant of "power over unclean spirits" emphasizes the spiritual nature of their mission. This was not merely a humanitarian effort but a direct confrontation with the forces of evil, demonstrating the supremacy of God's Kingdom over spiritual darkness. This delegated authority was central to their effectiveness.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "power" in this verse is exousia (ἐξουσία), which signifies not just strength or ability (dynamis), but rather delegated authority or the right to act. This is crucial because it indicates that the disciples' ability to cast out demons did not originate from themselves, but was a specific, divine authorization given by Jesus. They were acting under His command and with His backing. The phrase "unclean spirits" (pneumata akatharta) refers to demonic entities, often associated in Jewish thought with ritual impurity and moral corruption, highlighting the spiritual oppression from which Jesus came to liberate people.

Practical Application

Mark 6:7 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Empowerment for Service: Just as Jesus empowered the Twelve, He continues to equip believers with gifts and authority for ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12). Our mission is to continue His work in the world, relying on His strength, not our own.
  • The Value of Partnership: Ministry is often more effective and sustainable when done in community. Working alongside other believers provides encouragement, accountability, and diverse giftings, strengthening the overall witness of the Gospel.
  • Spiritual Warfare is Real: The mention of "unclean spirits" reminds us that the Christian life involves spiritual battles. However, believers have been given authority in Christ to stand against the schemes of the enemy (Ephesians 6:12).
  • Boldness in Proclamation: The disciples were sent forth to preach repentance and cast out demons (Mark 6:12-13). This verse encourages us to be bold in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, knowing that His power accompanies His message.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ecclesiastes 4:9

    Two [are] better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.

  • Ecclesiastes 4:10

    For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him [that is] alone when he falleth; for [he hath] not another to help him up.

  • Luke 10:17

    ¶ And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.

  • Luke 10:20

    Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

  • Matthew 10:1

    ¶ 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.

  • Matthew 10:5

    ¶ These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into [any] city of the Samaritans enter ye not:

  • Luke 9:1

    ¶ Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.

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