Mark 6:7

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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};

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 6:7 details a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry as He formally commissions the twelve disciples, sending them out in pairs to extend His work. This act of delegation signifies a crucial expansion of the Kingdom of God, empowering His chosen followers with divine authority, specifically over unclean spirits, to preach the gospel and confront spiritual darkness, thereby preparing them for the broader mission that would continue after His ascension.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' return to His hometown of Nazareth, where He was met with skepticism and rejection, limiting His ability to perform many miracles there ([Mark 6:1-6](/mark/6-1-6 "Jesus' Rejection in Nazareth")). In contrast to this constrained environment, Jesus now actively expands His ministry by delegating authority to His disciples. This commissioning fulfills the purpose for which He initially called them—"that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach, and to have authority to cast out demons" ([Mark 3:14-15](/mark/3-14-15 "The Calling of the Twelve Disciples")). The sending out of the Twelve is a direct response to the growing need for the gospel message to spread beyond Jesus' immediate presence and serves as a foundational step for the future expansion of the early church.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish society, a rabbinic teacher would gather disciples who would learn by observing and assisting their master. Jesus' actions here align with this tradition, but with a significant departure: He not only teaches but also empowers His disciples with supernatural authority. The practice of sending out messengers "by two and two" was common and practical. It provided mutual support, accountability, and a stronger, more credible witness, aligning with Old Testament legal principles requiring two or three witnesses to establish a matter ([Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Law of Witnesses")). Furthermore, the pervasive belief in and fear of "unclean spirits" or demons was widespread in the ancient world, and the ability to cast them out was seen as a powerful demonstration of divine authority and the presence of God's Kingdom.

* **Key Themes:** Mark 6:7 contributes significantly to several key themes within the Gospel of Mark and broader biblical theology. It highlights the theme of **delegated authority**, demonstrating Jesus' intention to empower His followers to participate in His redemptive work, not merely observe it. This act underscores the **expansion of God's Kingdom**, showing that the good news and its accompanying power are not limited to Jesus alone but are to be proclaimed and demonstrated through His chosen agents. The specific mention of "unclean spirits" emphasizes the **spiritual warfare** inherent in the ministry of the Kingdom, where the advance of God's reign directly confronts the forces of evil. This verse also introduces the theme of **discipleship in action**, moving from passive learning to active participation, a pattern that continues throughout the New Testament as disciples are called to "go and make disciples of all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "The Great Commission")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **apostéllō (Greek, _apostéllō'_):** This verb means "to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively." It carries the connotation of being sent with a specific purpose or commission, often as an authorized representative. In this context, it emphasizes that the disciples were not merely wandering but were dispatched by Jesus with a clear divine mandate, establishing them as His official emissaries.
* **exousía (Greek, _exousía'_):** Translates as "power" but more accurately signifies "delegated authority," "privilege," or "the right to act." Unlike *dynamis* (inherent strength), *exousía* denotes authority that is granted from a higher source. Here, it is crucial because it clarifies that the disciples' ability to cast out demons did not originate from their own inherent power but was a specific, divine authorization bestowed upon them by Jesus, making them agents of His sovereign will.
* **akáthartos (Greek, _akáthartos'_):** Meaning "impure" or "unclean," this adjective is used to describe the "spirits." In Jewish thought, "unclean" could refer to ceremonial impurity, moral corruption, or, as here, demonic entities. Its use highlights the nature of the spiritual adversaries the disciples would confront—beings that are inherently defiled and antithetical to God's holiness, representing the spiritual oppression from which Jesus came to liberate humanity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he called [unto him] the twelve":** This phrase signifies Jesus' deliberate and intentional act of summoning His chosen inner circle. The "twelve" represent the new Israel, symbolizing the restoration and establishment of God's covenant people through Christ. This calling is an act of sovereign selection and preparation for a specific mission.
* **"and began to send them forth by two and two":** Jesus initiates the practical phase of their ministry training. The instruction to send them "by two and two" is significant. It provides mutual support, encouragement, and accountability for the disciples, preventing isolation and reinforcing their witness. It also aligns with the Jewish legal principle requiring two witnesses for testimony to be valid, lending credibility to their message and actions.
* **"and gave them power over unclean spirits":** This is the core of their delegated authority. Jesus doesn't just send them; He equips them. The "power" (Greek: *exousía*) is not their own inherent ability but a specific, divine authorization to confront and overcome demonic forces. This highlights the spiritual nature of their mission and the supremacy of God's Kingdom over the dominion of evil, demonstrating that the good news is accompanied by liberation from spiritual oppression.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 6:7 employs several significant literary devices. The **Synecdoche** of "the twelve" refers to the specific group of disciples chosen by Jesus, representing the entirety of the apostolic mission. The phrase "by two and two" functions as a **Symbolism** of partnership, accountability, and the establishment of credible witness, echoing Old Testament legal requirements. The granting of "power over unclean spirits" serves as both **Foreshadowing** and **Metonymy**. It foreshadows the ongoing spiritual battle that the church would face and the authority believers would wield in Christ. It also uses "unclean spirits" as a metonymy for the spiritual darkness and demonic opposition that Jesus and His followers would confront in the advance of God's Kingdom. The entire verse is an act of **Commissioning**, a formal sending out with authority, which is a recurring motif in the Gospels and Acts, underscoring the continuity of divine mission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 6:7 is profoundly significant for understanding the nature of Christian ministry. It reveals that ministry is not merely human effort but a divine enterprise empowered by God's authority. Jesus' act of delegating power signifies that His mission is expansive, intended to be carried forward by His followers, and that the proclamation of the Kingdom involves a direct confrontation with the forces of evil. This verse establishes a pattern for all believers, indicating that those who are called to serve Christ are also equipped by Him, not for personal glory, but for the advancement of His redemptive purposes in the world, demonstrating His supremacy over all spiritual darkness.

* [Matthew 10:1](/matthew/10-1 "Jesus Gives Authority to the Twelve")
* [Luke 9:1](/luke/9-1 "The Sending of the Twelve")
* [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Power of the Holy Spirit for Witness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 6:7 serves as a powerful reminder that Christian service is rooted in divine empowerment and purpose. Just as Jesus equipped the Twelve, He continues to equip believers today with spiritual gifts and authority through the Holy Spirit to participate in His ongoing mission. This verse challenges us to consider how we are utilizing the spiritual authority and gifts God has entrusted to us, not for our own gain, but for the expansion of His Kingdom and the liberation of those oppressed by spiritual darkness. It also emphasizes the importance of partnership in ministry, encouraging us to work collaboratively with other believers, drawing strength and accountability from community rather than attempting to serve in isolation. Our mission, like that of the Twelve, involves both proclaiming the good news and demonstrating its power, confronting the spiritual realities of our world with the truth and authority of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I recognize and utilize the spiritual authority Christ has given me in my daily life and ministry?**
* **How can I better embrace partnership and accountability in my service to God, following the example of being sent "by two and two"?**
* **What "unclean spirits" or forms of spiritual oppression do I see in my community or the world, and how might I, empowered by Christ, confront them with the gospel?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus send the disciples out "by two and two"?**

Answer: Jesus sent the disciples out "by two and two" for several significant reasons, reflecting both practical wisdom and theological principles. Practically, it provided mutual support and encouragement, especially as they faced potential rejection or hardship in their mission. It also offered accountability, as each disciple had a partner to witness their actions and provide counsel. Theologically, sending them in pairs established a credible witness. In Jewish legal tradition, the testimony of two or more witnesses was required to establish the truth of a matter ([Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Law of Witnesses")). This practice underscored the validity and authority of their message and actions, demonstrating that their work was not an individual endeavor but a collective, authorized mission of the Kingdom of God. This pattern of partnership is also seen later in the New Testament, such as with Paul and Barnabas ([Acts 13:2](/acts/13-2 "Barnabas and Saul Sent Out")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 6:7, while detailing the commissioning of the twelve disciples, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus, as the Son of God, possesses all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "All Authority Given to Jesus")). The "power over unclean spirits" that He delegates to His disciples is but a manifestation of His own inherent and supreme authority over all spiritual forces of darkness. He is the one who ultimately "disarmed the powers and authorities" through His death and resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The disciples' mission to preach and cast out demons foreshadows the comprehensive victory of Christ over sin, death, and the devil, a victory that is fully realized in His atoning work on the cross and His subsequent resurrection. Therefore, the sending of the Twelve is not merely a historical event but a glimpse into the ongoing mission of the church, empowered by the Spirit of Christ, to proclaim His Lordship and demonstrate His triumph over every opposing spiritual force, until He returns to establish His Kingdom in its fullness ([1 Corinthians 15:24-25](/1_corinthians/15-24-25 "Christ's Reign Until All Enemies are Under His Feet")).

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

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.