Mark 9:38

And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.

And {G1161} John {G2491} answered {G611} him {G846}, saying {G3004}, Master {G1320}, we saw {G1492} one {G5100} casting out {G1544} devils {G1140} in thy {G4675} name {G3686}, and {G3739} he followeth {G190} not {G3756} us {G2254}: and {G2532} we forbad {G2967} him {G846}, because {G3754} he followeth {G190} not {G3756} us {G2254}.

Yochanan said to him, "Rabbi, we saw a man expelling demons in your name; and because he wasn't one of us, we told him to stop."

John said to Him, “Teacher, we saw someone else driving out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not accompany us.”

John said unto him, Teacher, we saw one casting out demons in thy name; and we forbade him, because he followed not us.

Commentary

Mark 9:38 (KJV): "And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us."

Context

This verse occurs immediately after Jesus had been teaching His disciples about humility and true greatness, prompted by their dispute over who among them was the greatest (Mark 9:34). John, one of the three closest disciples to Jesus (along with Peter and James), reveals that despite Jesus' recent lessons, the disciples still harbored a narrow, exclusive view of ministry. He reports an incident where they encountered someone successfully performing miracles in Jesus' name, yet this individual was not part of their immediate group or following Jesus directly alongside them.

Key Themes

  • Authority in Jesus' Name: The core of the reported incident is that the individual was indeed "casting out devils in thy name". This highlights that genuine spiritual power and authority for ministry come from Christ Himself, not from the specific group, affiliation, or formal recognition of the one ministering.
  • Exclusivity vs. Inclusivity: The disciples' immediate reaction was to forbid this person because "he followeth not us." This reveals a territorial or sectarian mindset, a desire to control who can perform ministry and a concern for their own perceived authority as Jesus' direct followers. It mirrors the human tendency to create boundaries around God's work.
  • Recognizing True Spiritual Work: Jesus' subsequent response (found in Mark 9:39-40) corrects their narrow perspective, emphasizing that anyone who genuinely works in His name is operating on His behalf and should not be hindered.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "casting out devils" translates from the Greek ekballō daimonia, meaning to "cast out demons." The critical element is "in thy name" (Greek: en tō sō onomati). This signifies more than just uttering Jesus' name; it means acting under His authority and power, representing Him. The disciples' concern was that the person "followeth not us" (Greek: ouk akolouthei hēmin), indicating a lack of formal allegiance to their specific group, rather than a lack of allegiance to Christ himself or His mission.

Practical Application

Mark 9:38 provides a timeless lesson for believers and the church today, warning against spiritual elitism, denominational pride, and sectarianism. God's work is not confined to one specific group, church, or ministry. If individuals or groups are genuinely operating in the name of Jesus, demonstrating His power, and advancing His kingdom, they should be affirmed rather than forbidden, even if their methods, doctrines, or affiliations differ. This verse calls for a focus on Christ and His mission above human structures and personal preferences, encouraging unity and recognition of God's diverse workings within the broader body of Christ, as also taught by Paul regarding the spiritual gifts and the unity of believers in 1 Corinthians 12.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 9:49

    And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us.

  • Luke 9:50

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

  • Numbers 11:26

    But there remained two [of the] men in the camp, the name of the one [was] Eldad, and the name of the other Medad: and the spirit rested upon them; and they [were] of them that were written, but went not out unto the tabernacle: and they prophesied in the camp.

  • Numbers 11:29

    And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the LORD'S people were prophets, [and] that the LORD would put his spirit upon them!

  • Luke 11:19

    And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast [them] out? therefore shall they be your judges.
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