HarperCollins Study Bible

by Harold W. Attridge

  49While he was still speaking, someone came from the leader’s house to say, “Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the teacher any longer.” 50When Jesus heard this, he replied, “Do not fear. Only believe, and she will be saved.” 51When he came to the house, he did not allow anyone to enter with him, except Peter, John, and James, and the child’s father and mother. 52They were all weeping and wailing for her; but he said, “Do not weep; for she is not dead but sleeping.” 53And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. 54But he took her by the hand and called out, “Child, get up!” 55Her spirit returned, and she got up at once. Then he directed them to give her something to eat. 56Her parents were astounded; but he ordered them to tell no one what had happened.

  next chapter

  * * *

  a Other ancient authorities read him

  b Or mysteries

  c Gk lacks I speak

  d Other ancient authorities read Gadarenes; others, Gergesenes

  e Other ancient authorities read a man of the city who had had demons for a long time met him. He wore

  f Gk he

  g Gk they

  h Gk him

  i Other ancient authorities read Gadarenes; others, Gergesenes

  j Gk him

  k Gk he

  l Other ancient authorities lack and though she had spent all she had on physicians

  mOther ancient authorities add and those who were with him

  8.1–3 Transition verses stressing how Jesus’ mission continues to cover Galilee (see 4.43–44).

  8.1 The twelve. See note on 6.13.

  8.2–3 Women, those named and many others, also accompany Jesus and later attend his burial and resurrection (23.49, 55; 24.10). Evil spirits and infirmities, afflictions to be healed, not sins to be forgiven. Magdala was on the western shore of Lake Gennesaret (see 5.1). Seven demons indicates the severity of the affliction (see 11.26). Joanna’s connection to Herod contrasts her discipleship with the king’s menace (see 9.9; 13.31; 23.8–11). Provided (Greek diakoneo) indicates “service” and is not limited to financial support.

  8.4–15 Cf. Mt 13.1–23; Mk 4.1–20. A parable on the word of God (see Isa 55.10–11).

  8.4 Luke again stresses the presence of a large crowd (see 5.1, 17; 6.17; 8.42; 9.18, 37; 11.29). Parable. See note on 6.39.

  8.8 Despite difficulties, a hundredfold yield results (see Gen 26.12), indicating the miraculous effect of God’s word (see v. 11). He called out (lit. “he kept calling out”), emphasizing the message of the parable. The charge to listen raises the question of who has ears to hear (see 14.35; see also 8.10).

  8.10 That the disciples are privy to the secrets, or mysteries (text note b), of the kingdom (here made concrete in vv. 9–15) highlights the division in Israel between those prepared to hear and accept Jesus’ teaching and those unprepared to do so. Parables function here as prophetic speech (see Isa 6.9–10, partially cited here), further confounding the latter group (see also Acts 28.25–28; Wis 2.22).

  8.12 On the activities of the devil, who works against belief and salvation, see 4.1–13; 10.17–20; 22.3, 31.

  8.13 A time of testing. See 4.1–13; 21.12–19; 22.28–34, 39–46.

  8.15 Endurance, perseverance in discipleship (see 9.23).

  8.16–18 Cf. Mt 5.15; 10.26; 7.2;13.12; Mk 4.21–25. Various sayings comment on the proper response to Jesus’ preaching.

  8.16 Wise and foolish behavior are contrasted (see 11.33).

  8.17 See 2.35.

  8.18 Luke focuses on how you listen, i.e., the listener’s receptivity or attitude (see note on 8.8; cf. Mk 4.24) to the word of God (see vv. 15, 21). On the giving of more to those who have, see 19.26.

  8.19–21 Cf. Mt 12.46–50; Mk 3.31–35. Jesus’ family is defined in terms of obedience. Early Christian usage of “fictive kinship” language was distinctive (see, e.g., 1 Cor 1.10;7.15; 15.6).

  8.19 On Jesus’ mother, see also 1.43; 2.33–51; Acts 1.14. Jesus’ brothers are sometimes understood to be more distant blood relatives, but actual siblings are probably meant (see Mk 6.3; Jn 7.3–5; Acts 1.14; Gal 1.19).

  8.20–21 See 11.27–28.

  8.22–56 Three demonstrations of the power of the Messiah’s word.

  8.22–25 Cf. Mt 8.23–27; Mk 4.35–41.

  8.22 Luke refers to the Sea of Galilee as a lake (see 5.1; 8.33), as does Josephus.

  8.23 The windstorm evokes an eschatological trial (see Jer 25.32).

  8.24 Master. See note on 5.5. Jesus rebuked the wind and water just as earlier he rebuked unclean spirits (4.35, 41), both times demonstrating authority over evil powers (see also Job 26.11–12; Ps 89.8–9).

  8.25 Where is your faith? also a rebuke (see also 12.28; cf. 5.20; 7.9, 50; 8.48; 17.5–6, 19; 18.42;22.32). Afraid and amazed. See notes on 1.12; 2.10. Who then is this? Jesus’ identity is again a topic of discussion in 9.9, 18–22.

  8.26–39 Cf. Mt 8.28–34; Mk 5.1–20.

  8.26 Gerasenes. The exact spelling and location of their home are unclear (see text note a). Luke does not stress the fact that Jesus is now in non-Jewish territory.

  8.27 For other confrontations with demons, see 4.33–34; 9.42; 11.14; see also 8.2. Living in the tombs implies perpetual uncleanness (see Num 19.11, 16; see also Isa 65.1–5) and separation from society.

  8.28 The demons speak through the man’s voice. On the demons’ recognition of Jesus as Son of the Most High God, see 4.34, 41; Acts 16.17; see also 1.32.

  8.29 The wilds, or wilderness areas, were thought to be favored haunts of demons (see 11.24).

  8.30 Whereas in magical practice knowledge of the correct name was thought to provide controlling power over a person or demon, here the name underlines the extraordinary nature of this possession. A Roman legion was a battle force of four to six thousand soldiers.

  8.31 Abyss, the bottomless pit reserved as a prison for God’s enemies (see Rev 9.1–11;11.7; 17.8; 20.1–3).

  8.32 Swine, unclean animals according to Jewish law (Lev 11.7; Deut 14.8; see also Lk 15.15–16) and so fitting hosts for the demons. Permission, though granted, indicates Jesus’ strong authority.

  8.33 The implication is that, when the herd drowns, the demons go to the abyss (see v. 31).

  8.35 A disciple sits at the feet of the teacher (see also Acts 22.3). Clothed and in his right mind. Cf. vv. 27, 29. They were afraid. See v. 37; note on 7.16.

  8.39 The former demoniac declares what God has done in terms of what Jesus has done (see also 7.16).

  8.40–56 Cf. Mt 9.18–26; Mk 5.21–43. Healing stories featuring a man and a woman of contrasting social status are intertwined (see note on 2.38).

  8.41 The leader of the synagogue presided over meetings and enjoyed considerable status in the community (see also 13.14; Acts 13.15; 18.8, 17).

  8.42 An only daughter. See 7.12.

  8.43 Hemorrhages for twelve years, abnormal menstrual flow, making the woman constantly unclean and untouchable (Lev 15.25–30). Since impurity is contagious, she must be socially ostracized (see Lev 15.31).

  8.44 Fringe, a required part of the Jewish male’s clothes (see Num 15.38–39; Deut 22.12; Mt 23.5).

  8.45 Who touched me? This touch would violate Jewish purity laws (see note on 8.43). Master. See note on 5.5.

  8.46 On the power to heal, see 5.17; 6.19; see also Acts 4.7. On healing by contact, see 5.13; 7.14; see also Acts 5.15–16; 19.11–12.

  8.48 See note on 7.50. Daughter. See 13.16.

  8.50 Do not fear. See note on 5.9. Believe, i.e., have trust, faith. Saved resonates with made you well in v. 48; the same Greek word (sozo) is used in both cases.

  8.51 Peter, John, and James, the first disciples called (see 5.1–11), are singled out to witness special events (see also 9.28). Peter and John collaborate in Acts (see 3.1, 11; 4.13, 19; 8.14).

  8.52 Weeping and wailing indicates the beginning of mourning (see also 23.27).

  8.55 Her spirit returned. The belief that at death the spirit departed from the body is widely attested (see 23.46; Acts
7.59; see also 1 Kings 17.21–22).

  8.56 Tell no one. See also 5.14.

  Luke 9

  The Mission of the Twelve

  1Then Jesusa called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, 2and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. 3He said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money—not even an extra tunic. 4Whatever house you enter, stay there, and leave from there. 5Wherever they do not welcome you, as you are leaving that town shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” 6They departed and went through the villages, bringing the good news and curing diseases everywhere.

  Herod’s Perplexity

  7Now Herod the rulerb heard about all that had taken place, and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had been raised from the dead, 8by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the ancient prophets had arisen. 9Herod said, “John I beheaded; but who is this about whom I hear such things?” And he tried to see him.

  Feeding the Five Thousand

  10On their return the apostles told Jesusc all they had done. He took them with him and withdrew privately to a city called Bethsaida. 11When the crowds found out about it, they followed him; and he welcomed them, and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed to be cured.

  12The day was drawing to a close, and the twelve came to him and said, “Send the crowd away, so that they may go into the surrounding villages and countryside, to lodge and get provisions; for we are here in a deserted place.” 13But he said to them, “You give them something to eat.” They said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish—unless we are to go and buy food for all these people.” 14For there were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, “Make them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” 15They did so and made them all sit down. 16And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. 17And all ate and were filled. What was left over was gathered up, twelve baskets of broken pieces.

  Peter’s Declaration about Jesus

  18Once when Jesusd was praying alone, with only the disciples near him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” 19They answered, “John the Baptist; but others, Elijah; and still others, that one of the ancient prophets has arisen.” 20He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “The Messiahe of God.”

  Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection

  21He sternly ordered and commanded them not to tell anyone, 22saying, “The Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.”

  23Then he said to them all, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it. 25What does it profit them if they gain the whole world, but lose or forfeit themselves? 26Those who are ashamed of me and of my words, of them the Son of Man will be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. 27But truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.”

  The Transfiguration

  28Now about eight days after these sayings Jesusf took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. 29And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. 30Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. 31They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. 32Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake,g they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. 33Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings,h one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said. 34While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. 35Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen;i listen to him!” 36When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.

  Jesus Heals a Boy with a Demon

  37On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. 38Just then a man from the crowd shouted, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son; he is my only child. 39Suddenly a spirit seizes him, and all at once hej shrieks. It convulses him until he foams at the mouth; it mauls him and will scarcely leave him. 40I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not.” 41Jesus answered, “You faithless and perverse generation, how much longer must I be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here.” 42While he was coming, the demon dashed him to the ground in convulsions. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. 43And all were astounded at the greatness of God.

  Jesus Again Foretells His Death

  While everyone was amazed at all that he was doing, he said to his disciples, 44“Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into human hands.” 45But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was concealed from them, so that they could not perceive it. And they were afraid to ask him about this saying.

  True Greatness

  46An argument arose among them as to which one of them was the greatest. 47But Jesus, aware of their inner thoughts, took a little child and put it by his side, 48and said to them, “Whoever welcomes this child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me; for the least among all of you is the greatest.”

  Another Exorcist

  49John answered, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow with us.” 50But Jesus said to him, “Do not stop him; for whoever is not against you is for you.”

  A Samaritan Village Refuses to Receive Jesus

  51When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. 52And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him; 53but they did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. 54When his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?”k 55But he turned and rebuked them. 56Thenl they went on to another village.

  Would-Be Followers of Jesus

  57As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” 59To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” 60But Jesusm said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61Another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” 62Jesus said to him, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

  next chapter

  * * *

  a Gk he

  b Gk tetrarch

  c Gk him

  d Gk he

  e Or The Christ

  f Gk he

  g Or but when they were fully awake

  h Or tents

  i Other ancient authorities read my Beloved

  j Or it

  k Other ancient authorities add as Elijah did

  l Other ancient authorities read rebuked them, and said, “You do not know what spirit you are of, 56for the Son of Man has not come to destroy the lives of human beings but to save them.” Then

  m Gk he

  9.1–50 Stories on Jesus’ messianic mission and the nature of discipleship.

  9.1–6 Cf. Mt 9.35; 10.1, 7–11,
14; Mk 6.6b–13; Lk 10.1–12.

  9.1 Jesus gives the Twelve (see note on 6.13) power and authority to do what he has been doing.

  9.2 Sent…out (Greek apostellein) indicates the disciples’ role as apostolic emissaries of the kingdom (see note on 6.13). To proclaim…and to heal. See 4.40–44; 6.18–19; 8.1; 10.9.

  9.3 Taking nothing along requires reliance on local hospitality (10.4; see also Acts 9.43; 16.15).

  9.4 Whatever house. See 10.5–7; note on 10.5.

  9.5 Shake the dust off your feet indicates complete separation from those who reject them (see 10.10–11; Acts 13.51).

  9.6 Everywhere. See note on 4.14–15. Acts 1.8 specifies another comprehensive mission for the apostles.

  9.7–9 Cf. Mt 14.1–2; Mk 6.14–16. Herod’s perplexity introduces an ominous note (see 13.31–35; 23.6–12; Acts 4.25–27).

  9.8 The return of Elijah was promised in Mal 4.5 as a precursor to the impending judgment (see 1.17; see also 9.19, 30).

  9.9 John I beheaded. This execution is not described in Luke (cf. 3.19–20; Mt 14.3–12; Mk 6.17–29). Who is this? Herod’s question about Jesus recalls John’s (see 7.19) and prepares for Peter’s confession and Jesus’ interpretation of it (see 9.18–20; see also 8.25). He tried to see him, and succeeded after Jesus’ arrest (see 23.8; cf. 13.31).