Luke Chapter Nine
Jesus Sends the Twelve Disciples as Apostles
[Text parallels Matthew 10:1-11:1 and Mark 6:7-13]
9:1 And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. 3 And he said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics. 4 And whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. 5 And wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” 6 And they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.
Jesus called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons and diseases. He then sent them out (Greek ‘apesteilen’,[1] to send off, a derivation of ‘apostolos’[2] one sent, an apostle) to proclaim the kingdom of God (the gospel message) and to heal. He further instructed them to not take anything with them, including food, money, or a change in clothes. If the families invite them in, stay with them while teaching, let them offer food and shelter. If, however, they do not accept them, leave the town and shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.[3] The twelve departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.
Considerations
The role of healing in the Bible served three primary functions. First and foremost, to bring glory to God. In regard to New Testament healings, they were tangible evidences of Jesus being not only sent by God but had authority as God.[4] But healing also served as a barrier-buster. If a person was sick, in pain, or otherwise suffering from some form of infirmity, those conditions can effectively stop a person from hearing and responding to the gospel message.
God still heals today, often for the same reason, to remove those issues from being barriers to accepting Jesus as their Savior. When praying for healing we need to understand that not every request for healing will be granted in the way we desire. Since healing can help in removing barriers that prevent belief, those prayer requests may have a greater priority than other healing requests. So always remember to pray for healing when praying for the salvation of a person who may be suffering from a disease or other health issue.
Herod Is Perplexed by Jesus
[Text parallels Matthew 14:1-2 and Mark 6:14-16]
9:7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had been raised from the dead, 8 by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the prophets of old had risen. 9 Herod said, “John I beheaded, but who is this about whom I hear such things?” And he sought to see him.
Herod the tetrarch, also known as Antipas,[5] heard about Jesus’ and His miracles and was perplexed. He wondered who was this man? He heard that some thought He was John the Baptist raised from the dead (Matthew records this as well, see Matthew 14:2). He also pondered the idea that Jesus was perhaps Elijah or one of the other Old Testament prophets. He knew that John was dead, as he had him beheaded (even though he knew he was a righteous and holy man, see Mark 6:20). Unable to quench his curiosity regarding Jesus, he sought to see Him, as He was certainly different than John (see Luke 23:8).
Feeding Five Thousand Plus People
[Text parallels Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:30-44 and John 6:1-13]
9:10 On their return the apostles told him all that they had done. And he took them and withdrew apart to a town called Bethsaida.
The apostles return from their evangelism mission (see verses 1-6) and proceed to tell Jesus all that they had done (see also Matthew 11:1; Mark 6:30). To offer them a moment of rest, away from the crowds, Jesus takes them to Bethsaida,
9:11 When the crowds learned it, they followed him, and he welcomed them and spoke to them of the kingdom of God and cured those who had need of healing. 12 Now the day began to wear away, and the twelve came and said to him, “Send the crowd away to go into the surrounding villages and countryside to find lodging and get provisions, for we are here in a desolate place.” 13 But 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.” 14 For there were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” 15 And they did so, and had them all sit down. 16 And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing over them. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. 17 And they all ate and were satisfied. And what was left over was picked up, twelve baskets of broken pieces.
The people discovered where they were going and followed them there. When the people arrived, Jesus welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God and healed those that needed healing. As it got late in the day, the disciples approached Jesus, saying that He should send the crowds home as they were a long way from any lodging and food providers. Jesus undoubtedly shocked them when He said to them, “You give them something to eat.” They reply, that they only had five loaves of bread and two fish. Jesus tells them to have the crowds sit down in groups of about fifty each. The disciples did as Jesus asked and everyone sat down. Jesus took the bread and fish and looked up to heaven and blessed them. He then broke the bread and gave them to the disciples to distribute to the people. Everyone got plenty to eat as each were satisfied. When everyone was finished there were twelve baskets of leftovers.[6]
Peter Confesses that Jesus is the Christ
[Text parallels Matthew 16:13-16 and Mark 8:27-29]
9:18 Now it happened that as he was praying alone, the disciples were with him. And he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” 19 And they answered, “John the Baptist. But others say, Elijah, and others, that one of the prophets of old has risen.” 20 Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered, “The Christ of God.”
Away from the crowds, and after Jesus finished praying, He asked His disciples, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” They responded with several answers, some say John the Baptist, Elijah, or possibly one of the Old Testament prophets. Jesus then asks, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter quickly answers, “The Christ of God.” Peter understood, through knowledge given to him by God the Father (see Matthew 16:17) that Jesus was truly the Messiah.[7]
Jesus Foretells His Death
[Text parallels Matthew 16:20-21 and Mark 8:30-31]
9:21 And he strictly charged and commanded them to tell this to no one, 22 saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.”
After Peter proclaimed Jesus to be the Christ, Jesus commanded them to tell no one. He then explains that He must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests,[8] and scribes. He will then be killed, but on the third day He will rise from the dead. This was Jesus’ first, straightforward (plain language) statement to His disciples that He was going to die, but they did not understand.[9] Peter even attempted to rebuke Jesus for saying this (see Matthew 16:22-23; Mark 8:32-33).
Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus
[Text parallels Matthew 16:24-28 and Mark 8:34-9:1]
9:23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. 25 For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? 26 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. 27 But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.”
Speaking to His disciples, Jesus tells them that if anyone chooses to follow Him, that they need to first deny themselves of the distractions of the world and take up their cross every day. Since the cross was a well-understood metaphor for death, Jesus is saying that to follow Him, one needs to be willing to give that effort everything they have, even to the point of death. He points out that whoever tries to hold onto their life, desiring the things offered by the world, will lose it, as the things, philosophies, and alternate beliefs cannot save a person after death. But if one chooses to offer their life for Jesus, they will be saved. Jesus further explains by asking the question, what does it profit someone if they gain the whole world when alive but loses it all after death?
Jesus warns, if someone is ashamed of Him, or of His Words (including the Bible), He will then be ashamed of them when He comes in His glory and the glory of His Father and the holy angels (He will testify against them in the presence of His Father and the angels in heaven). Jesus then adds that there were some standing there who will not die before they see the kingdom of God, referring to a preview of His glory during the soon-to-be-revealed Transfiguration.[10]
Considerations
Many wonder what the purpose of life is. Philosophers, theologians, and other thinkers have pondered that question for a long time. But to answer that question, one needs to go back to the beginning of life. And since no human alive was there at the beginning, we look to the book of Genesis and read what God said about the beginning. He tells us that He created everything out of nothing and that He also created life. One of His living creations was human beings, something He made in His own image. All of creation, including the humans, was perfect. But something went horribly wrong, the first humans disobeyed God. Due to that sin, God cursed all of creation and made all life mortal, so that they would not have to live for eternity in a fallen (sinful) state.
How can humans return to the perfection they were once? How can they be salvaged? God set aside a group of people in the line of Jacob (also known as Israel) who after being freed from slavery in Egypt by God, was given a law that when followed allowed them to have fellowship with God. This law also identified what God considered to be a sin. But since humans could never fully comply with the law it was clear that they would need help from God in order to be saved. Also through the line of Israel came a man born supernaturally named Jesus. Being fully man and fully God, Jesus was able to live a sinless life (completely fulfilling the requirements of God's law), suffer, die, and rise to life again, offering the salvation that could not otherwise be obtained. By accepting Jesus as their Savior, humans can, after death, return to the perfect state human's were originally created.
Since humans were given a mind of their own, they can choose to accept or reject this gift of salvation. The purpose of life here on earth could be considered a proving ground. A proving ground is defined as a location where things (such as cars, weapons, etc.) are tested. In this world everyone is being tested through temptations (from the world, our own lusts, and of course from Satan and his many minions), through life's difficulties, and through the exposure to various philosophies, theologies, fantasies, and other beliefs. Perhaps more importantly, to test the willingness to help others, even forfeit one's life to save another. Remember, God wants all to be saved (see 2 Peter 3:9), but knows that not everyone will accept the free gift offered by Jesus.
In a nutshell, the purpose of our life on earth today is to look forward to glorifying Jesus and spending eternal life with Him. Therefore, we need to keep in mind that we are only temporarily here. While that does not negate any pain or long-term suffering, aid in perseverance, or make life any easier, it does however provide hope. If we know that 'real life' comes later, than we as Christians should be satisfied with what God is doing in our lives and seek only to please Him in all we do. It will, however, require strength from God to persevere and not fall for the lies of the world and Satan, including the pursuit of happiness through finding the highest paid job, obtaining more possessions, or gaining political power. Only the pursuit of Jesus matters. It's not about this life,[11] it's the next life that people should be thinking about, which will only happen by saying 'Yes!' to Jesus and then go tell someone about Him right now!
The Transfiguration
[Text parallels Matthew 17:1-9 and Mark 9:2-10]
9:28 Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray.
A little over a week later after speaking to the crowds and His disciples, Jesus takes Peter, John, and James up on a mountain to pray.
9:29 And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white. 30 And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, 31 who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.
While Jesus was praying, His face began to change and His clothing became extremely white. Then suddenly two men appeared and were talking to Jesus, they were Moses and Elijah who appeared in glory (probably similar to Jesus’ appearance). They were talking about Jesus’ departure (Greek ‘exodon’,[12] exit, departure from life), which Jesus was about to accomplish (Greek ‘plēroun’,[13] to fulfill, to complete) in Jerusalem. Referring to His death and resurrection for the fulfillment of God’s law.
9:32 Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, but when they became fully awake they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. 33 And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said. 34 As he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!” 36 And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen.
Peter, John, and James were very tired and had difficulty in staying awake. But when they became fully awake, they noticed Jesus in His glory talking to Moses and Elijah. Just as they were finished talking and ready to walk away, Peter tells Jesus that it was good that the disciples were there because they could construct three tents (Greek ‘skēnas[14]’, a booth, tabernacle, tent, any covered place), one for each of them. Luke records that Peter really had no idea what he was talking about, as he was undoubtedly nervous. Then a voice was heard coming out of the cloud saying, “This is My Son, My Chosen One; listen to Him!” After the voice had spoken, Moses and Elijah were gone and Jesus’ previous appearance returned. They remained silent and told no one what they had seen (according to Matthew and Mark, Jesus commanded them to not say anything until after His resurrection, see Matthew 17:9 and Mark 9:9).[15] Some believe the voice from God the Father was to rebuke Peter for his remark. However, the text does not support that speculation. Peter, John, and James were the ones Jesus referred to earlier that would see the kingdom of God (see verse 27).
Considerations
Comparing the Kingdom of Heaven and the Kingdom of God to Heaven
As mentioned earlier, the Kingdom of Heaven and the Kingdom of God are synonymous terms.[16] But what about heaven itself? We often see the term heaven used by itself. So, where and when does heaven start? Or perhaps you're asking, aren't all these terms referring to the same thing? The quick answer is yes, but there is a difference, in time and to some degree, location.
The primary use of the phraseology, "The Kingdom of Heaven" and "The Kingdom of God," is used as a reference to those that have accepted Jesus as their Savior that are still on earth. While saved, they remain sinners and continue to physically exist on earth, bound by the same laws of physics, the same manner time is measured, the same constraints, the same bodily pains, the same need to eat and sleep, the same temptations, the same need for God, etc. In other words, the only changes are Spiritually (Holy Spirit now resides within), emotionally (desire to serve Jesus), and mentally (knowing that they are saved, that Jesus will do as He promised). Certainly not what we might call "Heaven on Earth!" But after death, the destination is indeed heaven.
Heaven on the other hand, will be very different. A world that God had in mind for humans from the beginning, before sin. The subject of heaven is mentioned several times in the Bible, however, little is mentioned that describes it. In the book of Revelation, John offers a brief description of the new earth and new heaven (see Revelation chapter 21). For example, we read that the streets are pure gold (see Revelation 21:21), one of the highest revered materials of this world is nothing more than just paving material in heaven. The descriptions of heaven simply cannot do heaven justice as we have no words or anything to compare with to describe the beauty. Regardless of how we view heaven, it will be greater than anything we can imagine. Even our bodies will be different, in this story Jesus gave three of His disciples a small glimpse of what a glorified body will look like.
Even time, and how we measure time, will change. It is true that when we accepted Jesus that we, in a sense, entered 'eternity' from the perspective that we will spend eternity with Jesus, but we are not yet in eternity. The big clue is that time is still being measured. When we enter into eternity, time will no longer be relevant and it will no longer be measured. Exactly how that works or how we will perceive the passage of time (if done at all) is unknown.
In so many ways, we simply cannot from our current perspective in this fallen world, relate to heaven.
Jesus Heals a Boy with an Unclean Spirit
[Text parallels Matthew 17:14-21 and Mark 9:14-29]
9:37 On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. 38 And behold, a man from the crowd cried out, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child. 39 And behold, a spirit seizes him, and he suddenly cries out. It convulses him so that he foams at the mouth, and shatters him, and will hardly leave him. 40 And I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not.” 41 Jesus answered, “O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here.” 42 While he was coming, the demon threw him to the ground and convulsed him. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit and healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. 43a And all were astonished at the majesty of God.
The day after the Transfiguration, Jesus, Peter, John, and James came down from the mountain only to be met once again by a large crowd. A man came out of the crowd begging Jesus to look at his son who had a demon that was causing him to have seizures, foam at the mouth, and during some of his convulsions he is frequently thrown him down or against other objects, hurting him badly. The man then reported that while Jesus was away he asked the other disciples to cast the demon out but they could not. Jesus responded by saying, “O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you and bear with you?” Some believe that Jesus was only rebuking the disciples, while partially true, the main subject is the lack of faith in Israel. Due to their lack of faith and the perversion of God’s Word, on a number of times Jesus identified this generation as being evil and wicked (see Matthew 12:39; 16:4; Mark 8:38; Luke 11:29) He now asks, “How long must I be with you and put up with you?” (NLT) Perhaps the equivalent of the popular modern phrase, “When will you ever learn?” Jesus is pointing to a time when He will not be there in person, both the people of Israel and His disciples will need to learn how to do these things. His disciples apparently did not have faith in what they were doing and as a result, failed to drive the demon out of the son.[17]
Jesus asked to have the son brought to Him. While he was coming, the demon threw him to the ground and caused him to convulse. Jesus then rebuked the demon and healed the boy and gave him back to his father. The crowd was astonished by the majesty (Greek ‘megaleiotēti’,[18] greatness) of God.
Jesus Again Foretells His Death
[Text parallels Matthew 17:22-23 and Mark 9:30-32]
9:43b But while they were all marveling at everything he was doing, Jesus said to his disciples, 44 “Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men.” 45 But they did not understand this saying, and it was concealed from them, so that they might not perceive it. And they were afraid to ask him about this saying.
While the people in the crowds were marveling at what Jesus was doing, He turns to His disciples and once again plainly states that He will soon be arrested and be put to death (see Matthew 17:23; Mark 9:31). It is interesting to note that Jesus adds, “Let these words sink into your ears,” followed by Luke revealing that the meaning was concealed from the disciples, “so that they might not perceive it.” These are not contradictory statements, as Jesus wanted them to understand that His arrest and subsequent death was His plan, which they will remember after His resurrection. Meanwhile, He had compassion for them knowing they could not emotionally handle news of any arrest or His death, so the meaning was concealed. Leaving them confused and afraid to seek clarification.
Disciples Wonder Who Among Them is the Greatest?
[Text parallels Matthew 18:1-5 and Mark 9:33-37]
9:46 An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest. 47 But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by his side 48 and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.”
The disciples begin a conversation that apparently turned into an argument as to which one of them was the greatest. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, picked up a child and put him next to Him. He said that whoever receives a child like this in His name, receives Him, and whoever receives Him, also receives His Father. To a child the world is a wonderment, not bogged down from past experiences, poor influences, or struggles. A child’s heart is joyful, humble, and willing. Jesus is telling His disciples (and Christians today) that they need to be as a child, being free of personal ambitions. “For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.” Children are also completely dependent on others, being a Christian is someone who is completely dependent on Jesus.[19]
Anyone Not Against Us Is For Us
[Text parallels Mark 9:38-40]
9:49 John answered, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow with us.” 50 But Jesus said to him, “Do not stop him, for the one who is not against you is for you.”
Some of the disciples saw a stranger casting out demons in Jesus’ name, they attempted to stop them because he was not one of them. John later told Jesus about their encounter and what they did. Jesus told him that they should not have stopped him or anyone else who is working on His behalf. Jesus explained that the one who is not against you is for you.[20]
Considerations
This inquiry of John is also recorded in Mark 9:38-40, which states Jesus’ conclusion a little differently, “For the one who is not against us is for us.” However, most remember what might be described as a contraposition, Matthew 12:30 (and later in Luke 11:23), records an entirely different event with a similar statement from Jesus, which reads, “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” While sounding contrary, these statements have different applications and should not be confused with each other.
Here is a quick review of these statements made by Jesus:
Matthew writes “Whoever is not with me is against me.” In this statement there is no neutral position, it is a call to action, forcing one to “choose sides.” Jesus is essentially talking to the ‘public’, telling them that even though they may not have yet chosen to follow, they are against Him and His kingdom if they don’t. This passage relates to a Christian’s interaction with the world, not within the church. We can call it an ‘external’ application.
Mark and Luke (in this chapter) essentially record: Who is not against us/you is for us/you. This allows for a neutral position as long as no action is taken against the person. It is not a call to action. The subject here is a person (or more precisely, a Christian), not about the entrance to God’s kingdom. These passages relate to interaction within the kingdom (the church) and could be called an ‘internal’ application.
Beginning the Trek Back to Jerusalem a Village Rejects Jesus
9:51 When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. 52 And he sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make preparations for him. 53 But the people did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. 54 And when his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” 55 But he turned and rebuked them. 56 And they went on to another village.
When Jesus’ ministry in the Galilee region concluded, He began to head south to Jerusalem, where, as Luke records, “for him to be taken up” (Greek ‘analēmpseōs’,[21] an act of being taken up, ascension, this is the only use in the New Testament). Some believe this refers to Jesus being lifted up on the cross, while others believe it refers to His ascension into heaven.
Jesus sent messengers (Greek ‘angelous’,[22] a messenger, one sent to proclaim or announce) ahead to make preparations for Him. The text does not elaborate what kind of preparations were made. Some believe that in conjunction with the word ‘angelos’, that they were sent to prepare the Samaritans,[23] much like John the Baptist did for Israel before Jesus arrived. But the Samaritans did not receive Jesus. Luke notes that the reason they rejected Jesus was because He was on His way to Jerusalem (perceived favoring Judaism and the Temple, not their beliefs). Historically the animosity between the Samaritans and the Jews was significant, especially in regard to religious beliefs.
When James and John saw how the Samaritans in this village rejected Jesus, they asked Jesus if they could, “tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” Jesus rebuked the two disciples for their thinking. Calling fire from heaven is not a ‘Spiritual’ gift, nor is it anything a Christian can do without God. These two disciples were looking for permission and the ability to call fire down like Elijah did (see 2 Kings 1:10). Instead they went on to another village.
The Cost of Following Jesus
[Text parallels Matthew 8:19-22]
9:57 As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 And 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.” 59 To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 60 And Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61 Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” 62 Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Luke records that during their travel to Jerusalem (see verse 51), Jesus and the disciples encountered three different individuals that proclaimed the desire to follow Jesus, but they each had some excuse why they could not.[24] The first one said to Jesus that he will follow wherever He went. Jesus replied that He has nowhere to call home. An unusual response, but considering that He had a significant following (a celebrity status), that the person thought perhaps Jesus lived in luxury and hoped that He would be willing to share.
The second person was a man Jesus invited to follow Him, but the man wanted to first bury his father. Many are surprised by Jesus’ response, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead.” But Jesus knew this was only a ‘delay tactic’, as the phrase “bury my father,” was a well-known expression pointing to a time after the father had died, which could still be several years later. By using such an abrupt statement, Jesus calls the attention to every Christian’s priority to, “Go and proclaim the kingdom of God,” the gospel message.
The third person said that he would follow Jesus, but first desired to go home and say farewell to his family. Again, Jesus calls out the person by saying, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” A statement that is often attributed to being a proverbial saying from the works of Hesiod (believed to have lived between 750 and 650 B.C.) an ancient Greek poet. However, it has become a proverb of its own accord, that refers to plowing for Jesus and planting seed for the kingdom of God (evangelism). Pointing to the need to keep moving forward, with eyes focused on Jesus and not become distracted by looking back, which would effectively cause one to stop or at least go off course. For a Christian, the adventure is always ahead, not behind them.
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[1] Strong’s Greek 649.
[2] Strong’s Greek 652.
[3] See also commentary under Matthew 10:5-15.
[4] See Considerations under Matthew 8:1-4 “Healing” for additional discussion.
[5] See Considerations under Matthew 2:7-12 “Meet the Herods.”
[6] See also commentaries under Matthew 14:15-21; Mark 6:35-41 and Mark 6:42-44.
[7] See also commentaries under Matthew 16:13-17 and Mark 8:27-30.
[8] See Considerations under Matthew 26:3-5 "Chief Priest versus High Priest."
[9] See also commentary under Matthew 16:21-23.
[10] See also commentaries under Matthew 16:24-28 and Mark 8:34-38.
[11] See also commentary under Matthew 10:28-33.
[12] Strong’s Greek 1841.
[13] Strong’s Greek 4137.
[14] Strong’s Greek 4633.
[15] See also commentary under Matthew 17:1-8.
[16] See Considerations under Matthew 3:11-12 "Kingdom of Heaven."
[17] See commentaries under Matthew 17:17-20 and Mark 9:14-29. See also Considerations under Matthew 17:17-20 "Why is Faith So Important?."
[18] Strong’s Greek 3168.
[19] See also commentaries under Matthew 18:1-4 and Mark 9:33-37.
[20] See commentary under Mark 9:38-40.
[21] Strong’s Greek 354.
[22] Strong’s Greek 32.
[23] See Considerations under Matthew 10:5-15 "Samaritans."
[24] See also commentary under Matthew 8:19-22.