Luke 9:2 kjv

And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.

Luke 9:2 nkjv

He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

Luke 9:2 niv

and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

Luke 9:2 esv

and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal.

Luke 9:2 nlt

Then he sent them out to tell everyone about the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

Luke 9 verses

Luke 9 2 Meaning

Luke 9:2 reveals the dual purpose of the mission entrusted by Jesus to His twelve disciples: to proclaim the imminent reality and rule of God, and to demonstrate His compassionate power through physical restoration. This verse encapsulates the integral relationship between spiritual truth and practical action, illustrating that the Good News of the Kingdom is affirmed both by the preached word and by accompanying divine power to heal. It underscores Jesus' authority to commission others in His work, empowering them to extend His ministry of reconciliation and restoration.

Luke 9 2 Context

Luke 9:2 stands as a pivotal point immediately after Jesus gathers and empowers the twelve apostles (Lk 9:1). It outlines the core components of their delegated authority and mission before sending them out to prepare for His arrival. This mission is limited in scope initially—focusing on the towns where Jesus intends to go. The historical context for the original audience, primarily Jewish, involved expectations of a political Messiah who would liberate Israel from Roman rule. However, Jesus consistently redefines the "kingdom of God" as a spiritual reality, a divine reign characterized by righteousness, peace, and power over sickness and spiritual darkness, rather than a geopolitical entity (Lk 17:20-21). This proclamation of a spiritual Kingdom, accompanied by physical healing, was a direct counter-narrative to the prevailing worldly and militaristic Messianic hopes, presenting a new understanding of divine rule embodied in acts of love and restoration.

Luke 9 2 Word analysis

• And He sent (ἀπέστειλεν - apesteilen): This Greek verb is related to "apostle" (ἀπόστολος - apostolos), signifying someone who is "sent out" or "commissioned" with authority and a specific purpose. It implies a delegation of power and authority from the sender. Jesus Himself is referred to as "apostle" (Heb 3:1). The disciples were not going on their own accord but under Christ's explicit instruction and empowerment, mirroring His own commission from the Father.
• them: Refers to the twelve disciples, newly empowered by Jesus.
• to preach (κηρύσσειν - kēryssein): To act as a herald, to proclaim, declare, or announce publicly. This refers to an official, authoritative declaration of a message. It's not merely sharing an idea but announcing an undisputed truth with authority derived from the One who sent them.
• the kingdom of God (τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ - tēn basileian tou theou): This is the central theme of Jesus' teaching. It refers to God's active, dynamic, sovereign rule and reign, both present and future, breaking into human history. It signifies God's kingly dominion, encompassing spiritual renewal, moral transformation, and ultimate cosmic restoration. It's not a geographical place, but the sphere where God's will is perfectly done, established through Jesus.
• and to heal (ἰᾶσθαι - iasthai): To cure, make whole, or restore to health. This signifies a supernatural act, demonstrating God's power over disease and affliction. The healing power was not inherent in the disciples but flowed through them as an act of divine mercy and a validation of the proclaimed message.
• the sick (τοὺς ἀσθενεῖς - tous astheneis): Those who are weak, feeble, ill, or infirmed. This broadly encompasses physical ailments. The focus on healing shows compassion for suffering humanity and provides tangible evidence of the Kingdom's restorative power.

Words-group analysis

• He sent them to preach the kingdom of God: This phrase highlights the disciples' primary duty: verbal proclamation. The message is the central component—the divine rule of God. It underlines that ministry begins with the spoken word of truth.
• and to heal the sick: This phrase denotes the accompanying action that authenticates the message. The power to heal served as concrete evidence and confirmation of the divine authority behind their preaching and the nature of the Kingdom's coming. The dual purpose emphasizes that the Kingdom's arrival is not merely theoretical but powerfully effective in confronting human brokenness. This shows the integral connection between proclamation and demonstration in Gospel ministry. The power demonstrated through healing underscores that the Kingdom of God is a reality of divine authority, not just a concept.

Luke 9 2 Bonus section

The order of the commission—"preach" then "heal"—is significant. It indicates that the primary aim is the proclamation of the divine message, with healing serving as an important sign or demonstration confirming the authority of the message and the Messenger. The ability to heal was a divine attestation that the Kingdom of God, manifested in Jesus Christ, was genuinely present and active. This model for ministry, combining forth-telling (preaching) and mighty acts (healing), forms a pattern for the Church throughout history. The authority given to the disciples in this verse was not an inherent personal ability but a delegated power, emphasizing their dependence on Christ and serving as a preview of the greater Spirit-empowerment that would follow on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 1:8). The immediate purpose of this mission also served as practical training for the disciples, preparing them for the broader post-resurrection Great Commission.

Luke 9 2 Commentary

Luke 9:2 is a succinct encapsulation of the Lord's Great Commission preceding its more extensive post-resurrection iteration. It demonstrates Jesus' intent for His followers to extend His own holistic ministry, which integrated spiritual truth with tangible displays of God's power and compassion. The mission given to the Twelve underscores that the good news of the Kingdom of God is validated not just by intellectual assent to truth but by transformative power that affects real-world conditions. Preaching the Kingdom involves proclaiming God's present reign, demanding repentance and faith. Healing the sick serves as irrefutable evidence that this divine reign is indeed at hand, actively countering the effects of a fallen world. This partnership of word and deed authenticates the messenger, illuminates the message, and illustrates the character of the King. It's a reminder that true evangelism is not solely intellectual discourse but also a compassionate demonstration of divine love and power against suffering.