Mark 6:7
And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;
Mark 6:7
Jesus summons the Twelve and sends them out in pairs, a customary practice for safety and mutual support. The act of sending “two and two” reflects the Jewish and Greco-Roman practice of companionship in mission and ensures accountability and encouragement. He gives them “power over unclean spirits,” signaling that, in the limited, apostolic era, the authority entrusted to the disciples was a direct extension of Jesus’ own ministry. The mission here is twofold: proclaim repentance and demonstrate the in-breaking of the kingdom through exorcisms and healings. This is not mere travel writing; it marks a functional empowerment: the disciples are authorized witnesses carrying the message and the authority to authenticate it through signs. The broader context includes Jesus’ growing popularity and increasing opposition from both religious leaders and secular authorities.
Authority and mission are inseparably linked in this passage. Jesus delegates power, underscoring the collaborative nature of God’s work and the early church’s pattern of shared ministry. The power over unclean spirits resonates with Old Testament notions of purification and the prophet’s role in restoring order. The call to go without external provisions (see v.8) underscores dependence on God and the hospitality of others as a test and a grace. It also foreshadows the church’s model of mission—embedded in dependence on God, reliant on communal support, and validated by acts of mercy and deliverance.
Today’s believers can draw several lessons:
- Mission involves teamwork; find a trusted partner for accountability and encouragement.
- God equips his people for specific tasks. Seek training, prayer, and biblical grounding to discern how He wants you to serve—whether in evangelism, service, or social justice.
- Practice dependence on God in practical ways: rely on God rather than personal resources, and show generosity to others as you travel the path He sets.
- Be ready to exercise spiritual authority in humility: ministry is for the sake of others, not personal fame.
Cross-References: Luke 10:1-12; Matthew 10:1-8; Acts 1:8; Luke 9:1-2