Luke 9 Overview

Luke 9 is the ninth chapter of the Gospel of Luke, found in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. It includes several key events in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, such as the mission of the twelve disciples, notable miracles, Peter's confession, and the journey towards Jerusalem.

Key Events

The Mission of the Twelve (9:1-6)

• Jesus calls together his twelve disciples.
• He gives them power and authority over demons and to cure diseases.
• Sends them to preach the kingdom of God and heal the sick.
• Instructions include taking nothing for the journey—no staff, bag, bread, money, or extra tunic—emphasizing reliance on God.
• Cross-reference: Similar instructions found in Matthew 10:10 and Mark 6:8.

Herod Seeks Jesus (9:7-9)

• Herod the Tetrarch is perplexed by Jesus' actions, thinking John the Baptist might have been resurrected.
• Mentions that others thought Jesus was Elijah or another old prophet risen again.
• Herod seeks to see Jesus.

Miracle of Feeding the 5,000 (9:10-17)

• Jesus feeds a multitude with five loaves and two fish.
• After the disciples' mission, Jesus withdraws to a solitary place near Bethsaida.
• Despite lack of resources, Jesus provides enough food for the crowd with leftovers filling twelve baskets.

Peter’s Confession (9:18-20)

• Jesus asks his disciples who they think he is.
• Peter answers that Jesus is "The Christ of God."

The Journey to Jerusalem (9:51-62)

• Jesus sets his face towards Jerusalem, marking the beginning of his final journey.
• This section covers Jesus' ministry in Perea and Judea and is referred to as "The Journey to Jerusalem."
• Includes the rejection by a Samaritan village, prompting Jesus' disciples to seek alternative accommodations.
• Highlights the dedication needed to follow Jesus, as seen when someone expresses the intent to follow him anywhere.

Manuscripts and Textual Notes

• Several early manuscripts contain Luke 9, including Papyrus 75, Papyrus 45, Codex Vaticanus, and others.
• The original text was written in Koine Greek and consists of 62 verses.
• Parallels exist with the Gospels of Matthew and Mark, with some unique content in Luke.

Notable Interpretations

• Scottish minister William Robertson Nicoll describes this chapter as closing scenes of the Galilean ministry.
• The chapter is considered part of the foundational gospel texts attributed to Luke the Evangelist.