From here he goes about among the villages teaching. And then he sends the twelve out in two's with authority over unclean spirits- and with interesting instructions.
To this point the disciples have just been following Jesus around- camping with him, out in the desert places because of his fame, spending time in the crowded house in Capernaum, probably helping with a whole lot of logistical things in order to feed such a group- transport across the lake, What did they sleep on when out in the country- what did they cook with? I imagine some of them were responsible for some of these things. They had been picked by Jesus as apostles- (with close connections to apostellw- sent with a commission) – but up until this point not a lot of sending has happened. They have had many eye opening experiences- I imagine the lake tempest, and pig possession was still fresh in their minds (they may have been for the rest of their lives) – it doesn't seem that long ago they were asking, “Who then is this?” and now they are sent out on a preaching mission- casting out demons and healing people as they go.
They certainly don't have the complete picture- but they also do have a good grounding- having lived with Jesus for how long now? Heard him teach on numerous occasions and had that teaching explained to them in private. There were others such as the man possessed with the legion, who were 'sent' straight away- a living example of the effect of the coming of the rule of God. And then because of the nature of his mission there are others who he tells not to tell anyone what has happened to them. Still- It would seem that 'sentness' is not that far around the corner if you follow Jesus for any length of time. And he is not concerned if you do not have the complete picture.
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