(Synoptics: Luke 10:17-20)Probably this mission would have been a few weeks, but that is only speculation. They come back with tremendous joy, saying, ‘Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name,’ as we obey thee and heal the sick and cast out demons.
The disciples of Christ have a borrowed authority, but it is one which the powers of darkness must respect. We are not given that authority today to cast out demons and to heal the sick – that belonged to the foundation stage and was for the authentication of the apostles. But there is still power given to the people of God. There are spiritual gifts given to us which the devils cannot take away. Every preacher who is sent by God speaks with an authority that can bring dead souls to life when the Spirit is at work. That too is a loaned authority, but the possession of it causes God’s servants to rejoice. They see men and women and children bow the knee to Christ, contrary to all natural inclination, and Satan, the strong man, is forced to yield them up.