Bible Strands
Luke 9:49
“Master,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not accompany us.”
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — John speaks directly to Jesus immediately after Jesus instructs the disciples that the least among them is the greatest.
The words — ἐπιστᾶτα (epistata) literally means "Master" or "one standing over," reflecting John’s respectful address to Jesus.
The thread — The report parallels Mark 9:38, while the situation echoes the young man’s account of Eldad and Medad prophesying in Numbers 11:27.
Why it lands — The text records John’s attempt to stop an outsider from exorcising demons in Jesus’ name, which requires readers to examine their own assumptions about who qualifies to act under His authority.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us.
Cross-references
- Mark 9:38 John said to Him, “Teacher, we saw someone else driving out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not accompany us.”
- Numbers 11:27 A young man ran and reported to Moses, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.”
- Mark 10:13 Now people were bringing the little children to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them, and the disciples rebuked those who brought them.
- Acts 4:18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.
- Acts 5:28 “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us responsible for this man’s blood.”
- Luke 5:5 “Master,” Simon replied, “we have worked hard all night without catching anything. But because You say so, I will let down the nets.”
- 1 Thessalonians 2:16 hindering us from telling the Gentiles how they may be saved. As a result, they continue to heap up their sins to full capacity; the utmost wrath has come upon them.
- 3 John 1:9 I have written to the church about this, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not accept our instruction.