Mark 3:15

Study note

Setting — Jesus formally appoints the twelve apostles to accompany Him and authorizes them to be sent out to preach. This declaration occurs during the initial commissioning phase before He proceeds to list their names.

The words — ἐξουσίαν (exousian) translates literally to "authority," and ἐκβάλλειν (ekballein) means "to cast out." These terms specify the exact power delegated to the apostles for their assigned task.

The thread — The verse defines the apostolic mandate to exercise delegated power over demonic forces as part of the preaching mission. This authority runs directly alongside the healing commission and the broader instruction to be sent out, as outlined in Mark 3:14–15.

Why it lands — A reader must acknowledge that the apostolic message carries concrete, operational power to confront spiritual opposition. The text requires recognizing that preaching is accompanied by delegated authority, not merely verbal instruction.

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.