Meaning of Mark 6:7

This verse marks a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry as he commissions his closest disciples, the Twelve Apostles, for their first independent mission. By sending them out "two by two," Jesus strategically ensures mutual support, accountability, and a witness to their message. This dual assignment not only provides practical assistance in navigating a challenging world but also fulfills the Old Testament principle that "by the mouth of two witnesses every fact may be established" (Deuteronomy 19:15). The authority granted over "impure spirits" signifies Jesus' delegation of his own power to combat spiritual evil, empowering his followers to participate directly in the spiritual warfare he had been waging. This act is not merely symbolic; it is a tangible impartation of divine power, preparing them to continue his work and extend the reach of the Kingdom of God.

Context and Background

Prior to this commissioning, Jesus had spent considerable time teaching and discipling the Twelve, demonstrating his authority and the principles of the Kingdom. They had witnessed his miracles, heard his parables, and begun to internalize his teachings. This mission is a crucial step in their development, moving them from passive learners to active participants in spreading the Gospel. The immediate preceding verses (Mark 6:1-6) describe Jesus’ rejection in his hometown of Nazareth, highlighting the opposition he faced. This context underscores the need for his disciples to be equipped to face similar resistance and to continue the mission even in the face of unbelief.

Key Themes and Messages

• Delegation of Authority: Jesus doesn't hoard power; he shares it. This demonstrates his trust in the Twelve and his intention for his ministry to be carried on through them.
• Partnership and Support: Sending them "two by two" emphasizes the importance of community and mutual encouragement in ministry. No one is meant to go it alone.
• Spiritual Warfare: The authority over "impure spirits" directly confronts the forces of darkness, revealing that the Kingdom of God is in active opposition to evil.
• Mission and Proclamation: This is a clear directive to go forth and announce the arrival of God's Kingdom, a core element of Jesus' own ministry.

Spiritual Significance and Application

For believers today, this passage speaks to the call to ministry and the empowerment God provides. While the specific miraculous gifts may be understood differently across theological traditions, the principle of being sent out with authority and purpose remains. It encourages believers to engage in spiritual warfare through prayer and the proclamation of truth, and to minister to others in community, supporting one another in their spiritual journeys and service. The emphasis on two-by-two ministry can be applied to mentorship, discipleship partnerships, and team-based evangelism.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This commissioning is a microcosm of God's ongoing plan to redeem humanity and establish his Kingdom. It foreshadows the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20, where Jesus empowers all his followers to go and make disciples of all nations. The authority over demons connects to the Genesis narrative of humanity's fall and the subsequent spiritual conflict, and it finds its ultimate resolution in Christ's victory over sin and death. The establishment of the Twelve as foundational figures also echoes the twelve tribes of Israel, signifying a new covenant community.

Analogies

• Apprenticeship: Jesus is acting as a master craftsman, sending out his apprentices to practice their skills with his direct supervision and imparted tools.
• Military Reconnaissance: The disciples are sent out as scouts, equipped with specific orders and authority to assess and engage the enemy in a particular territory.
• Ambassadors: They are dispatched as representatives of a king, carrying his message and exercising his authority in his absence.

Relation to Other Verses

• Mark 3:14-15: "He appointed twelve, whom he also named apostles, so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach, and to have authority to cast out demons." This verse provides the foundational appointment, and Mark 6:7 details the first exercise of that appointed authority.
• Luke 10:1-3: Jesus sends out seventy-two others, also "two by two," with similar instructions and authority, indicating this was a pattern of ministry.
• Matthew 10:1, 5-8: parallels the commissioning account, emphasizing the focus on Israel first and the specific instructions for their mission.
• Acts 4:29-31: After Peter and John are threatened, they pray for boldness and God shakes the place where they are gathered, demonstrating that the same empowering Spirit continues to work through believers.