The time had come…along with it the test of faith. It was a time of sending.
Jesus gathered His “students.” It was time for them to experience a new level of discipleship. We find the account in Mark 6. Jesus “began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits” (v.7).
Yet Jesus limited the provisions these disciples could take. They could only bring a staff (v.8a). They couldn’t take a bed, or bag, or money (v.8b). They had to find housing, with no guarantee that they would always be well received. If they were rejected at a home, they were to “shake off the dust that [was on their] feet as a testimony against them” (v.11b).
This is a summary of that experience: “So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent. And they cast our many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.” (vv.12-13).
This was the prelude of the coming ministry of these disciples. There was evidence that through Christ special powers of exorcism and healing were available to these men, even when separated from their Lord and Master. Their future held meaning and purpose.
The book of Acts gives a portrayal of this fulfilled ministry by these equipped disciples. And the ...
