Bible Commentaries
Luke 8

Verses 1-56

Parable of the Sower. The Demoniac of Gadara

1-3. Tours through Galilee. The ministering women (peculiar to Lk).

2. Mary called Magdalene] see on Matthew 27:56.

Seven devils] Mark 16:9. The ’seven’ indicates the greatness of her disease, not of her previous wickedness. There is no evidence that the persons possessed with devils in the NT. were specially wicked, or that Mary Magdalene had ever been a woman of evil life.

3. Joanna] see Luke 24:10. Our Lord did not, like the Pharisees,’ devour widows’ houses.’ Those who contributed to His support were women of wealth and position. Chuza] probably the steward of Herod Antipas, who as such managed his house and estates. From Joanna St. Luke probably obtained much of his special information. Susanna] Of her nothing is known.

Ministered unto him] This illustrates our Lord’s precept (1 Corinthians 9:14) that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

4-15. Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1; Mark 4:1). See on Mt.

16-18. Further remarks on teaching by parables (Mark 4:21-25). See on Mk.

19-21. His mother and brethren (Matthew 12:46; Mark 3:31). See on Mt.

22-25. Stilling the storm (Matthew 8:28; Mark 4:35). See on Mt, Mk.

26-39. The demoniac in the country of the Gadarenes (RV ’Gerasenes’) (Matthew 8:28; Mark 5:1). See on Mt, Mk.

40-56. Jairus’ daughter. The woman with an issue (Matthew 9:18; Mark 5:21). See on Mt.