Bible Commentaries
Luke 8

Verse 1

1.

Jesus traveled through towns and villages. A tour of missions. Only Luke tells us about this.

Verse 2

2. And so did some women. The fact that these women were part of the group who went along with Jesus was contrary to Jewish custom. The teachers of the Law did not believe women should be taught spiritual matters. Jesus breaks down all barriers (Galatians 3:28). Mary. There is no reason at all to think that she was the woman at Simon’s house (Luke 7:37). She was one of the most devoted friends of Christ, and was first to see him when he raised from death (John 20:16). The women named all must have had wealth and influence. [On demon possession, see note on Matthew 4:24; Matthew 8:28-29. ]

Verse 3

3.

Joanna. Nothing more is known of her. Note that her husband was an officer in Herod’s court, which shows her social standing. [Herod Antipas. See note on Matthew 2:1.] Susanna. Mentioned only here. Who used their own resources. Note that they financed this tour of missions. What they were doing was unusual, but the customs of Palestine permitted them to do this [without scandal] to show their gratitude and devotion.

Verses 4-15

4–15.

A man went out to sow his seed. For notes on this parable, see Matthew 13:1-23.

Verses 16-18

16–18.

No one lights a lamp and covers it. See notes on Matthew 5:15; Mark 4:21-25. Mark says: “Pay attention to what you hear. “ Luke says: “Be careful, then, how you listen. “ What we hear depends upon how we listen.

Verses 19-21

19–21.

Jesus’ mother and brothers came to him. See notes on Matthew 12:46-50; Mark 3:21.

Verses 22-25

22–25.

One day Jesus got into a boat with his disciples. For notes on the Calming of the Storm, see Matthew 8:23-27.

Verses 26-39

26–39.

A man from town who had demons in him. See notes on Matthew 8:28-34. The incident with the pigs proves the demons were not “make-believe.” [Some scholars believe such demon possession disappeared after 70 A.D. when Jerusalem was destroyed.]

Verses 40-56

40–56.

Then a man named Jairus arrived. This was the second time Jesus raised a person from death. [The first is in Luke 7:1-17.] For notes on Jairus’ daughter and the woman who touched Jesus’ cloak, see Matthew 9:18-26; Mark 5:21-43.