Return of the 70 Disciples.

(Luke 10:17-24).

Evangelist Luke narrates about the prompt return of the 70 disciples after being sent out, although undoubtedly, a significant amount of time would have elapsed between their departure and return. Some presume that the meeting between the Lord and the disciples took place in Perea, where the Lord had not yet given any sermons. Others, find that they returned whence they were sent out, i.e. Galilee. In meeting the Lord and before anything else, they expressed their joy at the fact that the demons were subject to them “in Your name.” The concluding words expressed their humility. Seemingly, the Lord responded to this with: “Do not be surprised that the demons are subject to you, as their leader has already been toppled: ‘I saw satan fall like lightning from Heaven.” The word “lightning” is used to present as being unexpected and swift. In other words, the Lord tells the Apostles that He witnessed the defeat of the prince of demons and his swift fall — like lightning — and therefore, if he is defeated, so are his hordes. As the Conqueror of hostile powers, the Lord makes possible for His disciples to be victorious over them, calling the evil spirits allegorically as “snakes” and “scorpions.” “The important thing is not this, but that you have become worthy of salvation and joy in Heaven.” In the Scripture, the Lord is sometimes depicted with a book in His hand, into which the names and the deeds of His faithful servants are recorded. Being written in into the heavens, is to be a citizen of the Heavenly Kingdom. This should bring joy that’s far greater than from any earthly deeds, even though they might be extraordinary, like the driving out of evil spirits. The Lord’s further words of praise that cover God the Father (in verse 21), statements about knowledge of God the Father and the Son (verse22), praise for His disciples (verses 23-24) we also find in Evangelist Matthew, but expressed in different occurrences and under different circumstances (see Mat. 11:25-27 and 13:16-17).

It is possible that the Lord repeated these narrations a number of times. However, Luke’s chronological connection is indisputable, which is identified with the words: “In that hour,” as well as the Lord’s movements: “turned to His disciples and said.” The words “wise” and “prudent” do not refer to those that regard themselves as such. Apparently, in this instance, the Lord had the Scribes and Pharisees in mind — proud in their knowledge of Moses’ Law. The word “babes” mean the simple folk, not having studied human wisdom in schools and not having attended schools of the Jewish Scribes. In this instance, the Lord had His Apostles in mind, to which He had revealed the mysteries of God’s Kingdom. Naturally, that He had “hidden” about God is not meant in a direct sense, but like, as an example, Romans 1:28. According to Saint Chrysostom, the word “hidden” doesn’t mean that God was the cause of this secretion, but rather used in the same sense as applied by Paul: “For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God.” As Blessed Theophylactus says: “God hid great mysteries from those who thought themselves wise, because they had become unworthy as they regarded themselves as being wise.” “All things have been delivered to Me by My Father” — as the “Interceder” and “Mediator” in the salvation of Mankind, the control of the world belongs to Christ. Understanding of God’s nature is inaccessible to any mortal. However, God reveals Himself in His Son (John 14:8-9) and through His Son (Heb. 1:1), to the extent of that person himself — through faith and love — being able to accept such revelations. Further, the Lord praises the Apostles for being worthy of seeing Him, the incarnate Son of God — something that past Prophets and righteous fathers were unable to do, seeing Him through their faith only, but not with their physical eyes like the Apostles.