Luke 8

1-3. Peculiar to Luke.

2. Mary called Magdalene. See note on Matt. xxvii. 56.

seven devils (demons). “Seven” is the number of completeness, and it probably implies here, and in Matt. xii. 45, the thorough subjugation of the whole nature to demoniacal power.

3. Herod’s steward. An office of responsibility, and therefore of honour, in the court of Herod Antipas. It is probable that Joanna was now a widow, and thus able to devote her time and property to the service of her Benefactor (xxiv. 10).

4-15. See notes on Matt. xiii. 1-23.

16-18. See notes on Mark iv. 21-25.

19. Then. This word (in ver. 22 rendered “now”) is a particle of connexion, not a note of time. See notes on Matt. xii. 46-50.

22-25—ix. 57-62. Cp. Matt. viii. 23-27; Mark iv. 36-41, and notes.

26-40. See notes on Matt. viii. 28-34; Mark v. 1-21.

31 the deep. Lit., “the abyss,” or “bottomless place”; used in Rev. ix. 1, 2, etc., for the abode of malignant spirits, whence, with God’s permission, they can come forth on the earth.

39 how great things God hath done unto thee.

Jesus refers the work to God: the man himself to Jesus: a beautiful combination of truths.

46 virtue. power.

41-5. See notes on Matt. ix. 18-26; Mark v. 22-43.