Article October 5, 1940 Issue

Bible Notes

[The Biblical citations given in the Christian Science Quarterly are from the Authorized King James Version. The Bible Notes in this column can be used, if deemed necessary, to elucidate some of the words or passages contained in the Bible Lessons.]

"He . . . gave them power and authority over all devils" (Luke 9:1)—In Christ Jesus' day there was a common belief to the effect that all or almost all disease was due to the activities of supposed "devils" or demons; hence the reference to the disciples' reception of "power and authority over" them, at the outset of their healing ministry.

"The Lord . . . sent them two and two before his face"(Luke 10:1)—It is supposed that the disciples were sent out "two and two" that they might have companionship, support in their new endeavor, and mutual protection; while "before his face" represents a Greek idiom meaning simply "before him" or "ahead of him."

"If the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it" (Luke 10:6)—The Greek phrase rendered "the son of peace" means literally "a son of peace," words often idiomatically used to mean "one worthy of (or, inclined to) peace." In Luke 10:6 Weymouth (Fifth Edition) has: there is a lover of peace there;" while Moffatt has: "If there is a soul there breathing peace, your peace will rest on him."