Mission and provision
Luke 9:1–17FocusThe twelve and the hungry crowd
Connection to the wholeThe disciples are sent to preach and heal; their return leads into Jesus' provision for the multitude.
interpretation Luke 9:21
KJVAnd he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing;
Read it in context
Identity, suffering, and glory
Start reading at Luke 9:18 (Luke 9:18 to Luke 9:36).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Peter's confession is followed by teaching on the cross and the transfiguration, holding Jesus' glory and suffering together.
- 9:18 And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?
- 9:19 They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again.
- 9:20 He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God.
- 9:21 And he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing;
- 9:22 Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.
- 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
- 9:24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.
- 9:25 For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?
- 9:26 For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.
- 9:27 But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.
- 9:28 And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.
- 9:29 And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.
- 9:30 And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias:
- 9:31 Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.
- 9:32 But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him.
- 9:33 And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said.
- 9:34 While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud.
- 9:35 And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.
- 9:36 And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone. And they kept it close, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Luke, the physician and companion of Paul, is the author identified by early church tradition for both Luke and Acts. Biblical references: Colossians 4:14; Philemon 1:24. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Luke 9:1–9:62): Jesus commissions the twelve, feeds the crowd, and teaches His disciples. Peter, John, and James witness the transfiguration; other encounters involve a father, his son, and prospective followers. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Theophilus is the named recipient, already instructed in the matters Luke recounts. Wider readers also benefit, but identifying Theophilus as a particular official or assigning him a precise biography goes beyond the available evidence. Biblical references: Luke 1:3; Luke 1:4. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Identity, suffering, and glory. Read Luke 9:18 through Luke 9:36 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Peter's confession is followed by teaching on the cross and the transfiguration, holding Jesus' glory and suffering together. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account connects events with named rulers and begins before Jesus' birth, continuing through His resurrection and ascension. Those narrative dates do not themselves date composition. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative ranges through Judea and Galilee and gives sustained attention to the journey toward Jerusalem. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Identity, suffering, and glory (Luke 9:18 to Luke 9:36). Start reading at Luke 9:18. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Luke presents Jesus as the Saviour and records His explanation that the Scriptures concern His suffering and glory. Keep this broad claim alongside the particular passages He and the narrator actually connect. See Luke 2:11, Luke 19:10, Luke 24:26, Luke 24:27. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Attend to repentance, mercy, prayer, and faithful response. Identify who is being addressed in a parable or rebuke before applying it to someone else. interpretation
Cited: Luke 9:18, Luke 9:36, Luke 2:11, Luke 19:10, Luke 24:26, Luke 24:27
Who wrote it, and how we know
Luke, the physician and companion of Paul
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe author writes in the first person to Theophilus and describes carefully investigating eyewitness accounts, but does not give his name.
Luke 1:1Luke 1:3
Early traditionEarly testimony, including Irenaeus and the Muratorian fragment, names Luke, the physician and companion of Paul.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Other accounts of this event
Peter's confession and Jesus' first passion prediction
Parallel accounts
These passages describe overlapping parts of the same event. Each account retains its own wording and emphasis.
Related passages
- And he straitly charged them, and command… Matt 17:9
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Luke 9
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Luke 1:1 Luke 1:3 Luke 1:4 Luke 24:47
FocusThe Christ and His path
Connection to the wholePeter's confession is followed by teaching on the cross and the transfiguration, holding Jesus' glory and suffering together.
interpretation Misunderstanding among disciples
Luke 9:37–50FocusDependence and humility
Connection to the wholeThe afflicted child and disputes among disciples expose their need for faith, humility, and a less possessive view of ministry.
interpretation The journey turns toward Jerusalem
Luke 9:51–62FocusResolve and costly following
Connection to the wholeJesus sets His face toward Jerusalem and corrects responses that misunderstand either His mission or the priority of following Him.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Luke
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Luke 1:1 Luke 1:3 Luke 1:4 Luke 24:47
The births and early years
Luke 1:1–2:52FocusPromise, praise, and preparation
Connection to the wholeThe birth announcements and childhood accounts locate Jesus' coming within God's promises and the expectations expressed by faithful witnesses.
interpretation The ministry prepared
Luke 3:1–4:13FocusJohn, baptism, and temptation
Connection to the wholeJohn's call to repentance, Jesus' baptism, the genealogy, and the temptation prepare the public ministry.
interpretation FocusAuthority, mercy, and recognition
Connection to the wholeTeaching and mighty works reveal Jesus' identity while He forms disciples and begins to explain His coming suffering.
interpretation The journey toward Jerusalem
Luke 9:51–19:27FocusFollowing Jesus on the way
Connection to the wholeThe extended journey gathers teaching about repentance, prayer, possessions, mercy, and readiness as Jesus approaches His death.
interpretation Jerusalem and the temple
Luke 19:28–21:38FocusVisitation, conflict, and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeThe entry and temple ministry bring confrontation and teaching about Jerusalem's distress and the need to watch.
interpretation Passion, resurrection, and commission
Luke 22:1–24:53FocusScripture fulfilled and witness prepared
Connection to the wholeJesus' death and resurrection are interpreted through Scripture, leading to the proclamation of repentance and remission of sins and the promise of power.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.