Luke 10:20

20 ¹Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that ²your names are written in heaven."

Luke 10:20 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 10:20

Notwithstanding in this rejoice not
That their power was enlarged, or that they had, the same as before:

that the spirits,
evil spirits, devils, are subject unto you; and come out of men at your command; rejoice not so much in this, or chiefly and principally; not but that it was matter of joy both with respect to the gift bestowed upon them, and the benefits men received by it, and the glory that was brought to Christ through it;

but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven;
in the book of life, called the Lamb's book of life, written from the foundation of the world: in divine predestination to everlasting glory and happiness: which shows that God's election to eternal life is of particular persons, of persons by name; that it is sure, and certain, and immutable, being in opposition to what is written in earth, ( Jeremiah 17:13 ) , that the knowledge of this may be attained to, through the grace of God, the revelation of Christ, and the witnessings of his Spirit; and that this is matter of the greatest job, since it is the foundation and security of all the blessings of grace and glory.

Luke 10:20 In-Context

18 And he said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.

19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.

20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."

21 In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.

22 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him."

Cross References

• 1. [Matthew 7:22, 23]
• 2. Exodus 32:32, 33; Psalms 69:28; Isaiah 4:3; Ezekiel 13:9; Daniel 12:1; Philippians 4:3; Hebrews 12:23