Mark 9:28

28 When Jesus went into the house, his followers began asking him privately, "Why couldn't we force that evil spirit out?"

Mark 9:28 Meaning and Commentary

Mark 9:28

And when he was come into the house
Perhaps into the man's house whose child he had healed, or into some other in these parts, for the sake both of retirement and refreshment:

his disciples asked him privately, why could not we cast him out?
The nine disciples, who were particularly concerned in this matter, fearing they had lost the power of casting out devils, conferred upon them, inquired of Jesus, when he was alone, why they could not cast the demon out of the child, when they had ejected unclean spirits out of many others; (See Gill on Matthew 17:19).

Mark 9:28 In-Context

26 The evil spirit screamed and caused the boy to fall on the ground again. Then the spirit came out. The boy looked as if he were dead, and many people said, "He is dead!"

27 But Jesus took hold of the boy's hand and helped him to stand up.

28 When Jesus went into the house, his followers began asking him privately, "Why couldn't we force that evil spirit out?"

29 Jesus answered, "That kind of spirit can only be forced out by prayer."

30 Then Jesus and his followers left that place and went through Galilee. He didn't want anyone to know where he was,