“Jesus summoned
His twelve disciples.
He gave them
Authority
Over unclean spirits,
To cast them out.
They were able
To cure
Every disease,
As well as every sickness.”
Καὶ προσκαλεσάμενος τοὺς δώδεκα μαθητὰς αὐτοῦ ἔδωκεν αὐτοῖς ἐξουσίαν πνευμάτων ἀκαθάρτων ὥστε ἐκβάλλειν αὐτὰ καὶ θεραπεύειν πᾶσαν νόσον καὶ πᾶσαν μαλακίαν.
This section about the authority of the 12 disciples or apostles is similar to Mark, chapter 3:14 and Luke, chapter 9:1. Jesus summoned or called to him (Καὶ προσκαλεσάμενος) his 12 disciples (τοὺς δώδεκα μαθητὰς αὐτοῦ). He gave them spiritual authority over unclean or impure spirits (ἔδωκεν αὐτοῖς ἐξουσίαν πνευμάτων ἀκαθάρτων). Thus, they could cast out or banish these evil spirits or demons (ὥστε ἐκβάλλειν αὐτὰ). They were also able to cure, treat, or heal all diseases and illnesses, sicknesses, or weakness (καὶ θεραπεύειν πᾶσαν νόσον καὶ πᾶσαν μαλακίαν). In other words, Jesus was giving his own power or authority to cast out evil spirits and heal people to these 12 disciples. This was a big deal. The number 12 corresponded to the number of sons of Jacob or the 12 tribes of Israel. This will be referred to later as the apostolic authority. Jesus thus established these 12 disciples to carry on his work in casting out or exorcising evil spirits and curing people of their illnesses.
Eugene Finnegan Bible Project 