{4} And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us {e} through thy name.

(4) Neither the gift of miracles, neither any other excellent gift, but only our election gives us an occasion of true joy. And only the publishing of the gospel is the destruction of Satan.

(e) For Christ's disciples used no absolute authority, but performed the miracles they did by calling upon Christ's name.

People's New Testament

10:17 The seventy returned again with joy. How long after they were sent forth is unknown.

Even the devils are subject to us through thy name. In accordance with the promise made to the twelve, and probably repeated to the seventy (Mt 10:8). All was wrought by the power of Christ's name.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

17. returned-evidently not long away.

Lord, &c.-"Thou hast exceeded Thy promise, for 'even the devils,'" &c. The possession of such power, not being expressly in their commission, as in that to the Twelve (Lu 9:1), filled them with more astonishment and joy than all else.

through thy name-taking no credit to themselves, but feeling lifted into a region of unimagined superiority to the powers of evil simply through their connection with Christ.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

10:17-24 All our victories over Satan, are obtained by power derived from Jesus Christ, and he must have all the praise. But let us beware of spiritual pride, which has been the destruction of many. Our Lord rejoiced at the prospect of the salvation of many souls. It was fit that particular notice should be taken of that hour of joy; there were few such, for He was a man of sorrows: in that hour in which he saw Satan fall, and heard of the good success of his ministers, in that hour he rejoiced. He has ever resisted the proud, and given grace to the humble. The more simply dependent we are on the teaching, help, and blessing of the Son of God, the more we shall know both of the Father and of the Son; the more blessed we shall be in seeing the glory, and hearing the words of the Divine Saviour; and the more useful we shall be made in promoting his cause.