Every city and village - Of Galilee.

Preaching an showing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God - That the kingdom of God was about to come, or that his reign in the gospel was about to be set up over people. See the notes at Matthew 3:2.

The twelve - The twelve apostles.

Throughout every city and village - That is, of Galilee.

And it came to pass afterwards, After Christ had healed the centurion's servant at Capernaum, and had raised a widow's son that was dead, to life, at Naim; after John's disciples had been with and he had dismissed them, and had said many things in commendation of John, and in vindication both of him, and of himself: and after he had taken a meal in a Pharisee's house, where he met with a woman that had been a notorious sinner, who showed great affection for him, which occasioned much course between him and the Pharisee:

that he went throughout every city and village: that is, in Galilee, where he now was, as is clear from the foregoing chapter, and from what follows in this, Luke 8:26 and besides, it was by the sea of Galilee that he delivered the following parable concerning the sower; see Matthew 13:1

preaching, and showing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God; of the Gospel dispensation, which was now taking place, and had been long expected; publishing the doctrines and mysteries of it, such as free and full remission of sins for his own sake, justification by his righteousness, acceptance in him the beloved Son of God, and complete salvation by him as the Saviour of his people, than which nothing could be more welcome news, or better tidings; pointing out the ordinances of that dispensation, and showing who were the proper subjects of them, and directing and encouraging such to submit unto them; as also signifying what the kingdom of grace lies in, not in meats and drinks, or any outward things, but in inward holiness, peace, and joy; and what is a meetness for entrance into the kingdom of glory, namely, regenerating grace; and what gives a right unto it, even a better righteousness than that of the Scribes and Pharisees, and which was no other than his own:

and the twelve were with him; the twelve apostles, whom Christ had chose, and ordained as such: these attended him wherever he went, that they might be witnesses of his miracles, and learn his doctrines; that so they might be thoroughly furnished for their future ministry, both in Judea, and among the Gentiles.

Afterward (ἐν τῷ καθεξῆς)

Rev., soon afterward. See on Luke 7:11.

Throughout every city and village (κατὰ πόλιν καὶ κώμην)

Lit., by city and village. See on Luke 8:4.

Preaching (κηρύσσων)

Or proclaiming, as a herald. Compare Luke 4:18, and see on 2 Peter 2:5.

And the twelve were with him

The were is supplied by the translators. Better, "he himself went about," etc., "and the twelve (went) with him;" or, as Rev., and with him the twelve.

And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,

8:1 Speaking in Parables

SUMMARY OF LUKE 8:

Women Ministering to Christ. The Parable of the Sower. The Parable of a Candle Under a Bed. His Mother and Brethren. The Storm on the Sea. In the Country of the Gadarenes. The Devils and the Swine. The Daughter of Jairus Raised. The Woman with the Bloody Issue Healed.

He went throughout every city and village. A thorough missionary tour of Galilee.

CHAPTER 8

Lu 8:1-3. A Galilean Circuit, with the Twelve and Certain Ministering Women. (In Luke only).

1. went-travelled, made a progress.

throughout every city and village-through town and village.

preaching, &c.-the Prince of itinerant preachers scattering far and wide the seed of the Kingdom.

8:1-3 We are here told what Christ made the constant business of his life, it was teaching the gospel. Tidings of the kingdom of God are glad tidings, and what Christ came to bring. Certain women attended upon him who ministered to him of their substance. It showed the mean condition to which the Saviour humbled himself, that he needed their kindness, and his great humility, that he accepted it. Though rich, yet for our sakes he became poor.