Then there arose a reasoning among them, as to which of them should be greatest.
All Commentaries on Luke 9:46 Go To Luke 9
Theophilus of Antioch
AD 184
Now it seems that this feeling was excited by the circumstance of their not being able to cure the demoniac. And while they were disputing thereupon, one said, It was not owing to my weakness, but another's, that he could not be cured; and so thereby was kindled a strife among them, which was the greatest.
Because then our Lord had said, He who is least among you all, the same shall be great, John feared, lest perhaps they had done wrong in hindering a certain man by their own power. For a prohibition does notshow the probitor to be inferior, but to be one who thinks himself somewhat superior. Hence it is added, And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in your name, and we forbade him. Not indeed from envy, but to distinguish the working of miracles, for hehad not received the power of working miracles with them, nor had the Lord sent him as Hedid them; nor did he follow Jesus in all things. Hence he adds, because he follows not with us.
Marvel then at the power of Christ, how His grace works by means of the unworthy and those who are not His disciples: as also men are sanctified through the priests, although the priests be not holy.
