17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. 18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. 19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. (Luke 10:17-20 KJV)
The Return of the Seventy-Two
Christ sent out the seventy disciples as he was going up to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles, when he went in secret (John 7:10), having sent away a large part of his usual followers. Dr. Lightfoot thinks it was before his return from that feast, and while he was still at Jerusalem or nearby in Bethany (see Luke 10:38), that they, or at least some of them, returned to him.
They came back with joy (Luke 10:17), not complaining about the fatigue or the opposition they faced, but rejoicing in their success—especially in casting out demons: “Lord, even the demons are subject to us through your name.” Although only healing the sick was mentioned in their commission (Luke 10:9), clearly casting out demons was also included, and they experienced great success.
They gave Christ the credit: “It is through your name.” All our victories over Satan come through power from Jesus Christ. We must fight spiritual battles in his name, and whatever success we have belongs to him. They expressed joy: even the demons—those strong enemies—were subject to them. The saints find their greatest joy in triumphs over Satan. If demons are subject to us, what can stand against us?
Christ accepted their report and affirmed it, saying (Luke 10:18), “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.” As the gospel was preached, Satan and his kingdom fell. “As you gain ground,” Christ says, “the devil loses ground.” He falls like lightning—suddenly, irreversibly, and visibly—so all can see Satan’s kingdom collapsing. While the disciples rejoiced over demons being cast out of bodies, Christ rejoiced in Satan losing his grip on souls (Acts 26:18; Ephesians 6:12). Christ foresaw this as a preview of what would soon happen—the destruction of Satan’s influence through the gospel. Satan falls when he’s dethroned from people’s hearts.
Some interpret this as a warning about pride: “I saw angels become devils through pride. That’s why Satan was cast down from heaven.” Christ mentions it here as a warning, so they wouldn’t become proud over their success and fall under the same condemnation (1 Timothy 3:6).
He confirmed and expanded their authority (Luke 10:19): “I have given you power to trample on serpents and scorpions,” meaning devils and evil spirits. This fulfills the promise of Genesis 3:15: “You shall bruise their heads.” They would conquer Satan’s forces wherever they went (Psalm 91:13). As the demons were subject to them, so they would continue to be.
He also gave them protective power: “Nothing will harm you”—not serpents, not scorpions, not prisons. As Paul was unharmed (Acts 28:5), so would they be (Mark 16:18). Even if wicked people acted like serpents (Ezekiel 2:6), they didn’t need to be afraid. Their enemies had no power unless it was given from above. “You may play by the asp’s hole,” for not even death can harm or destroy you (Isaiah 11:8; 25:8).
But he redirected their joy (Luke 10:20): “Don’t rejoice that the spirits are subject to you. Rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Don’t rejoice only in your honor or elevated status. Rejoice that you’re chosen by God, made children of God through faith, and granted eternal life. Christ knew their names were written in the Lamb’s book of life. This is the greater joy. Some cast out demons, like Judas, and were later disowned by Christ. But those whose names are written in heaven are secure. Spiritual gifts are good, but saving grace is better. Love is greater than speaking in tongues.