New Testament
Luke 8:1
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After this, Jesus traveled through cities and villages, preaching and announcing the good news of the kingdom of God. The 12 disciples were with him,
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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,
What Luke 8:1 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see Jesus actively traveling from one city and village to another, sharing the message of God's kingdom. His mission is to spread the good news, which is often referred to as the 'glad tidings.' This indicates that Jesus was not stationary; he was on the move, engaging with different communities and reaching out to people from various backgrounds. The presence of the twelve disciples highlights the importance of community and support in ministry. They were learning from Jesus and participating in his mission. This verse sets the stage for understanding the broader ministry of Jesus, emphasizing his role as a teacher and a messenger of hope. It also reflects the urgency and dedication of Jesus in fulfilling his purpose, showing that the message of the kingdom is meant for everyone, not just a select few. The act of preaching signifies the importance of sharing faith and the transformative power of the message of God.
How to apply Luke 8:1 to your life
We can learn from Jesus' example of actively sharing our faith with others. Engaging with our communities and spreading positive messages can have a profound impact. Consider how you can share hope and encouragement in your daily interactions, just as Jesus did.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Mary Magdalene's story: Following Jesus (Luke 8:1–3)
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Mary Magdalene

Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
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Keep studying Luke 8:1
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At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 8:1 mean?
Luke 8:1 describes Jesus traveling through various cities and villages to preach about the kingdom of God. It highlights his active ministry and the presence of his twelve disciples, emphasizing the importance of sharing the good news with different communities.
What is the meaning of 'good news' in Luke 8:1?
In Luke 8:1, 'good news' refers to the message of God's kingdom that Jesus preached. It signifies hope, salvation, and the transformative power of faith that Jesus brought to people from all walks of life.
Why were the twelve disciples with Jesus in Luke 8:1?
The twelve disciples were with Jesus in Luke 8:1 to learn from him and assist in his ministry. Their presence underscores the importance of community and support in spreading the message of the kingdom.
How does Luke 8:1 relate to Jesus' overall mission?
Luke 8:1 illustrates Jesus' commitment to actively share the message of God's kingdom, which is central to his overall mission. It sets the tone for his travels and teachings, emphasizing outreach and engagement with diverse communities.
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