The Joyful Return

The seventy-two return joyful and report that the demons submit in Jesus’ name. Jesus responds by speaking of Satan’s fall from heaven like lightning.

T¹⁷he seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in Your name.” ¹⁸So He told them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.

Jesus says he has given them authority over the enemy’s power and that nothing will harm them. He then tells them not to rejoice in submission of spirits, but in the fact that their names are written in heaven.

¹⁹Behold, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will harm you. ²⁰Nevertheless, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”