And a little later we read, in verses 49-50,

"And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us."

So, who gave this Lone Ranger his power and authority?

How was he able to do what only an Apostle could do?

Here's a thought, when the Lord sent out the 70 in the next chapter, it says, "After these things the Lord APPOINTED other seventy also." (By the way, with the 12 and Jesus, that now makes 83 people walking around casting out devils!)


He appointed the 70. It does not say that he gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. It just says that he "appointed" another 70, also.

[ Later on, in verse 19, Jesus does give the 70 "power to tread on serpents and scorpions," but this is something different. This is similar to Mark 16, where Jesus says that those who believe will do BOTH healings and take up serpents. Here in Luke 10:19, is when he first gave the power to take up snakes, etc. (yeah, that was a new thought for me, too.) ]


It looks like when Jesus appointed the 70, they entered into the "power and authority" of the 12. That "power and authority" was given to men when it was given to those specific twelve men. (I'm not negating the uniqueness of the Apostles, I am merely trying to understand how the Lone Ranger was able to do what, at that time, only an Apostle could to.)

Mr. Lone Ranger was apparently tapping into the same "power and authority" to cast out devils, because he had FAITH to do so.

Now, if he could do it. Why can't I?

Oh, and that brings the number of people walking around casting out devils to 84!!

(Apparently, Mr. Lone Ranger had the faith to cast out devils, but not the faith to lay hands on the sick and see them healed, but this is not specifically stated in the text. Or it could be that 'casting out devils' is the same as 'healing.' See Luke 9:42)