The 72 disciples, sent out by Jesus as described in Luke 10, weren’t just passive followers—they were empowered to perform miracles like healing the sick and casting out demons. Jesus gave them clear instructions and authority to carry out these acts, showing that miraculous ministry wasn’t limited to the original 12 apostles. Their mission was to proclaim the coming of God’s kingdom and demonstrate His power, proving that God uses many people, not just a select few, to advance His work.
Understanding the role and authority of the 72 disciples reminds you that you, too, can be part of this movement. Miracles and ministry flow through obedience and faith, not status or fame. If you want to learn more about their impact and what it means for your own faith journey, keep reading for a deeper dive into this fascinating part of biblical history.
You’ve probably heard a lot about Jesus’ 12 disciples—Peter walking on water (Matthew 14:29), Thomas doubting the resurrection (John 20:25), and Judas’ betrayal (Luke 22:48). But what about the 72 disciples (or 70, depending on your Bible translation)? They’re not talked about nearly as much, but they played a crucial role in Jesus’ ministry.
A common question is: Did the 72 disciples perform miracles too? Short answer: Yes, they did. And the Bible gives us clear insight into that.
Let’s break it down and explore what the Scriptures say, what kind of miracles they performed, and what that means for you today.
Who Were the 72 Disciples?
In Luke 10:1, we read:
“After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go.”
These disciples weren’t part of the original 12, but Jesus still trusted them with a serious mission: prepare the way for Him. They were messengers of the Kingdom, sent to preach, heal, and announce the coming of Christ.
Why 72 (or 70)?
Some Bible versions say 70, others say 72. The difference comes down to manuscript variations. Either way, the point remains: Jesus sent out a large group of disciples, not just the 12.
What Did Jesus Tell Them to Do?
Jesus gave them specific instructions in Luke 10:8-9:
“When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you. Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’”
There it is—heal the sick. That’s a miracle.
So yes, these disciples were empowered to heal people, just like Jesus and the 12 apostles. This is a big deal. It means Jesus gave ordinary followers supernatural authority to do extraordinary things.
The Miracles of the 72: What Does the Bible Say?
The clearest moment comes in Luke 10:17:
“The seventy-two returned with joy and said, ‘Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name!’”
Let’s pause here.
They’re not just healing people. They’re casting out demons. That’s spiritual warfare, and they were winning.
Jesus responds in verse 19:
“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.”
This shows that Jesus not only sent them out—He equipped them with divine authority. This isn’t vague spiritual encouragement. He’s saying, “You’re protected. You’re powerful in My name.”
What Kind of Miracles Did They Perform?
From the text, we know they did at least three things:
- Healed the sick (Luke 10:9)
- Cast out demons (Luke 10:17)
- Preached the Kingdom of God (Luke 10:9)
These actions mirrored what Jesus Himself did. In fact, Jesus was multiplying His ministry through these 72. He wasn’t just building followers—He was building leaders.
Were the 72 Like the 12 Apostles?
Not quite. The 12 were hand-picked for special leadership and later became foundational figures in the early Church (see Revelation 21:14, which refers to the names of the 12 apostles on the walls of the New Jerusalem).
But the 72 still had authority and a mission. They weren’t just passive learners. Jesus trusted them with real power and responsibility.
In today’s terms, think of the 12 as executive leaders, and the 72 as regional managers spreading the message and doing the work. Both groups were crucial.
Why Does This Matter Today?
You might be wondering, “Okay, cool history lesson, but what’s the takeaway?” Here’s the point:
1. God Uses More Than Just a Few
The 72 disciples show that miraculous ministry wasn’t limited to the “inner circle.” God’s power was available to more than just Peter, James, and John. That should encourage you—God can use anyone willing to obey.
2. Miracles Follow Obedience
The 72 didn’t go out in their own strength. They went under Jesus’ authority and followed His instructions. That’s when miracles happened.
3. The Kingdom Is Meant to Be Shared
Their mission was urgent: “The kingdom of God has come near.” You’re called to carry that same message—with your words and your actions.
Final Thoughts: What Can You Take Away?
The story of the 72 disciples is more than a historical footnote. It’s a blueprint for ministry:
- You don’t have to be “famous” in church circles to be used by God.
- Jesus empowers ordinary people for extraordinary tasks.
- Miracles are tied to obedience, faith, and mission.
So yes, the 72 performed miracles. They healed, they cast out demons, and they preached the good news boldly. And you—if you’re following Jesus—are part of that same movement.
Key Bible Verses to Remember
Here are some verses to reflect on or even memorize:
- Luke 10:1 – “The Lord appointed seventy-two others…”
- Luke 10:9 – “Heal the sick… and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near.’”
- Luke 10:17 – “Even the demons submit to us in your name!”
- Luke 10:19 – “I have given you authority… nothing will harm you.”
If Jesus gave authority to 72 unnamed followers to heal and cast out demons, just imagine what He can do through you when you walk in faith.
Keep digging into Scripture. You’re part of something powerful.
FAQs: Did the 72 Disciples Perform Miracles Too? Biblical Insights
1. Who were the 72 disciples mentioned in the Bible?
The 72 disciples were followers of Jesus sent out in pairs to preach, heal, and prepare the way for His ministry, as described in Luke 10:1. They were distinct from the original 12 apostles but given a similar mission.
2. Did the 72 disciples perform miracles like the 12 apostles?
Yes. According to Luke 10, Jesus gave them authority to heal the sick and cast out demons, confirming they performed miracles in His name.
3. What specific miracles did the 72 disciples perform?
They healed the sick, cast out demons, and preached the coming of God’s kingdom, mirroring the work Jesus and the 12 apostles did.
4. Why does the Bible sometimes say 70 and other times 72 disciples?
The difference comes from manuscript variations. Some ancient texts say 70, others 72, but both refer to the same group Jesus sent out.
5. Did the 72 disciples have the same authority as the 12 apostles?
While the 12 had unique leadership roles, the 72 were given real authority to perform miracles and preach, showing Jesus empowered many for ministry.
6. Are the names of the 72 disciples listed in the Bible?
No, the Bible doesn’t list their names, but early Christian tradition suggests some became important leaders in the early Church.
7. Did the miracles performed by the 72 continue after Jesus’ ministry?
The Bible doesn’t specify, but it’s believed some of the 72 carried on miraculous ministry as part of the early Church’s growth.
8. Could anyone perform miracles in Jesus’ name during His ministry?
Yes. Jesus acknowledged others outside the 12 performing miracles in His name (Luke 9:49-50), indicating God’s power extended beyond His closest disciples.
9. What was the main mission of the 72 disciples?
Their mission was to prepare towns for Jesus’ arrival by preaching the Kingdom of God and healing the sick.
10. What can we learn from the 72 disciples today?
They show that God empowers ordinary people to do extraordinary work. Miracles come through faith, obedience, and proclaiming God’s Kingdom.
