Definition: And he called [unto him] the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Mark 6:7. It's a really important passage in understanding Jesus’ ministry and his authority. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus is telling the disciples to prepare for something significant – they’re going to be called upon to fight against powerful forces of darkness that are controlling people and spirits. Let’s unpack it word by word: “And he called [unto him]…” - This is a formal way of saying “Jesus called him.” It's a respectful greeting, showing Jesus was addressing someone important. “…the twelve” – This refers to the original 12 disciples who were with Jesus at his baptism. It’s a specific group that Jesus had chosen to lead. “and began to send them forth by two and two…” - This is where it gets interesting. "Sending them forth" means launching them out on a journey. “By two and two” means they're being told to form a team of two plus two people. This suggests a group of 14 – Jesus is sending the twelve to confront these unseen forces. “and gave them power over unclean spirits…” - This is the core of the verse. “Clean” refers to spiritual or evil influences. "Unclean spirits" means spirits that are not part of God's creation and are often associated with negativity, fear, pain, and temptation. So, what does this mean practically? Jesus is telling his disciples – who are now the main force against these spirits – to use their authority to cast out these evil influences. It’s like a team of warriors being equipped to fight a battle! Why is this important? This verse is often seen as the beginning of Jesus' ministry, and it sets up the whole story of him healing the sick, casting out demons, and ultimately conquering death. It shows that Jesus has the power to overcome evil itself. --- In short, this verse describes a strategic deployment – 12 powerful disciples tasked with battling spiritual forces through their authority. Do you want me to: Explain another part of this passage? Give you some context about why this story is significant in the Bible?