John answered, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we forbade him, because he doesn’t follow with us.”
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 49. We forbade him. Saint John having the most love for his Lord, and being particularly beloved by him, thought all were to be excluded from these gifts, who were not obedient to his divine Master. Saint Augustine—But we must remember, that not the minister is the author of these miracles, but the grace which is in him, who performs these wonders by virtue of the power of Christ. S. Cyril.—How wonderful is the power of Christ, who by his grace works miracles in the persons of the unworthy, and those that are not disciples; as men are sanctified by the priest, though the priest should not be in the state of grace! Theophylact.