“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”
— Luke 10:19 (NKJV)
Authority That Comes From Christ Alone
Luke 10:19 is one of the clearest declarations Jesus makes about the authority He grants to believers. This authority is not rooted in human strength, intelligence, or effort—it is delegated authority, given directly by Christ Himself. When Jesus speaks these words, He is addressing the seventy disciples He had sent out in His name. They return rejoicing, having witnessed the power of God at work through them. Jesus responds not with surprise, but with affirmation and clarity: their victory flows from His authority.
This verse reminds us that the believer does not fight spiritual battles from a position of defeat, but from a position of victory already secured by Christ.
Understanding “Serpents and Scorpions”
Jesus uses symbolic language that His audience would have clearly understood. Serpents and scorpions represent danger, evil, and spiritual opposition. Christ is not promising a life free from hardship, but He is promising that no power of the enemy has ultimate authority over those who belong to Him.
The emphasis is not on fearlessness in the natural world, but on spiritual dominion—authority over demonic forces, deception, and the works of darkness. This aligns with the broader teaching of Scripture that Satan is a defeated foe (Colossians 2:15), and that believers stand in Christ’s victory.
Authority Must Be Exercised in Faith and Obedience
Believer’s authority is not automatic in experience, even though it is granted in Christ. It must be exercised through faith, prayer, obedience, and submission to God. Authority flows from relationship. Jesus makes this clear elsewhere when He says, “Apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
True spiritual authority is never about self-exaltation. It is about advancing God’s kingdom, resisting the enemy, proclaiming truth, and walking in humility and holiness. When believers understand who they are in Christ, fear loses its grip and confidence in God takes root.
Victory Without Arrogance
Jesus follows Luke 10:19 with an important warning in verse 20: “Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” Authority is a gift, not a badge of pride. Our greatest joy is not power, but salvation—belonging to God.
The believer’s authority is meant to point back to the glory of Christ, not to the believer. Every victory, every breakthrough, every moment of protection ultimately testifies to the faithfulness and sovereignty of God.
Living in the Authority Christ Has Given
As believers today, Luke 10:19 invites us to live boldly but humbly. We are called to resist the enemy, stand firm in truth, pray with confidence, and walk without fear. Not because we are strong—but because Christ is.
The same Jesus who spoke these words still reigns today.
To God be the glory!
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the authority given to us through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to walk in faith, humility, and obedience, never trusting in ourselves but fully in You. Teach us to stand firm against the enemy, clothed in truth and empowered by Your Spirit. May our lives always reflect Your glory, and may we never forget that our greatest victory is belonging to You.
In Jesus’ mighty name,
Amen.
Sources
The Holy Bible, New King James Version (NKJV), Luke 10:19–20 The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, John 15:5; Colossians 2:15 Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible John MacArthur, MacArthur New Testament Commentary: Luke
We serve a great and mighty God!!!
T
Divine Revelations 
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