Luke 8:1, commentary and pictures

Afterward He went throughout every city and village preaching and showing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God, and the twelve were with Him. He labored in a humble manner, traveling on foot from place to place and from city to city. As He walked He taught those who listened, living in self-denial without self-indulgence. In going from place to place He preached the gospel and sowed seeds of truth in the hearts of those who heard Him.

Godly women also accompanied Him as devoted followers and assisted Him and His disciples. They united with Him in His work, laboring with Him in the gospel as fellow workers to present the truth to others and to support His ministry. While women were thus laboring with Christ and the apostles, the entire work was conducted on so high a plane as to be above the shadow of suspicion. If those opposing the work could have found anything out of regular order in the conduct of these women it would have closed the work at once, but no occasion for any accusation could be found. Minds were directed to the Scriptures rather than to individuals, and the truth was proclaimed intelligently and so plainly that all could understand.

Their gospel labor was the same kind later done with Paul, essential for carrying the truth forward. It was as rich in results as the work of ordained ministers and deserving of the hire of laborers. Women who so labor are to receive remuneration for their labor just as verily as their husbands are paid. This gives light for using intelligent women who understand the Word and have knowledge of Scripture and ability to teach. Such women are to labor in connection with their husbands, using their womanly tact and knowledge of Bible truth to remove difficulties that brethren cannot meet and to address needs their husbands may not meet.

The verse means gospel work is to reach unbelievers city by city, with men and women working together harmoniously in Christ's name to do it. His work is an example for every soul to value and follow in the work given by God. Foot colporters carrying books and papers in packs follow His example, and their work is not in any sense degrading. Those who spread knowledge of the truth in this humble way are scattering precious light that some souls will accept, with fruit of their labors to be seen in the kingdom of God. His self-denying example calls families to be self-denying as He was by denying appetite, putting pennies and silver bits meant for indulgence into home contribution boxes, and beginning a fund to sustain the work in the Southern states and educate Black people.

Believers are not to shut themselves up to their own families or spend so much time on household cares that the house of souls is neglected. Large unworked places are not to be left without anyone having a decided, determined interest for souls. Those who keep their hearts in the love of Christ and dedicate themselves unreservedly to God will honor God, bear fruit, and have a message to bear that wins souls.