¹ tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “so” to indicate that Jesus’ reply in vv. 18-20 follows from the positive report of the messengers in v. 17.

² tn This is an imperfect tense verb.

³ tn In Greek, this is a participle and comes at the end of the verse, making it somewhat emphatic.

⁴ tn This is probably best taken as allusion to Isa 14:12; the phrase in common is ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ (ek tou ouranou). These exorcisms in Jesus’ name are a picture of Satan’s greater defeat at Jesus’ hands (D. L. Bock, Luke [BECNT], 2:1006-7).

⁵ tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.

⁶ sn The cross is portrayed as part of the cosmic battle between Satan and God; see Luke 4:1-13; 11:14-23.

⁷ tn Grk “Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.”

⁸ tc The majority of mss (א A D W Θ Ψ Ë^1,13 Ï as well as several versional witnesses) begin this verse with an introductory comment, “and the Lord said,” indicating a change in the subject of discussion. But this is apparently a reading motivated by the need for clarity. Some of the best witnesses, along with a few others (Ì⁷⁵ B L T 1241 2542^c sy^s co), do not contain these words. The abrupt shift is the more difficult reading and thus more likely to be original.

⁹ tn Grk “behold” (for “pay attention” see L&N 91.13).

¹⁰ sn This pronoun is plural in the Greek text, so it refers to all the disciples of which Peter is the representative.

¹¹ sn Satan has demanded permission to put them to the test. The idiom “sift (someone) like wheat” is similar to the English idiom “to pick (someone) apart.” The pronoun you is implied.