(49) And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. (50) And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not; for he that is not against us is for us.
There is somewhat very singular in what is here said. Who this man was is not at all noticed, or even hinted at, by any of the Evangelists. Mark takes notice of him indeed; but leaves us wholly in the dark concerning him. See Mark 9:38. Some have supposed that he was one of John's disciples; and, therefore, in the expectation of Christ, from a lively apprehension of Christ's mission, went about preaching in his name, although he had not as yet come to Christ. But be this as it may, I beg the Reader not to overlook the Lord's gracious answer to John. Oh! who shall say how many there are of Christ's little ones hid away and unknown by the world, but yet well known and well regarded by Jesus Christ!