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Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 16:9

I say unto you - I, Jesus, say to you, my disciples.Make to yourselves friends - Some have understood the word “friends,” here, as referring to the poor; others, to holy angels; and others, to God. Perhaps, however, the word should not be considered as referring to any particular “persons,” but is used in accordance with the preceding parable; for in the application our Saviour uses the “language” appropriated to the conduct of the steward to express the “general” truth that we are to make a... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Luke 16:8-9

Luke 16:8-9. And the lord Rather, his lord, or master, for it is Jesus, and not the evangelist, who speaks this, as is plain from both the structure of the parable itself, and from the application which Jesus makes of it in the next verse; commended the unjust steward, because he had acted wisely Or, prudently for himself, as φρωνιμως here signifies. Properly, indeed, his master commended neither the actor nor the action; but solely the provident care about his future interest which the... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Luke 16:1-17

103. The shrewd manager (Luke 16:1-17)This story was told not to the Pharisees but to the disciples of Jesus. It concerned a shrewd businessman whom the owner of a business appointed as manager. In this business, dealings were made by exchange of goods rather than payment of money, a practice that enabled the manager to cheat the owner. When the owner found out, he decided to dismiss him (Luke 16:1-2).The manager then thought of a plan to ensure help from his business friends after his... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Luke 16:9

And = And, Do say unto you? &c. Is this what I say to you? In verses: Luke 16:10-12 the Lord gives the reason why He does not say that; otherwise these verses are wholly inconsequent, instead of being the true application of verses: Luke 16:1-8 (Z, above). For this punctuation see App-94 .Luke 16:3 . of = out of, or by. Greek. ek. App-104 . mammon. Aramaic for "riches". See App-94 .:32. ye fail. All the texts read "it shall fail". everlasting = eternal. Greek. aionios. App-151 . ... read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Luke 16:9

And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends by means of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when it shall fail, they may receive you into the eternal tabernacles.Mammon of unrighteousness ... This refers to wealth and all earthly treasures; but why is it called unrighteous? It would appear that they are in error who suppose that the implication requires us to believe that wealth may not be accumulated except through dishonesty, fraud, etc.; for, while it is true that much wealth is thus... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Luke 16:9

Luke 16:9. And I say unto you, &c.— Our Lord's advice is worthy of the most serious attention; the best use that we can make of our riches being to employ them in promoting the salvation of others. For, if we use our abilities and interest in bringing sinners to God, if we spend our money in this excellent service, we shall conciliate the good-will of all heavenly beings, who greatly rejoice at the conversion of sinners, as was represented in the preceding parables; so that with open arms... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Luke 16:9

9. Make . . . friends of—Turn to your advantage; that is, as the steward did, "by showing mercy to the poor" (Daniel 4:27; compare Luke 12:33; Luke 14:13; Luke 14:14). mammon of unrighteousness—treacherous, precarious. (See on Luke 14:14- :). ye fail—in respect of life. they may receive you—not generally, "ye may be received" (as Luke 14:14- :, "shall men give"), but "those ye have relieved may rise up as witnesses for you" at the great day. Then, like the steward, when turned out of one home... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Luke 16:1-9

The parable of the shrewd manager 16:1-9"Luke 16:1-8 contains probably the most difficult parable in Luke." [Note: Bock, Luke, p. 418.] read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Luke 16:1-13

1. Discipleship as stewardship 16:1-13Jesus instructed His disciples about their use of material possessions. He taught them to be prudent in the use of wealth and to beware of the danger of loving it (cf. 1 Timothy 6:10). read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Luke 16:9

Jesus next explained the application of the parable for His disciples. They should spend their money to make friends who would welcome them into the kingdom and heaven when the disciples died. In other words, disciples should sacrifice their money to bring others to faith in Jesus and so secure a warm reception into heaven. Jesus pictured the converts as dying before the disciples and welcoming them into heaven when the disciples arrived. Disciples should use our money to lead people to Jesus... read more

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