Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 8:4-15
See the parable of the sower explained in the notes at Matthew 13:1-23. read more
See the parable of the sower explained in the notes at Matthew 13:1-23. read more
Luke 8:4-15. And when much people were gathered together To be instructed by his discourse, as well as to see, or be healed by, his miracles; and were come to him In crowds; out of every city In that part of the country; he spake by a parable Having first, for greater conveniency of being better heard and less incommoded by them, entered into a ship, where he sat, and from thence taught them. A sower went out to sow, &c. See this parable explained at large in the notes on... read more
PARABLES54. The sower (Matthew 13:1-23; Mark 4:1-29; Luke 8:1-18)To visit all the towns of Galilee was a huge task. Jesus and his disciples were helped in this work by a group of women who went with them to look after their daily needs (Luke 8:1-3). Crowds of people came to see Jesus wherever he went, and were often a hindrance to the progress of the gospel. It seems that one reason Jesus began to teach extensively in parables was to separate those who were genuinely interested from those who... read more
is = means. Figure of speech Metaphor ( App-6 ): i.e. represents. word . Greek. logos. God . App-98 . read more
taketh = snatches. lest = in order that . . . not, as in Luke 8:10 . read more
E. Jesus’ teaching in parables 8:1-21The present section of Luke follows the same basic pattern as the former one. There is a block of teaching (Luke 8:1-21; cf. Luke 6:12-49) followed by another account of Jesus’ mighty works (Luke 8:22-56; cf. ch. 7). read more
2. The parable of the soils 8:4-15Luke’s account of Jesus’ parables by the sea is the shortest of the three, and Matthew’s is the longest. Luke limited himself to recording only two parables, namely, the parable of the soils and the parable of the lamp. He thereby stressed the importance of hearing, obeying, and proclaiming the Word of God."Unlike Mark 4 and Matthew 13, where entire chapters are devoted to kingdom teaching via parables, Luke concentrates on the one theme of faith both here and... read more
Luke alone wrote, "So that they may not believe and be saved." This inclusion reflects his intense interest in salvation. Luke viewed the preaching mission of Jesus and His disciples as essentially calling people to salvation. Satan’s purpose is the exact opposite of God’s purpose (cf. 2 Peter 3:9). In Jesus’ ministry the word of God that saved people was the message that Jesus was the God-man. When people trusted in Him as such, they experienced salvation. read more
The meaning of the parable 8:11-15 (Matthew 13:18-23; Mark 4:13-20)Jesus now gave His disciples information that enabled them to understand the deeper teaching of the parable. The proclaimed Word of God does not in itself yield a uniform response of faith. Human response to it is all-important. read more
The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 8:12
Those by the wayside are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the Word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. The wayside hearers represent the great outer circle of men and women who more or less respect religion. It must be carefully borne in mind that in none of the four classes pictured in the parable are despisers of God, declared enemies of religion, portrayed. To these the gospel, with its warnings and its promises, rarely if ever speaks. These... read more