Luke 14:18-20

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 14:18

Excusing ourselves. There are two things which seem as if they could not exist together, but which we continually confront. One is the felt obligation and value of religion, and the other is the mournful commonness of irreligion. Where shall we find an explanation of the coexistence of these two things? We find it in the habit of self-excuse. With one consent men excuse themselves. Now, an excuse is one of two things. I. A PRETEXT which men invent, so as to shun, without... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 14:18

I have bought a piece of ground - Perhaps he had purchased it on condition that he found it as good as it had been represented to him.I must needs go - I have necessity, or am obliged to go and see it; possibly pleading a contract or an agreement that he would go soon and examine it. However, we may learn from this that sinners sometimes plead that they are under a “necessity” to neglect the affairs of religion. The affairs of the world, they pretend, are so pressing that they cannot find time... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 14:19

I go to prove them - To try them, to see if he had made a good bargain. It is worthy of remark that this excuse was very trifling. He could as easily have tried them at any other time as then, and his whole conduct shows that he was more disposed to gratify “himself” than to accept the invitation of his friend. He was selfish; just as all sinners are, who, to gratify their own worldliness and sins, refuse to accept the offers of the gospel. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 14:20

I have married a wife ... - Our Saviour here doubtless intends to teach us that the love of earthly relatives and friends often takes off the affections from God, and prevents our accepting the blessings which he would bestow on us. This was the most trifling excuse of all; and we cannot but be amazed that “such” excuses are suffered to interfere with our salvation, and that people can be satisfied for “such” reasons to exclude themselves from the kingdom of God. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Luke 14:18-20

Luke 14:18-20. And they all with one consent Απο μιας is all that is in the original. It seems most natural to supply the ellipsis by the word γνωμης , consent, as our translators have done, an interpretation maintained by Beza and Wolfius. Began to make excuse As if by mutual agreement they had all contrived to put a slight upon the entertainment, and to affront him that had kindly provided it, and invited them to partake of it. The first said, I have bought a piece of ground,... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Luke 14:1-24

100. In the house of a Pharisee (Luke 14:1-24)When Jesus visited the house of a prominent Pharisee on the Sabbath day, his critics were waiting to see if he would heal a sick man who was there. When Jesus asked them if healing on the Sabbath was lawful, they refused to answer. Jesus again pointed out the hypocrisy of those who would care for animals on the Sabbath but not for people (Luke 14:1-6).As mealtime approached, Jesus noticed some guests choosing the places of honour at the table. He... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Luke 14:18

with one consent = from (Greek. apo. App-104 . iv) one [mind], make excuse . beg off. a piece of ground = a field. must needs = have need to. go = go out (i.e. from the city). Greek. exerchomai, as in verses: Luke 14:21 , Luke 14:23 . and see = to see. App-133 . I pray. App-134 . have = consider me. read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Luke 14:19

another . App-124 . go = go forth. prove = try. have = hold. read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Luke 14:20

therefore = on account of (Greek. dia) this. cannot = am not (Greek. ou. App-105 ) able to. read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Luke 14:18

And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a field, and I must needs go out and see it; I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them. I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife and therefore I cannot come.Boles insisted that "These are not flimsy and ridiculous excuses, as some have sought to make them, but the most important excuses that could be given."[28] But... read more

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