Luke 12:13-34

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Luke 12:30

For all these things do the nations of the world seek after ,.... That is, the Gentiles, as in Matthew 6:32 who are frequently, in the Jewish writings, called, in distinction from the Jews, אומות העולם , "the nations of the world" F19 Vid. T. Bab. Gittin, fol. 28. 2. & 29. . This is an argument used to dissuade from an immediate and anxious concern for food and raiment, because it is Heathenish, and therefore very unbecoming the disciples and followers of Christ: it need not... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Luke 12:31

But rather seek ye the kingdom of God ,.... The Vulgate Latin version adds, "first", as also, "and his righteousness", as in Matthew 6:33 and the Ethiopic version reads, "seek his kingdom and righteousness" meaning either the grace of God, which is not meat and drink, but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost, Romans 14:17 or the heavenly glory; unless the Gospel, and the dispensation of it, which is the Messiah's kingdom, and which was then just ushering in, should rather be... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Luke 12:32

Fear not little flock ,.... these words are particularly directed to the immediate apostles and disciples of Christ; but are true of all the saints in all ages of time, who are compared to a "flock of sheep", being separated from the rest of the world in election, redemption, and the effectual calling, and being folded together in a Gospel church state; and also for their patience, meekness, humility, and harmlessness: these are a "little" flock; few in number, when compared with the wicked... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Luke 12:33

Sell that ye have, and give alms ,.... Since they had a kingdom bequeathed them by their heavenly Father, they should be so far from indulging an anxious care about food and raiment, that when there was a call in providence for it, and rather than the poor should go without a supply, it became them to sell their houses and lands, and whatever possessions they had, and relieve them; and so they did not long after; for some of those who sold their estates, and brought the money to the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Luke 12:34

For where your treasure is ,.... Whether in heaven, or in earth, there will your heart be also: the heart is always set upon the treasure, and as is a man's treasure, such is his heart, that is, set upon it; if his treasure is only here, and he has not the true riches, his heart is only earthly and carnal; but if his treasure is heavenly, his heart and conversation will be in heaven; See Gill on Matthew 6:21 . read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 12:13

Speak to my brother, that he divide - Among the Jews, the children had the inheritance of their fathers divided among them; the eldest had a double portion, but all the rest had equal parts. It is likely the person complained of in the text was the elder brother; and he wished to keep the whole to himself - a case which is far from being uncommon. The spirit of covetousness cancels all bonds and obligations, makes wrong right, and cares nothing for father or brother. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 12:14

A judge - Without some judgment given in the case, no division could be made; therefore Jesus added the word judge. Pearce. A minister of Christ ought not to concern himself with secular affairs, any farther than charity and the order of discipline require it. Our Lord could have decided this difference in a moment; but the example of a perfect disengagement from worldly things was more necessary for the ministers of his Church than that of a charity applying itself to temporal concerns. He... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 12:15

Beware of covetousness - Or rather, Beware of all inordinate desires. I add πασης , all, on the authority of ABDKLM-Q, twenty-three others, both the Syriac, all the Persic, all the Arabic, Coptic, Ethiopic, Armenian, Vulgate, all the Itala, and several of the primitive fathers. Inordinate desires. Πλεονεξιας , from πλειον , more, and εχειν , to have; the desire to have more and more, let a person possess whatever he may. Such a disposition of mind is never satisfied; for, as soon... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 12:16

The ground of a certain rich man, etc. - He had generally what is called good luck in his farm, and this was a remarkably plentiful year. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 12:17

He thought within himself - Began to be puzzled in consequence of the increase of his goods. Riches, though ever so well acquired, produce nothing but vexation and embarrassment. read more

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