Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Luke 6:20-23
The Beatitudes 6:20-23 (cf. Matthew 5:3-10) read more
The Beatitudes 6:20-23 (cf. Matthew 5:3-10) read more
The choices of disciples 6:20-26Matthew recorded nine beatitudes, but Luke included only four. Matthew gave no woes, but Luke recorded four. The four beatitudes precede the four woes, and the beatitudes parallel the woes in thought. The beatitudes are positive and the woes correspondingly negative (cf. Psalms 1; Isaiah 5:8-23).Two types of disciples are in view throughout this section of the sermon, the poor and oppressed and the rich and popular. The first type can anticipate God satisfying... read more
3. The Sermon on the Mount 6:20-49Luke’s version of this important address, primarily aimed at Jesus’ disciples, is much shorter than Matthew’s (Matthew 5:3 to Matthew 7:29). Matthew’s account contains 137 verses whereas Luke’s has 30. Both accounts begin with beatitudes, contain the same general content, and end with the same parables. However, Luke edited out the teachings that have distinctively Jewish appeal, specifically Jesus’ interpretations of the Mosaic Law, the "legal matters." These... read more
Following Jesus as His disciple also involved feeling hungry occasionally. However, Jesus promised ultimate satisfaction to those who chose discipleship. To those less fortunate, discipleship then and now sometimes involved and involves giving away some money that one might use for food. Sometimes students preparing for ministry have to live on meager rations to pay other bills associated with their commitment to study God’s Word and serve Him.Likewise discipleship involves weeping and sorrow,... read more
Various forms of persecution will give way to ultimate reward and consequent joy. Note the logical progression in Luke 6:22 from hatred to ostracism to insults and finally to character assassination. Luke recorded in Acts that all these forms of persecution overtook the early Christians. The New Testament epistles also warn Christians about them (e.g., 1 John 3:13; 1 Peter 4:14; James 2:7). Not just the prophets of old but also Jesus Himself experienced these persecutions. Disciples can expect... read more
The woes contrast with the beatitudes in content and in the structure of the passage (cf. Luke 1:53). They address those disciples who refuse to give up all to follow Jesus or who face temptation to draw back from following Him faithfully (cf. Luke 6:46-49). This section of the sermon begins with a word of strong contrast: but (Gr. plen). "Woe" means "alas," (NEB) or "How terrible," (TEV) and it introduces an expression of pity for those who are under divine judgment. [Note: Marshall, The... read more
Similarly eating well and laughing are not wrong in themselves. However if a person decides not to follow Jesus because he prefers a fuller stomach and greater happiness than he believes he would have if he followed Jesus, he makes a bad choice. He is a fool for giving up what he cannot lose to get what he cannot keep (cf. Isaiah 65:13-14; James 4:9). read more
Choice of the Twelve. Sermon in the Plain1-5. Plucking the ears of corn (Matthew 12:1; Mark 2:23). See on Mt and Mk.1. On the second sabbath after the first] Gk. deuteroprôton, lit. ’second-first.’ There is considerable ground for omitting this obscure expression as interpolated, and reading simply, ’on a sabbath,’ with the RV. If, however, it is genuine, it probably means, ’on the second sabbath after the waving of the sheaf on the second day of the Passover festival’ (see Leviticus 23:1-15).... read more
Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Luke 6:12-49
C. Jesus’ teaching of His disciples 6:12-49Luke gave his readers an overview of Jesus’ ministry (Luke 4:14 to Luke 5:11) and then presented His relationship to His opponents (Luke 5:12 to Luke 6:11). Next he described Jesus’ relationship with His disciples (Luke 6:12-49). He arranged his material to identify the disciples first, and then he summarized what Jesus taught them.There is some similarity between Luke’s narrative and the account of Moses ascending Mt. Sinai when he received the law... read more