(24, 25) Consider the ravens.—See Notes on Matthew 6:26-27. Here, however, we have the more specific “ravens” instead of the wider “fowls of the air,” as another example of independence. The choice of the special illustration was possibly determined by the language of the Psalmist, “He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry” (Psalms 147:9). read more
(26) If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least.—The words are peculiar to St. Luke’s report. If no amount of anxious care can add one cubit to our stature or the measure of our days (see Notes on Matthew 6:27), how much less can we control all the myriad contingencies upon which the happiness of the future may depend! read more
(27-31) Consider the lilies how they grow.—See Notes on Matthew 6:28-33. There are, however, some noticeable variations, as (1) in Luke 12:27, in the better MSS., they spin not, they weave not; (2) the use in Luke 12:29 of a new verb, “Neither be ye of doubtful mind.” The word is not found elsewhere in the New Testament, and is so far characteristic of St. Luke’s special culture. But its etymology and its classical use make it equivalent to “Be not tossed to and fro like a ship out on the open... read more
Luke 12:1 The words follow an account of the Pharisees' attempt to ensnare Jesus, and Weiss's contention is that Jesus warns His disciples, not against the 'simulatio' of the Pharisees, who 'cloaked their real disposition under the appearance of extreme piety, but simply against "dissimulatio" in the sense of Galatians 2:13 , i.e. the temper which would hide its true convictions owing to the fear of man'. The man who practises ὑπόκρισις of any kind plays a part. He is insincere. But his... read more
CHAPTER 12 1. Warning Against Hypocrisy. (Luke 12:1-3 ) 2. Encouragements. (Luke 12:4-14 ) 3. Warning Against Covetousness. (Luke 12:15-21 ) 4. Warning Against Anxiety. (Luke 12:22-31 ) 5. The Disciples Comfort and Hope. (Luke 12:32-40 ) 6. The Parable of the Steward. (Luke 12:41-48 ) 7. The Purpose of God and the Resulting Division. (Luke 12:49-53 ) 8. Concerning signs. (Luke 12:54-57 ) 9. The Failure of Israel. (Luke 12:58-59 .) Luke 12:1-31 Nearly all of the entire twelfth chapter... read more
12:29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither {i} be ye of doubtful mind.(i) A metaphor taken of things that hang in the air, for those that care too much for this worldly life, and rely upon the arm of man, always have wavering and doubtful minds, swaying sometimes this way, and sometimes that way. read more
12:31 {8} But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.(8) They will lack nothing who are diligent for the kingdom of heaven. read more
THE PEOPLE WARNED AGAINST FALSE LEADERS (vs.1-12) At a time when the crowd was extremely large, the Lord addressed His disciples "first of all," warning them to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. We have seen that their meticulous formality was only a coverup of inward evil. Why? Because their object was to impress the crowd. How great a danger this is even for true disciples! We like the recognition of others and forget to seek only the approval of God. Let us not be... read more
WARNINGS This chapter, almost entirely original with Luke, consists of four warnings against hypocrisy (Luke 12:1-12 ), covetousness (Luke 12:13-24 ), carelessness (Luke 12:25-48 ), and ignorance (Luke 12:49-59 ). HYPOCRISY (Luke 12:1-12 ) Note the fearlessness of Christ (Luke 12:1 ), and in the same verse the typical use of “leaven” in the sense of evil, which is never used otherwise in the Bible. Hypocrisy will not avail in the day of judgment (Luke 12:2-3 ), and one of its causes, the... read more
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John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 12:1-59
The Leaven of the Pharisees. The Rich Fool1-12. Jesus warns His followers against Pharisaic hypocrisy, and exhorts them to be courageous in face of opposition. This speech is not unsuitable to the context in St. Luke, but the whole of the sayings are found also in St. Matthew’s Gospel, generally in a more natural connexion (mostly in the charge to the Twelve, Luke 10:5-42). Perhaps St. Luke here groups together savings spoken at different times.1. When there were] RV ’when the many thousands of... read more