8, 9. confess . . . deny—The point lies in doing it "before men," because one has to do it "despising the shame." But when done, the Lord holds Himself bound to repay it in kind by confessing such "before the angels of God." For the rest, see on :-. read more
10. Son of man . . . Holy Ghost—(See on :-). :-. COVETOUSNESS—WATCHFULNESS—SUPERIORITY TO EARTHLY TIES. read more
Luke set the scene for the following teaching by explaining that it happened when Pharisaic hostility had become intense (Luke 11:53-54). What Jesus proceeded to tell His disciples had opposition and persecution in view. In spite of this antagonism, Jesus had a very large following (Gr. myriadon, lit. ten thousand, but used here as a superlative, cf. Acts 19:19; Acts 21:20). Evidently its size kept increasing (cf. Luke 11:29). However the lesson that follows was for His disciples (cf. Luke... read more
The leaven of the Pharisees 12:1-3 read more
1. The importance of fearless confession 12:1-12 (cf. Matthew 10:19-20, 26-33)Jesus used His condemnation of the Pharisees’ hypocrisy as an occasion to warn His disciples against being hypocritical. The context of this teaching in Matthew’s Gospel is Jesus’ instruction of the Twelve before He sent them on their mission. Luke recorded that He also taught His disciples the importance of fearless witness under persecution as they moved toward Jerusalem. read more
D. The instruction of the disciples in view of Jesus’ rejection 12:1-13:17Teaching of the disciples continues as primary in this part of the third Gospel (Luke 9:51 to Luke 19:10). Jesus’ words to them at the beginning of the present section (Luke 12:1 to Luke 13:17) broadened to include the crowds toward the end."The coming judgment and the need for proper preparation are the threads that tie all of chapter 12 together." [Note: M. Bailey, p. 129.] read more
Nevertheless what is now unknown because of hypocrisy will one day become known. This is a general principle. On the human level there are exceptions to this principle, but Jesus undoubtedly had God who knows all secrets in mind. Luke 12:3 probably is a positive encouragement rather than an ominous threat. Jesus used it that way in the other contexts in which He made this statement (cf. Luke 8:17; Matthew 10:26-27; Mark 4:22). If so, He meant the good witness that the disciples might try to... read more
Jesus identified what followed as particularly important (cf. Luke 6:27; Luke 11:9; Luke 12:5; Luke 12:8). The unusual address "my friends" (Gr. philois) added a further encouragement to represent Jesus boldly in spite of opposition even though it might result in death. The word expressed confidence in the disciples and approval of them as those entrusted with His secrets and those who do His will. It contrasts with the rejection they faced in the world. This is the only place in the Synoptics... read more
Preparing for judgment 12:4-12"The teaching about the Pharisees and the judgment leads naturally into a more general section on judgment and the importance of being prepared for it." [Note: Morris, p. 208.] read more
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Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Luke 12:6
6, 7. five . . . for two farthings—In Matthew 10:29 it is "two for one farthing"; so if one took two farthings' worth, he got one in addition—of such small value were they. than many sparrows—not "than millions of sparrows"; the charm and power of our Lord's teaching is very much in this simplicity. read more