Luke 14:23-35 ESV

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Luke 14:28

For which of you intending to build a tower ,.... Taking up a profession of Christ and his Gospel, is like building a tower; which, as a tower, must be laid on a good foundation; not on carnal descent and parentage; nor on a sober and religious education; nor on a civil, moral life and conversation; nor on a bare knowledge of Gospel truths and a flash of affection for them, and the people of God; but upon Christ the sure foundation; and on principles of grace formed by his Spirit, in their... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Luke 14:29

Lest haply after he hath laid the foundation ,.... Has begun to build, has taken up a profession, has submitted to ordinances, and got into a church state: and is not able to finish it ; a foundation may be laid, and the building may never be finished, because the foundation is not laid right; was it, it would continue, and the building go on, and at last be finished; though no man is able to finish it of himself, yet those hands which have laid the foundation, will raise up the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Luke 14:30

Saying, this man began to build ,.... He set out well, he promised great things, and made a considerable bluster and stir, as if he would carry things at once to a very high pitch: and was not able to finish ; it was all noise and talk, and nothing else: falling off from a profession of religion, exposes men to contempt and scorn; such are not only cast out of churches with disgrace, but are despised by men, by wicked men; and are a reproach, a proverb, and a taunt in all places; and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Luke 14:31

Or what king going to make war against another king ,.... Our Lord illustrates the same thing, the business of a profession, by another similitude, or parable; taking up a profession of religion, is like to two kings engaging in a war. The king on the one side, is the Christian professor; true believers are kings, they have the apparel of kings, the royal robe of Christ's righteousness; they live like kings, at the table of the King of kings; have the attendance of kings, angels ministering... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Luke 14:32

Or else, while the other is a great way off ,.... Upon his march, with resolution to come up and give battle, though as yet at a distance: he sendeth an ambassage ; or men, with an embassy to him: and desireth conditions of peace ; greatly to his disadvantage and reproach: so to give out, and leave off fighting with sin, Satan, and the world, and make peace with them, is shameful and scandalous; but on the other hand, such who have engaged in this war, should pursue it with rigour... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Luke 14:33

So likewise whosoever he be of you ,.... Let him be ever so forward to follow me, to make a profession of me and of my Gospel, and to become a disciple of mine: that forsaketh not all that he hath ; when called to it, relations, friends, possessions, estates, and what not, which is an explanation of Luke 14:26 he cannot be my disciple ; he is not in fact one, and is not worthy to be called one. read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Luke 14:34

Salt is good ,.... See Gill on Matthew 5:13 , Mark 10:50 . read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Luke 14:35

It is neither fit for the land ,.... For the manuring of it, when it has lost its savour and spirit; otherwise it makes land fruitful, if too much is not used, and especially fixed salts have this use; though Pliny says F15 Nat. Hist. l. 31. c. 7. , "every place in which salt is found, it is barren and brings forth nothing.' Nor yet for the dunghill ; to mix with dung, and help it, that it may be the more serviceable for the earth; and just such useless things, are a mere... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 14:16-24

A certain man made a great supper, etc. - See a similar parable to this, though not spoken on the same occasion, explained, Matthew 22:1-14 ; (note). read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 14:23

Compel them to come in - αναγκασον , Prevail on them by the most earnest entreaties. The word is used by Matthew, Matthew 14:22 , and by Mark, Mark 6:45 ; in both which places, when Christ is said, αναγκαζειν , to constrain his disciples to get into the vessel, nothing but his commanding or persuading them to do it can be reasonably understood. The Latins use cogo , and compello , in exactly the same sense, i.e. to prevail on by prayers, counsels, entreaties, etc. See several... read more

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Luke 14:28

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Luke 14:29

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Luke 14:30

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Luke 14:31

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Luke 14:32

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Luke 14:33

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Luke 14:34

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Luke 14:35

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 14:16-24

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Luke 14:23

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