Luke

• 28 min. read • grade level: 7

In this gospel the Lord is not so much the King nor the Servant, but the blessed, perfect Man in lowly grace. The circumstances of His incarnation are here, and here only, detailed, and throughout the gospel there are special touches of humanity.

As Son of Man His genealogy is traced up to Adam, in keeping with the design of the Spirit in this gospel, not stopping at Abraham, as in Matthew.

It was written probably by a Gentile (one of Paul’s companions) to a Gentile, and it connects itself rather with Paul’s epistles. The object is to show God’s grace reaching far beyond the limits of Israel to man generally, consequent upon the nation’s rejection of Him in whom its special promises would have been fulfilled. The order is “to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” The godly remnant of Israel (see Mal. 3:16¹⁶Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name. (Malachi 3:16)) is seen in Zacharias, Elizabeth, Mary, Simeon, Anna, etc.

The order in this gospel is moral, not historical.

The human element in inspiration is strongly marked in the introduction (Luke 1:1-4¹Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, ²Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; ³It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, ⁴That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed. (Luke 1:1‑4)). See “Inspiration” in the Bible Subjects Section

Having gone through the Gospel by Matthew somewhat in detail, the parallel passages in Luke are touched upon more cursorily, and references given to the other gospels.

Chapter 1

Verses 1-4. Preface to the Gospel (see Acts 1:1¹The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, (Acts 1:1)). Luke had an exact and intimate knowledge of all from the beginning. The first chapter is introductory, and does not go beyond Israel.

Verses 5-25. An angel appears to the pious priest Zacharias, and announces that he should have a son — John the Baptist, who should, in the power and spirit of Elijah, act as the forerunner of the Messiah. This good news was beyond his faith: though he had asked for a son (verse 13), he now had a difficulty in believing the promise (verse 18), and was in consequence dumb until John was born. Elizabeth, with feelings suitable to a holy woman, concealed herself.

Verses 26-38. The angel Gabriel appears to Mary and announces that she should bring forth a son and should call His name Jesus. He should be called ‘Son of the Highest,’ and should possess the throne of His father David. He should reign over the house of Jacob forever.

Mary asked how it should be, not, shall it be? She believed the message (verse 45). The Holy Spirit would come upon her, and the power of the Highest overshadow her, therefore should the child be holy, and be Son of God. (The humanity of Christ is holy: as man He is Son of God, the seed of the woman, not of the man.)

Verses 39-56. Visit of Mary to Elizabeth, and the rejoicing of them both. Elizabeth calls Mary ‘the mother of my Lord,’ and Mary acknowledges God as her Saviour.

Verses 57-80. The birth of John the Baptist, and the prophecy of Zacharias, which does not go beyond ‘our fathers,’ Abraham, etc. and the fulfilment of the promises.

Chapter 2

Verses 1-7. The decree of Augustus, head of the fourth Gentile empire, was the cause of Joseph and Mary going to Bethlehem at the right moment for Jesus to be born there. He was laid in a manger, for there was no room for Him in the inn. (The world and Israel are quite unconscious of the great event.)

Verses 8-20. An angel appears to the shepherds, and announces the birth of a Saviour, Christ the Lord (not ‘King of the Jews’ here, as in Matthew). A multitude of the heavenly host praise God and say, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Compare the angels’ joy when the first creation began: Job 38:4-7⁴Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. ⁵Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? ⁶Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; ⁷When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? (Job 38:4‑7).)

The shepherds visit Bethlehem and find the babe lying in the manger; they make known the visit of the angel. The people wondered, but Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.

Verses 21-40. Jesus is circumcised, and presented in the temple. To Simeon it had been communicated that he should live till he had seen the Lord’s Christ. He takes the babe and praises God that his eyes had seen God’s salvation: a light for revelation of the Gentiles (as it should read), and the glory of Israel (Gentiles here put first: see Isa. 49:6⁶And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth. (Isaiah 49:6)).

Simeon said to Mary that Jesus was set for the fall (through their unbelief) and rising up of many in Israel. He would be the means of many hearts being revealed, for His presence would be a test.

Anna, a prophetess, also praised the Lord, and spake of Him to all that waited for redemption in Jerusalem (a remnant separate from the nation as such).

The child grew and waxed strong in spirit (the ‘tender plant’ of Isa. 53:2²For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. (Isaiah 53:2)), filled with wisdom, and God’s grace was upon Him.

Verses 41-52. Jesus found in the midst of the doctors when twelve years old, asking questions (not yet teaching, except by His questions and His answers). He said, “I must be about my Father’s business,” but went with His parents and was in subjection to them (the two things being beautifully combined). Jesus advanced in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

Chapter 3

Verses 1-18. The rulers of the various districts of Syria are given, and the names of the high priests introduced. The preaching and baptism of John. He teaches righteousness to each class that comes before him (Matt. 3:1¹In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, (Matthew 3:1); Mark 1:4⁴John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. (Mark 1:4)).

Verses 19-20. John speaking faithfully to Herod is imprisoned by him (Matt. 14:3³For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife. (Matthew 14:3); Mark 6:17¹⁷For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife: for he had married her. (Mark 6:17)).

Verses 21-22. Baptism of Jesus, who in grace associates Himself with those who tremble at God’s Word through John. The Holy Spirit descends upon Him like a dove, and a voice from heaven declares God’s delight in Him (Matt. 3:13¹³Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. (Matthew 3:13); Mark 1:9⁹And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. (Mark 1:9)).

Verses 23-38. Jesus began to be about thirty years of age. His genealogy is traced to Adam, for there is now grace to mankind generally, which is more than the fulfilment of promises to Abraham and David.

Chapter 4

Verses 1-13. The temptation of Jesus (the order of the temptations differs from that in Matthew: the spiritual and severest trial being given here last, according to the moral order in this gospel) (Matt. 4:1¹Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. (Matthew 4:1); Mark 1:12¹²And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness. (Mark 1:12)).

Verses 14-30. Jesus preaches in Galilee and Nazareth, where He had been brought up (and where He had been in favour with man as well as God, chapter 2:52), but on now telling them of how grace had, even in Old Testament times, gone out to the Gentiles, they reject Him, and in hatred seek to kill Him (Matt. 4:23²³And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. (Matthew 4:23); Mark 1:14¹⁴Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, (Mark 1:14)).

Verses 31-37. Jesus at Capernaum. In their synagogue was one possessed by an unclean demon, who knew Jesus to be the Holy One of God. He is silenced and cast out (Mark 1:21²¹And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught. (Mark 1:21)).

Verses 38-39. Simon’s wife’s mother cured of a great fever (Matt. 8:14¹⁴And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever. (Matthew 8:14); Mark 1:29²⁹And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. (Mark 1:29)).

Verses 40-44. Many cured: the demons own Him to be the Son of God. The people wish Jesus to remain; but He said He must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also.

Chapter 5

Verses 1-11. Jesus teaches out of Peter’s ship. Peter’s conversion; he discovers God in Jesus, and learns his own sinfulness. He is called to be a fisher of men (Matt. 4:18¹⁸And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. (Matthew 4:18); Mark 1:16¹⁶Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. (Mark 1:16)).

Verses 12-15. Cleansing of the leper. Jesus could touch the unclean without being defiled, and could cure the incurable (Matt. 8:1¹When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. (Matthew 8:1); Mark 1:40⁴⁰And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. (Mark 1:40)).

Verses 16-26. Jesus withdraws to the desert and prays; He cures a paralytic let down through the roof, and shows that He has power on earth to forgive sins (Matt. 9:1¹And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city. (Matthew 9:1); Mark 2:1¹And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house. (Mark 2:1)).

Verses 27-39. Call of Levi, a tax-gatherer, who makes a great feast. The Pharisees complain that Jesus ate with sinners; but He came for sinners. The disciples of the Lord could not fast while the Bridegroom was with them. The new order of things brought in by Christ; the new wine must be put into new vessels (Matt. 9:9⁹And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him. (Matthew 9:9); Mark 2:14¹⁴And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alpheus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him. (Mark 2:14)).

Chapter 6

Verses 1-5. The disciples pluck the ears of corn on the Sabbath-day. Jesus refers to what David did when he was hungry (Matt. 12:1¹At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat. (Matthew 12:1); Mark 2:23²³And it came to pass, that he went through the corn fields on the sabbath day; and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn. (Mark 2:23)).

Verses 6-11. The withered hand cured also on the Sabbath. For the Son of Man was Lord of the Sabbath, and it was lawful to do good on that day (Matt. 12:10: Mark 3:1¹And he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had a withered hand. (Mark 3:1)).

Verses 12-16. Jesus retires to a mountain to pray, and continues all night in prayer. He chooses the twelve apostles (Matt. 10:1¹And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. (Matthew 10:1); Mark 3:13¹³And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him. (Mark 3:13)).

Verses 17-19. A multitude from Judaea and the north come to hear and to be healed. They sought to touch Jesus, for virtue went out of Him.

Verses 20-49. Teaching which applies to the remnant represented by the disciples, and the principles of the kingdom brought out (similar to the sermon on the mount). The disciples as believers are distinguished from, and contrasted with, those who are happy in this world without Christ. They are to show grace and manifest divine love, as He did, and to represent the character of God in an evil world.

Chapter 7

Verses 1-10. The centurion’s servant healed. The faith of this Gentile not only grasped the power and authority of Jesus, but it led him to own the place of nearness belonging to the Jew in seeking their mediation between himself and the Lord (Luke alone mentions this latter feature according to the principle “to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile.’’) (Matt. 8:5⁵And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, (Matthew 8:5)).

Verses 11-17. The widow of Nain’s son who had died was the only son of his mother. Jesus had compassion on her, and raised him to life. The people glorified God, and said that God had visited His people.

Verses 18-35. John, whose faith wavers, sends messengers to Jesus. He refers to what He is doing (His acts answered to the prophecies respecting Messiah); blessed were those who were not offended in Him. He then teaches respecting John. Self-righteousness had rejected God’s counsel by John, and hates the grace come in Christ (Matt. 11:2²Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, (Matthew 11:2)).

Verses 36-50. A woman (a child of wisdom) washes the feet of Jesus and anoints them with ointment. The Pharisee, his host, thought Jesus not even a prophet; or He would have known that she was a sinner. Jesus speaks the parable of the two debtors. The woman’s sins are forgiven. She loved much.

Chapter 8

Verses 1-3. Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna, and many others, ministered unto Jesus of their substance (grace had touched their hearts, and He could now accept the fruit thereof: see Phil. 4:17¹⁷Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. (Philippians 4:17)).

Verses 4-15. Parable of the sower. The seed is the Word of God. (Sowing this seed was a new work. Christianity works by what it brings into the world, for there all is ruin and barrenness.) (Matt. 13:1¹The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side. (Matthew 13:1); Mark 4:1¹And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land. (Mark 4:1)).

Verses 16-18. Teaching (similar to the sermon on the mount) as to the effect and growth of the word where it has been received.

Verses 19-21. The receivers and doers of the word are His mother and His brethren (Matt. 12:46⁴⁶While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him. (Matthew 12:46); Mark 3:31³¹There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him, calling him. (Mark 3:31)).

Verses 22-25. The difficulties the doers of the word would encounter, but the Lord though absent (in sleep) was yet, in another sense, present with them in the boat; He rebuketh the storm (Matt. 8:23²³And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. (Matthew 8:23); Mark 4:35³⁵And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. (Mark 4:35)).

Verses 26-39. The one possessed among the Gadarenes. Though the demons had tormented the man, they now entreat the Lord not to torment them, and own Him as Son of God most high. The demons were cast out, but alas, the people begged the Lord to depart from them. They had lost their swine (Matt. 8:28²⁸And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way. (Matthew 8:28))!

Verses 41-56. Jairus’ daughter raised to life; the woman with an issue of blood, whose touch of faith drew forth virtue from the Lord (Matt. 9:18¹⁸While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live. (Matthew 9:18); Mark 5:22²²And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet, (Mark 5:22)).

Chapter 9

Verses 1-6. The twelve sent out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. (They, in accordance with the character of this gospel, are not here told, as in Matthew, to avoid the Gentiles and the Samaritans.) (Matt. 10:1¹And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. (Matthew 10:1); Mark 6:7⁷And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits; (Mark 6:7)).

Verses 7-9. Herod fears that John whom he beheaded has risen from the dead (Matt. 14:1¹At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus, (Matthew 14:1); Mark 6:14¹⁴And king Herod heard of him; (for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do show forth themselves in him. (Mark 6:14)).

Verses 10-17. The twelve return, and are taken aside privately. The five thousand fed (Matt. 14:13¹³When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities. (Matthew 14:13); Mark 6:30³⁰And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught. (Mark 6:30); John 6:1¹After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias. (John 6:1)).

Verses 18-27. Unbelief and uncertain opinions respecting Jesus. Peter owns Him as God’s anointed, but now the time was past to proclaim that, for as Son of Man He would suffer and be rejected. (Hence the disciples must share in His rejection, and the glorious kingdom be postponed.) (Matt. 16:13¹³When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? (Matthew 16:13); Mark 8:27²⁷And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and by the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them, Whom do men say that I am? (Mark 8:27)).

Verses 28-36. The transfiguration gives a sample of the glory for the sustainment of faith, and is also the confirmation of the prophets: see 2 Peter 1. (The entrance of Moses and Elias into the bright cloud is named in this gospel, as also the consequent fear of the disciples in seeing men in the Shekinah — in the glory of God.) (Matt. 17:1¹And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, (Matthew 17:1); Mark 9:2²And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them. (Mark 9:2)).

Verses 37-45 Jesus casts out a demon, which the disciples could not; but this was to sink deep into their ears, that the Son of Man, who could command the demons, would Himself be delivered into the hands of men (Matt. 17:14¹⁴And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying, (Matthew 17:14); Mark 9:14¹⁴And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them. (Mark 9:14)).

Various forms and aspects of self are manifested to the end of the chapter.

Verses 46-48. The disciples dispute who should be the greatest, though the Lord had just been speaking of His rejection (Matt. 18:1¹At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? (Matthew 18:1); Mark 9:33³³And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way? (Mark 9:33)).

Verses 49-50. One casting out demons, who followed not with the disciples, is forbidden by them. But the Lord corrects them, saying, “He that is not against us is for us” (Mark 9:38³⁸And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. (Mark 9:38)).

Verses 51-56. Jesus setting His face to go to Jerusalem, the Samaritans of a village would not receive Him. James and John asked if fire should be called from heaven to consume them. The Lord rebuked them: they knew not of what spirit they were.

Verses 57-62. Two offer to follow Jesus, and another He bids to follow Him; but there is testing for all in outward circumstances and in natural ties; no one who has put his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God (Matt. 8:19¹⁹And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. (Matthew 8:19)).

Chapter 10

Verses 1-12. The seventy disciples sent out (their mission is mentioned only by Luke, and it is not restricted to Israel).

Verses 13-16. Woes upon the cities where the works of power had been wrought, and which had not repented (Matt. 11:20²⁰Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not: (Matthew 11:20)).

Verses 17-20. The seventy return with joy; but a portion in heaven was far better than power over the enemy on earth. The Lord looked forward to the end, when Satan would be actually expelled from heaven: see Revelation 12:7-13⁷And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, ⁸And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. ⁹And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. ¹⁰And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. ¹¹And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. ¹²Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. ¹³And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child. (Revelation 12:7‑13).

Verse 21. The Lord’s heavenly joy in the Father.

Verse 22. The Son known to none but the Father: the Father known to the Son, and by Him revealed to others.

Verses 23-24. The disciples were blessed in the things they saw (an insight into eternal life), which prophets and kings had desired to see.

Verses 25-37. A lawyer asks what he shall do to inherit eternal life. The Lord quotes the law to him, on the principle of Do this and live; but as he wished to justify himself, the Lord relates the parable of the good Samaritan. The grace that now comes out far exceeds all the needs of man. Helpless sinners are cured, carried, and cared for till the Lord returns.

Verses 38-42. Jesus with Martha and Mary. The one was careful and troubled about many things; the other had chosen the good thing, to sit at the feet of Jesus and hear His word.

Chapter 11

Verses 1-4. Jesus teaches the disciples to pray (in a manner suited to their position at the time, before redemption had been wrought, and before the Holy Spirit had been given) (Matt. 6:9⁹After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. (Matthew 6:9)).

Verses 5-13. Teaching similar to the sermon on the mount (Matt. 5, 6, 7).

Verses 14-26. Jesus charged with casting out demons by Beelzebub. The Lord shows the folly of a kingdom being divided against itself. One must be stronger than the strong man in order to cast him out. The last state of the nation would be worse than the first (Matt. 9:32³²As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil. (Matthew 9:32)).

Verses 27-32. The Virgin was blessed, but more blessed are they that hear the Word of God and keep it. But the people would not hear the words nor regard the works of the Lord. The queen of Sheba and the men of Nineveh should rise in judgment against that generation (Matt. 12:38³⁸Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. (Matthew 12:38)).

Verses 33-36. Light is to be seen. The light of the body is the eye: if the eye be single in its object the body is full of light; but if the eye be evil, the body is full of darkness. Take heed therefore that the light that is in thee be not darkness (Matt. 5:15¹⁵Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. (Matthew 5:15)).

Verses 37-54. The Lord pronounces woes upon the scribes, the Pharisees, and the doctors of the law; but this only stirs up their opposition in deadly hatred (Matt. 23:13¹³But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. (Matthew 23:13)).

Chapter 12

Instead of having the Messiah on earth, the disciples are put in the place of testimony, by the power of the Holy Spirit, with the world against them.

Verses 1-7. All things shall be revealed. The disciples were not to fear those who could kill the body only, but were to fear Him who has eternal power, and to whom they were of great value (Matt. 10:26²⁶Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. (Matthew 10:26)).

Verses 8-12. Encouragement to confess Christ: blasphemy against the Holy Spirit should never be forgiven. When arrested the Holy Spirit would teach them what to say.

Verses 13-21. The parable of the rich man who, in covetousness, laid up treasure on earth for himself and was not rich toward God.

Verses 22-34. By various illustrations the Lord declares the Father’s care for them. They were to seek the kingdom of the Father, and necessary things would be added to them. They were not to lay up treasures on earth, but in heaven; for where their treasure was their heart would be also.

Verses 35-48. Attitude of those who wait for their Lord, watching and ever ready to open to Him immediately; and, as faithful servants, diligently fulfilling the stewardship He has placed them in.

Verses 49-53. Jesus came to cast fire on the earth and to cause division in families (the consequence of His rejection [see ch. 2:14] and of some being called by grace).

Verses 54-57. The people were hypocrites, and did not discern the time (they were a guilty nation, and judgment was approaching).

Verses 58-59. They were to seek to be reconciled quickly, or they would have to pay the very last mite (a word to the Jewish nation, which, alas, they heeded not, and consequently were delivered up to the Gentiles: see Isa. 40:2²Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the Lord's hand double for all her sins. (Isaiah 40:2)).

Chapter 13

Verses 1-9. Calamities had overtaken some of the people, and they should all perish except they repented; but there would be a delay granted, as the parable of the fruitless fig tree shows, which was allowed to stand for another year: see Acts 1-7.

Verses 10-17. The bent-down woman healed on the Sabbath, which raised the indignation of the ruler of the synagogue; but the Lord showed that He was really undoing the work of Satan who had bound this daughter of Abraham eighteen years.

Verses 18-21. The parables of the mustard seed and of the leaven depict the kingdom which should be set up on the judgment and setting aside of the Jewish nation, though both parables teach that evil will find an entrance into that kingdom (Matt. 13:31³¹Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: (Matthew 13:31); Mark 4:30³⁰And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it? (Mark 4:30)).

Verses 22-30. Strive to enter in at the strait gate (that is, by repentance and faith in the rejected Christ). Many will strive when too late.

Verses 31-33. Jesus warned of Herod by the Pharisees. His message to “that fox.” A prophet cannot perish out of Jerusalem.

It is difficult to suppose that the Pharisees had any consideration for the safety of the Lord. They may have had some intercourse with Herod, during which he made some threat, with a desire that Jesus should leave his dominions. We know that he had a bad conscience, and supposed that Jesus was John risen from the dead (Matt. 14:2²And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do show forth themselves in him. (Matthew 14:2)). If the Pharisees had had no communication with Herod it is not probable that the Lord would have sent a message to such a man, and have designated him ‘that fox.’ It served the purpose of the Pharisees also, for they had much more power in Judaea and Jerusalem, if the Lord could only be induced to go there. He immediately adds that no prophet could perish out of Jerusalem, as if He had meant, You need be in no hurry: I shall be there in two or three days where all the prophets perish.

Verses 34-35. Jesus laments over Jerusalem. He would often have gathered her children and protected them: but now her house was left desolate; they should not see Him till they could say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord (Matt. 23:37³⁷O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! (Matthew 23:37)).

Chapter 14

Verses 1-6. Jesus healeth a man with the dropsy on the Sabbath: the Pharisees object, but cannot answer Him.

Verses 7-11. Humility is taught. He that exalts himself shall be abased, and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Verses 12-14. Whom to invite to a feast, in imitation of God.

Verses 15-24. The great supper. God’s grace does not find acceptance with man; but grace does not weary, some are brought in and others compelled, that the house may be filled (Matt. 22:1¹And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said, (Matthew 22:1)).

Verses 25-26. What discipleship involves, even hating natural relationships for Christ’s sake (Matt. 10:37³⁷He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. (Matthew 10:37)).

Verses 27-33. He that does not bear His cross cannot be His disciple. He must count the cost. All must be forsaken to be a disciple of Christ.

Verses 34-35. Salt is good, but if unsavoury it is useless: not even fit for the dunghill. (An unspiritual Christian is not a fit associate for the saints, nor the world.)

Chapter 15

A three-fold description, forming one parable, in answer to the charge of Jesus receiving sinners.

Verses 1-7. The lost sheep. Jesus the Good Shepherd recovers it from the wilderness and carries it home (see Isa. 53:6⁶All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:6)). There is joy in heaven over one repenting sinner.

Verses 8-10. The lost piece of money. The Holy Spirit recovers a lost one in the house. There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

Verses 11-32. The prodigal son wandered into the world in wilfulness, and spent all in riotous living. The world’s friendship ceases then, and want is the result. This makes him think of his father’s house: he will go to him, confess his sin, and ask to be made a servant. But his father’s love is not altered; the prodigal is received as a son: they began to be merry. It exemplifies how the Father receives a repentant sinner. The self-righteous brother could not understand grace.

Chapter 16

Verses 1-13. The unjust steward is commended not for his injustice, but for sacrificing the present for future advantage. The disciples are to use earthly possessions entrusted to them with a view to the future.

Verses 14-18. The covetous Pharisees reproved. They justified themselves; but they rejected the kingdom into which men pressed; they were also convicted of despising God’s law and order in the matter of divorce (see Mal. 2:14-16¹⁴Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the Lord hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant. ¹⁵And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth. ¹⁶For the Lord, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the Lord of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously. (Malachi 2:14‑16)).

Verses 19-31. The parable of the rich man and Lazarus. (Present prosperity no longer a proof of being God’s chosen ones.) The rich man had not used earthly things with a view to eternity.

Chapter 17

Verses 1-2. Woe to those who cause offences or stumbling-blocks.

Verses 3-4. An offending brother is to be rebuked and forgiven.

Verses 5-6. The apostles ask for more faith.

Verses 7-10. Masters expect their servants to serve them before they serve themselves. (A needed word for all the Lord’s servants.)

Verses 11-19. The ten lepers. Nine are content to receive the blessing without giving thanks to the Lord; the tenth, a Samaritan, values Jesus above the ordinances of the law: his faith is beyond the dispensation.

Verses 20-37. On the coming of the Lord in power and judgment.

Chapter 18

Verses 1-8. The importunate widow (figure of Israel). If an unjust judge avenges the suppliant, how much more shall God avenge His earthly people at the coming of the Lord?

Verses 9-14. The self-satisfied Pharisee and the tax-gatherer: the latter in brokenness of spirit, and with the sense of sinfulness before God, goes to his house justified.

Verses 15-16. Jesus received little children (Matt. 19:13¹³Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. (Matthew 19:13); Mark 10:13¹³And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. (Mark 10:13)).

Verses 18-30. The rich young ruler asks what he shall do to inherit eternal life. He is directed to the law. He said he had kept that from his youth. He is then told to sell all that he had and distribute unto the poor, and to follow the Lord. But he clings to his earthly advantages and loses eternal blessing (Matt. 19:16¹⁶And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? (Matthew 19:16); Mark 10:17¹⁷And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? (Mark 10:17)).

Verses 31-34. Jesus speaks of His sufferings at Jerusalem, His death, and His resurrection (Matt. 20:17¹⁷And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them, (Matthew 20:17); Mark 10:32³²And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him, (Mark 10:32)).

Verses 35-43. A blind man near to Jericho appeals to Jesus as Son of David, and receives his sight (Matt. 20:29²⁹And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him. (Matthew 20:29); Mark 10:46⁴⁶And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimeus, the son of Timeus, sat by the highway side begging. (Mark 10:46)).

Chapter 19

Verses 1-10. Zacchaeus blessed: for the Son of Man had come to seek and to save the lost. (When He comes the second time it will be to rule and judge, as is shown in the parable that follows.)

Verses 11-27. Parable of the pounds: each receives the same — gifts which the servants of the Lord receive, and for the use of which they must give account. (All who take the place of servants are dealt with as such.)

Verses 28-40. The entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. In this gospel they cry, “Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven.” (It was peace on earth, in ch. 2:14. Earth had rejected the Prince of peace, hence now it is peace in heaven and glory in the highest.) (Matt. 21:1¹And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, (Matthew 21:1); Mark 11:1¹And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples, (Mark 11:1); John 12:12¹²On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, (John 12:12)).

Verses 41-44. Jesus weeps over Jerusalem and foretells its destruction.

Verses 45-48. The temple cleared of the merchants. (This was done at the commencement of the Lord’s ministry, John 2:13-17,¹³And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, ¹⁴And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: ¹⁵And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; ¹⁶And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise. ¹⁷And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up. (John 2:13‑17) and now again at the close.) (Matt. 21:12¹²And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, (Matthew 21:12); Mark 11:15¹⁵And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; (Mark 11:15)).

Chapter 20

Verses 1-8. The authority of Jesus is demanded by the chief men of the nation. He asks them, Was the baptism of John from heaven or of men? They are afraid to say. Then He will not tell by what authority He was acting. (But He seeks to reach their conscience by a parable.) (Matt. 21:23²³And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority? (Matthew 21:23); Mark 11:27²⁷And they come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, there come to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders, (Mark 11:27)).

Verses 9-19. The parable of the husbandmen. The rulers perceived that it referred to them; but this only still further stirred up their enmity (Matt. 21:33³³Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country: (Matthew 21:33); Mark 12:1¹And he began to speak unto them by parables. A certain man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about it, and digged a place for the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country. (Mark 12:1)).

Verses 20-26. They sent some to pretend that they were just men, seeking a plea on which to accuse Him to the governor. They asked if it was lawful to give tribute to Caesar. He perceived their craftiness, and answered with such wisdom as put them to silence (Matt. 22:15¹⁵Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk. (Matthew 22:15); Mark 12:13¹³And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words. (Mark 12:13)).

Verses 27-38. The Sadducees and the resurrection. All the dead still live unto God, and shall rise again (Matt. 22:23²³The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him, (Matthew 22:23); Mark 12:18¹⁸Then come unto him the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection; and they asked him, saying, (Mark 12:18)).

Verses 39-44. How is the Messiah David’s Son and yet his Lord? He was God, though He was man (Matt. 22:41⁴¹While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, (Matthew 22:41); Mark 12:35³⁵And Jesus answered and said, while he taught in the temple, How say the scribes that Christ is the Son of David? (Mark 12:35)).

Verses 45-47. The hypocrisy of the scribes exposed (Mark 12:38³⁸And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces, (Mark 12:38)).

Chapter 21

Verses 1-4. The widow’s mites (Mark 12:41⁴¹And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. (Mark 12:41)).

Verses 5-19. General instructions for the future Jewish remnant, but applicable also to the disciples themselves in their Christian testimony, as seen in the Acts of the Apostles (Matt. 24:1¹And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to show him the buildings of the temple. (Matthew 24:1); Mark 13:1¹And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here! (Mark 13:1)).

Verse 20-24. The destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans in the days of vengeance, and its desolation during all the rest of the times of Gentile rule.

Verses 25-28. Events of the last days in the great tribulation.

Verses 29-38. Exhortations that the day of distress may be a sign of deliverance to those who have faith. (It is Luke’s province to notice the Gentiles: all nations, “all the trees,” etc. and he only gives, in this prophecy of the Lord, the approaching ruin of Jerusalem: ‘the days of vengeance.’)

Chapter 22

Verses 1-2. The last Passover draws near: they seek to kill the Lord, but fear the people (Matt. 26:1¹And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples, (Matthew 26:1); Mark 14:1¹After two days was the feast of the passover, and of unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put him to death. (Mark 14:1)).

Verses 3-6. Judas covenants to betray Jesus in the absence of the people (Matt. 26:14¹⁴Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, (Matthew 26:14); Mark 14:10¹⁰And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them. (Mark 14:10)).

Verses 7-23. The Passover and the Lord’s Supper. (Verses 19-20 are inserted parenthetically, for Judas was present at the Passover, but not at the Lord’s Supper: see John 13:30³⁰He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night. (John 13:30).) (Matt. 26:17¹⁷Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover? (Matthew 26:17); Mark 14:12¹²And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the passover, his disciples said unto him, Where wilt thou that we go and prepare that thou mayest eat the passover? (Mark 14:12)).

Verses 24-30. Strife who should be the greatest. Divine love delights to serve and to take the lowest place. In the reckoning of grace He says they had continued with Him in His trials. He would appoint unto them a kingdom: they should sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel (yet in that very night they all forsook Him) (Matt. 20:25²⁵But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. (Matthew 20:25)).

Verses 31-34. Peter’s fall foretold. The Lord had prayed for him, and in grace speaks of his restoration when he was to strengthen the brethren.

Verses 35-38. The disciples are told to buy a sword (as it were, to take care of themselves: He was going to leave them).

Verses 39-46. The garden of Gethsemane. The intense sufferings of the perfect Man at the prospect of bearing the judgment due to sin, is seen in this gospel. An angel strengthens Him (Matt. 26:36³⁶Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. (Matthew 26:36); Mark 14:32³²And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray. (Mark 14:32)).

Verses 47-62. The arrest of Jesus: it was now their hour and the power of darkness. The denials of Peter, and his sorrow.

Verses 63-71. Trial of Jesus before the high priest. He would not assert His Messiahship, for henceforth as Son of Man He would be sitting on the right hand of power in the heavens — His present heavenly place during Christianity. He also confessed that He was the Son of God (Matt. 26:57⁵⁷And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. (Matthew 26:57); Mark 14:53⁵³And they led Jesus away to the high priest: and with him were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes. (Mark 14:53); John 18:12¹²Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him, (John 18:12)).

Chapter 23

Verses 1-26. Jesus arraigned before Pilate. He confessed that He was the King of the Jews. He is sent to Herod, who was glad and hoped to see some miracles done by Him. The Lord would answer none of his many questions. He is sent back to Pilate in a gorgeous robe. Pilate and Herod are made friends. Pilate declares that neither he nor Herod adjudged Him to be worthy of death; but the views of the chief priests prevailed: Jesus is delivered to be crucified, and Barabbas, a murderer, is released according to their choice (Matt. 27:1¹When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death: (Matthew 27:1); Mark 15:1¹And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him to Pilate. (Mark 15:1); John 18:28²⁸Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover. (John 18:28)).

Verses 27-38. The crucifixion. Many followed Him lamenting: but the Lord told the women to weep not for Him, but for themselves and their children: days of judgment were coming. The Lord prayed for His executioners, but the rulers (Jews) and the soldiers (Gentiles) derided Him. The superscription in three languages said of Him, This is the king of the Jews (Matt. 27:32³²And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross. (Matthew 27:32); Mark 15:21²¹And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross. (Mark 15:21); John 19:16¹⁶Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away. (John 19:16)).

Verses 39-43. The bright example of God’s grace in the salvation of the malefactor on the cross, his repentance giving refreshment to the Lord Jesus at the darkest moment.

Verses 44-49. Nature withholds its light for three hours, and the veil of the temple is rent. Jesus cries with a loud voice and into the Father’s hands commends His spirit.

Verses 50-56. The burial of Jesus in an undefiled sepulchre of a rich man: see Isaiah 53:9⁹And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. (Isaiah 53:9) (Matt. 27:57⁵⁷When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple: (Matthew 27:57); Mark 15:42⁴²And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath, (Mark 15:42); John 19:38³⁸And after this Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus. (John 19:38)).

Chapter 24

Verses 1-12. Visit of the women and Peter to the sepulchre (Matt. 28:1¹In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. (Matthew 28:1); Mark 16:2²And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. (Mark 16:2); John 20:1¹The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. (John 20:1)).

Verses 13-32. Jesus appears to two on their way to Emmaus. He interprets out of Moses and all the prophets the things concerning Himself. He made Himself known to them in an act which sets forth His death, and then became invisible. (This illustrates Christianity — eternal life. The Christ is cut off, and His own know Him now as dead, but alive in a new place, unseen by the natural eye.)

Verses 33-49. Jesus appears to the eleven, and speaks Peace to them. He is the same Jesus, but a risen Man: not a spirit, for a spirit has not flesh and bones as He had; and He also ‘did eat before them’ (see Acts 10:41⁴¹Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. (Acts 10:41); 1 John 1:1-3¹That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; ²(For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) ³That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. (1 John 1:1‑3)). He opened their understanding that they might understand the Scriptures. Repentance and remission of sins was to be preached among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem (showing that grace super abounded); but they were to tarry at Jerusalem until endued with power from on high by the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Verses 50-53. The Lord’s ascension, without which the Holy Spirit could not come. He did not ascend from Jerusalem, but from Bethany; from whence He had set out to be presented as King to Jerusalem. (He is now a Man in the glory, waiting for the moment to arrive when He shall come to fetch His ransomed ones to be with Him forever.) (Mark 16:19¹⁹So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. (Mark 16:19)).

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