Q. “W. L.” wishes to know the place that Zaccheus took when he stood and said “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor, and if I have taken anything from any man, by false accusation, I restore him four-fold” (Luke 19:88And Zaccheus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. (Luke 19:8)).
A. He recounted the practice of his life, hitherto in secret it might be, with God. Perhaps the taunts of the multitude as to the Lord’s having “gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner” drew forth this half sort of vindication of his master, while it exposed the practices of an earnest heart who, being in a false position, sought to ease a sensitive conscience by doing as he just had said. Of the truth of his statement as to himself there could have been no doubt; nor was it questioned by those who were ready to accuse the Lord and him, and amongst whom his life was spent and known. Peace with God, or salvation, were not known to him: these efforts in secret had not answered the claims of an unpurged conscience with God. “Salvation” only came to his house that day as Jesus entered it and became known to His host. The Lord, too, took no notice of these works, and expressly said to all there that “This day is salvation come to this house.” It should be known and possessed first ere such things would be owned as acceptable to God.