Lectionary Calendar
Thursday, April 18th, 2024
the Third Week after Easter
the Third Week after Easter
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Bible Commentaries
The Bible Study New Testament Bible Study NT
Copyright Statement
These files are public domain.
These files are public domain.
Bibliographical Information
Ice, Rhoderick D. "Commentary on Luke 6". "The Bible Study New Testament". https://studylight.org/commentaries/eng/ice/luke-6.html. College Press, Joplin, MO. 1974.
Ice, Rhoderick D. "Commentary on Luke 6". "The Bible Study New Testament". https://studylight.org/
Whole Bible (51)New Testament (18)Gospels Only (7)Individual Books (9)
Verses 1-5
1–5.
Through some wheat fields on a Sabbath day. For notes on the argument with the Pharisees, see Matthew 12:1-14. [Note: corn is wheat or barley in England; oats in Scotland.]
Verses 6-11
6–11.
On another Sabbath. For notes about the healing of the crippled hand, see Matthew 12:9-15.
Verse 12
12.
Jesus went up a hill to pray. Jesus prepared for each crisis or important event, by praying.
Verse 13
13.
He called his disciples to him. Out of these, he choses twelve and appoints them to a special work. The word “apostle” means messenger – one sent on a mission. It was not a technical term, but a work description. For notes on this and a comparison of the lists of apostles, see Matthew 10:1-5.
Verses 17-19
17–19.
Jesus stood on a level place. This leads into Luke’s version of the Sermon on the Mount (which Matthew gives in much greater detail). Only Luke tells us the Sermon was preceded by healing the crowds of sick.
Verses 20-23
20–23.
Happy. These beatitudes are given more fully by Matthew. See notes on Matthew 5:1-12. Kingdom of God. Luke uses this phrase, while Matthew uses Kingdom of heaven. This shows the two phrases are interchangeable and mean the same thing.
Verses 24-26
24–26.
But how terrible for you who are rich now. Matthew does not give these. Jesus lists four “horrors” which are the exact opposite of the beatitudes he had just given, and the meaning will be found in the comparison. Rich now. Those who are so much “IN LOVE” with this present “world” that they have become proud, arrogant, and unteachable. Such as these disqualify themselves for Christ’s spiritual Kingdom. Full now. Those who are completely satisfied with material things. They have no deep sense of spiritual need, no desire to be “put right” with God. Because they have made this world their “god,” they will go hungry when all that is material is stripped away. Laugh now. Not ordinary laughter, but those who make their sin and rebellion against God a hilarious frolic. These will not laugh when Jesus Comes and the dead are raised! Compare Revelation 6:12-17. When all men speak well of you. This is said specifically to the disciples. It is the exact opposite of Luke 6:22. Whoever structures his life to please God will meet people who will hate, reject, and insult him, [as they did to Christ]. To get all men to speak well of you, you must join the false prophets. [These four “horrors” can be understood as four types of people. (1) Those who worship riches. (2) Those delighted with this present life. (3) Those who live only for pleasure. (4) Those who live only to get praise and glory.]
Verses 27-36
27–36.
Love your enemies. See notes on Matthew 5:38-48.
Verses 37-38
37–38.
Do not judge others. See notes on Matthew 7:1-2.
Verse 39
39.
One blind man cannot lead another one. See note on Matthew 15:14.
Verse 40
40.
No pupil is greater than his teacher. See note on Matthew 10:24. This also must be understood in view of Luke 6:37. Jesus did not come to “judge” (John 12:47-48), but to save. Every Christian must follow his example.
Verses 41-42
41–42.
Why do you look at the speck. An example to show how stupid this “judging” really is! Many who want to reform the world, need first to reform and clean up their own lives. Note that Jesus uses “HUMOR.”
Verses 43-45
43–45.
A healthy tree does not bear bad fruit. Whatever a man really is will show up in his actions. See notes on Matthew 7:0; Matthew 15-21.
Verses 46-49
46–49.
Why do you call me, Lord, Lord? Many fool themselves by being “all talk and no action” [even though they do things which they think are important]. See notes on Matthew 7:21-27. Dug deep. Luke adds that the one man dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. The foolish man built his house on the ground, without laying a foundation. We must build on The Rock who is Christ our Lord, The declaration of faith (Matthew 16:16) must be believed in our hearts (Romans 10:9-10) and declared with our lips for us to build on the Rock (Matthew 16:18; Mark 16:16) and be saved.