Bible Commentaries
Luke 12

Verse 1

JESUS WARNED ABOUT LEAVEN OF THE PHARISEES V. 1-15

1) "In the meantime," (en hois) "in the meanwhile," shortly after he pronounced woes on the leaders (false leaders) of the Jewish people of that day, Luke 11:39; Luke 11:42-43; Luke 11:46-47; Luke 11:52.

2) "When there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people," (episumachthelson ton muriadon tou ochlou) "When the crowd of thousands had assembled or come closely together," many thousands.

3) "Insomuch that they trode one upon another," (hoste katapatein allelous) "So as to tread or step on one another," because of shoving and pushing.

4) "He began to say to his disciples first of all," (erksato legein pros tous mathetas autou proton) "He began to say directly to his disciples first in order," or priority, as the flock of His new covenant fellowship, called His church, He turned to address the multitudes.

5) "Beware ye of the leaven," (prosechete heautois apo tes zurnes) "Take heed (be cautious or careful) from (avoid) the leaven," the putrefication or pollution, Matthew 13:33; Matthew 16:6; Matthew 16:11-12. This leaven was a mask of sanctity worn by the Pharisees.

6) "Of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy." (hetis estin hupokrisis ton Pharisaion) "Of the Pharisees which is (exists as or in the form of) hypocrisy," Luke 11:39. Satan was the first hypocrite who came posing as a friend and helper, only to deceive, to entrap by ulterior motives, Genesis 3:1-24. Hypocrisy is of two kinds, First, pretending to be what one is not, Galatians 2:13; and Second, concealing what one really is within.

Verse 2

1) "For there is nothing covered," (ouden de sunkekalumenon estin) "Now there is (exists) not one thing that has been covered up," concealed, or hidden, Matthew 10:26; Mark 4:22.

2) "That shall not be revealed;" (ho ouk apokaluphthesetai) "Which will not be uncovered," unveiled or disclosed, Matthew 10:26; 1 Samuel 15:14; 2 Kings 5:26.

3) "Neither hid, that shall not be known." (krupton ho ou gnosthesetai) "And hidden (deliberately) which will not be known," come to be known, to be uncovered and exposed, to righteous judgment, Philippians 2:15-16; Matthew 10:27.

Verse 3

1) "Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness," (anth’ hon hosa en te skotia eipate) "Therefore whatever you all have said in the darkness," the doctrines one teaches as well as the words one speaks, will be manifest themselves, after the sowing, for good or evil, Galatians 6:7-8. Even idle words shall be brought to judgment, Matthew 12:36-37.

2) "Shall be heard in the light;" (en to photi akousthesetai) "It will come to be heard in the fight," Acts 5:3; Acts 8:20-21. To try to hide sin prevents prosperity and only delays accounting. For truth will come out in the judgment, Proverbs 28:13.

3) "And that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets," (kai ho pros to ous elalesate en tois tamieiois) "And what you have spoken in the ear of anyone in private places," with moral or ethical, ulterior motives, with hope of concealment, 1 Corinthians 4:5.

4) "Shall be proclaimed upon the housetops." (keruchthesetai epi ton domaton) "it will be heralded, proclaimed, or announced upon the housetops," or from the roofs of houses, to be heard by all, announced to multitudes. Awesome is ones accountability for his words and deeds, Ecclesiastes 12:13-14.

EVERYTHING RECORDED

It is related that, some time since, a gentleman visiting England called upon a gentleman there. He was shown into a large and elegantly furnished drawing-room, where he was received by the gentleman whom he sought. He saw that there were two other persons seated at a table in the room, but, not being introduced to them, proceeded with his business. At the close of the interview, as he was about to leave, the gentleman remarked, "I am accustomed to have my conversations with me recorded, and, that there may be no misunderstanding, these my amanuenses will read to you what you have said," The visitor was thunderstruck. He little thought, while sitting there, that two pairs of ears were catching up every word he uttered. So with many in this world. They seem not to know that there is a Being about their path who hears every syllable they utter, and who, "when the books are opened," will bring everything to view."

-Baxendale

Verse 4

1) "And I say unto you my friends," (lego de humin tois philois mou) "Then I tell you my friends;" Here, our Lord’s church disciples, of Luke 12:1 are called "my friends," John 15:14. He speaks to His friends or comrades as a general to his soldiers in arms, Ephesians 6:10-18. He distinguishes them from the hostile Pharisee hypocrites of Luke 12:1; Isaiah 8:12-13; Jeremiah 1:8.

2) "Be not afraid of them that kill the body," (me phobethete apo ton apoktennonton to soma) "Do not be afraid or terrorized by those who kill the body," Psalms 49:16-17; Matthew 10:28; For He has not given us the spirit of bondage to fear, Romans 8:15; Isaiah 51:7-8; Acts 20:24; Philippians 1:28.

3) "And after that they have no more that they can do." (kai meta tauta me echonton ti poiesai) "And after they have done this they have nothing beyond it that they can do," Matthew 10:28. The power of the enemy of God’s children is limited to this life, and to the hurt of the body only, not to the soul, and that by the permissive will of God, Job 1:1-22; Isaiah 51:12-13; 1 Peter 3:14.

Verse 5

1) "But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear:" (hupodeikso de humin tina phobethete) "Yet I will warn you whom you may fear," and to be forewarned, is to be "forearmed," against slave-like fear, Revelation 1:18.

2) "Fear him, which after he hath killed," (phobethete ton meta to apokteinai) "Fear him, who after he has killed," after the enemy has killed the body, Luke 12:4, 2 Peter 2:4.

3) "Hath power to cast into hell;" (echonta eksousian embalein eis ten geennan) "Has, holds, or possesses administrative authority to cast into gehenne-hell," to cast both soul and body, the soul in the resurrection body, fitted for duration in hell, John 5:28-29; Revelation 20:11-15; Matthew 5:22; Matthew 10:28.

4) "Yea, I say unto you, Fear him." (nai lego humin touton phobethete) "Yes, I tell you, you all fear this one," the true God, Ecclesiastes 12:14; Isaiah 51:7-13; Matthew 25:41; Matthew 25:46.

Verse 6

1) "Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings," (ouchi pente strouthia assarion duo) "Are not five sparrows sold for the price of two farthings?" of such little value, esteemed so little by men; The price was about two cents, Matthew 10:29. The price was two for a farthing or, at a bargain, five for two farthings.

2) "And not one of them is forgotten before God?" (kai en eks auton ouk estin epilelesmenon enopion tou theou) "And not even one of them is having been forgotten before the presence of God," who knoweth all things, and cares for His property, Psalms 84:3; Psalms 145:16; Psalms 147:9; Acts 15:18.

Verse 7

1) "But even the hairs of your head," (alla kai hai triches tes kephales humon) "But even to the hairs of your head," the total parts of the natural covering of your head, are in His computerized, invoiced, coverage-care. The simplicity of this illustration is with charm, emphasizes knowledge and care of His own.

2) "Are numbered." (pasai erithmentai) "Have all been and are numbered," Acts 15:18, are identified numerically, because of His accurate care for you, Matthew 10:30.

3) "Fear not therefore:" (me phobeisthe) "Do not be afraid," affrighted, or fearful, in the light of this, Hebrews 13:5; Matthew 10:31.

4) "Ye are of more value than many sparrows." (pollon strouthion diapherete) "You all differ from many sparrows," being of far more value. Yes, we are redeemed, immortal beings, children, servants, and stewards, of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ. Therefore, let us not live lives of fear, despond, or despair, Matthew 15:20; 1 Corinthians 4:2; Romans 8:15; Romans 8:17.

Verse 8

1) "Also I say unto you," (lego de humin) "Yet I tell you all," my disciples, Luke 12:1, "my friends" Luke 12:4, concerning confession of me, Mark 8:38.

2) "Whosoever shall confess me before men," (pas ho an homologese en emoi emprosthen ton anthropon) "Each one, whoever he is that confesses me before men," who confesses, acknowledges, and defends me before men, my person as Savior and Lord, Acts 1:8; Matthew 10:32; Psalms 119:46; Romans 10:9-10.

3) "Him shall the Son of man also confess," (kai ho huios tou anthropou homologesei en autou) "The Son of man will also confess him," acknowledge him as His child, Matthew 8:20; Luke 19:10; Matthew 10:32.

4) "Before the angels of God:" (emprosthen ton angellon thou theou) "In the presence of the angels of God," Hebrews 1:4; Hebrews 1:14; When He comes to be glorified in His Saints, 2 Thessalonians 1:10; Matthew 25:31; Revelation 3:8; Revelation 3:10.

Verse 9

1) "But he that denieth me before men," (ho de amesamenss me enopion ton anthropon) "Yet that one who denies me in the presence of men," on earth, or is ashamed to deny me before men on earth, Luke 9:26; Matthew 10:33; 2 Timothy 2:12.

2) "Shall be denied before the angels of God." (aparnethesetai enopion ton angelon tou theou) "He or that one will be denied in the presence of the angels of God," Luke 9:26; Matthew 10:33; 1 John 2:22-23; Revelation 2:13; Revelation 2:16.

Verse 10

1) "And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man," (kai pas hos erei logon eis ton huion tou anthropou) "And each one who shall raise up a word (resistance) against the Son of man," Luke 19:10, obstinately, persistently,

2) "It shall be forgiven him:" (aphethesetai auto) "It will be forgiven to him," Mark 3:28.

3) "But unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost," (to de eis to hagion pneuma blasphemesanti) "Yet the one continuing blaspheming, (irreverently resisting) the Holy Spirit," without interruption continually, Hebrews 4:7; Matthew 9:3-6. It appears that the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit involves one in a continual, willful, deliberate, defiance of the call of the Holy Spirit to him, to turn to Jesus. The danger is that none knows when the final call is being rejected, Hebrews 4:7; Proverbs 29:1.

4) "It shall not be forgiven." (ouk aphethesetai) "That one will not be forgiven," pardoned, justified, or acquitted, John 8:24; Mark 3:29; Isaiah 63:10.

Verse 11

1) "And when they bring you unto the synagogues," (hotan de eispherosin humas epi tas aunagogas) "Then when they drag you up to the synagogue," to question, chide, threaten, or whip you, to beat you for being a believer in me, John 15:20; Matthew 10:9; Mark 13:11; Luke 21:14.

2) "And unto the magistrates, and powers,’ (kai tas archas kai tas eksousias) "And to the rulers and administrative authorities," of the Mosaic law, to the officers of the lower or inferior religious courts. The term "powers" is here used to refer to the civil, Roman rulers, as Herod and Felix, Acts 12:6; Acts 12:19; Acts 23:24.

3) "Take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer," (me merimnesete pos he ti apologesethe) Do not be anxious how or what you will reply;" Before the Bible was completed as credentials of authority for followers of Jesus Christ, He, gave special Holy Spirit unction, for times of crisis, to His laborers, Luke 21:14.

4) "Or what ye shall say:" (he ti eipete) "Or even what you may say," to your inquirers or accusers. This is not a promise of such help for a lazy Bible student, teacher, or preacher today, 2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Peter 3:9; 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

Verse 12

1) "For the Holy Spirit shall teach you," (to gar hazion pneuma didaksei humas) "For the Holy Spirit will teach you," when you are in peril of danger, as Stephen at his stoning, Peter when before the Jerusalem council, and Paul ’ when before Agrippa, Acts 7:51-60; Acts 4:18-20; Acts 26:14-29.

2) "In the same hour what ye ought to say." (en aute te hora ha dei eipen) "in the same hour (of your need) just what things you must say," even as He spoke to Paul in the midst of a terrible storm at sea, while on His way to imprisonment in Rome, Acts 6:10; Acts 27:21-25; Exodus 4:12; 1 Peter 5:7.

Verse 13

1) "And one of the company said unto him," (elpen de tis ek tou ochlou auto) "Then someone from out of the crowd said;" Whether the one that approached was a disciple or not, is not clear. He may have even been a member of His chosen church company of disciples, traveling with Him, John 15:16; John 15:27.

2) "Master, speak to my brother," (didaskale eipe to adelpho mou) "Master, tell my brother," fraternal brother. It may even be that his brother was unjust in holding on to probation of the estate, Romans 1:31; Proverbs 18:19.

3) "That he divide the inheritance with me." (merisasthai met emou ten kleronomian) "To divide the inheritance with me," right away, to turn over my part of the estate to me. He had perhaps let his mind wonder, as Jesus spoke of the Father’s providential care over and provision for His own. And his mind had been "stuck on", glued on material, estate matters, expressing a covetous nature that held priority in his thoughts and desires, 1 John 2:17-19; 1 Timothy 6:10-12. He seemed in haste to secure an estate, without probate or litigation, or any delay. When two brothers were involved one third went to the younger and two thirds to the older brother, Deuteronomy 21:17. For the elder son became high priest of the family after death of the father, and was to make family sacrifices for all family members at home, from his inheritance.

Verse 14

1) "And he said unto him, Man," (eipen de pros autous) "And he (Jesus) said directly to him," (anthrope) "Man," personally addressing him in a chiding manner, as "man" so different from "friend", or comrade, Luke 12:4.

2) "Who made me a judge or a divider over you?" (tis me katestesen kriten e meristen eph’ humas) "Who made or appointed me a judge (or adjudicator), an arbitrator, an estate divider in civil matters over you?" John 18:36. Jesus did not come the first time to act as a civil ruler, governor, or king over men. It is what one is, not what one has, that determines his true character and value.

Verse 15

1) "And he said unto them," (eipen de pros autous) "Then he said directly to them," to the disciples, His hearers, Luke 12:1. To covet or desire anything, except it be to glorify God, as a good steward, is vain, 1 Corinthians 4:2; 1 Corinthians 10:31.

2) "Take heed and beware of covetousness:" (horate kai phulassesthe apo pases pleoneksias) "Be cautious and be on guard against all covetousness," Proverbs 28:16; 1 Timothy 6:7; Hebrews 13:5, all kinds or forms of worldliness. In the midst of our Lord’s heavenly address of warning against the leaven (putrefication), false teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees, this man’s mind had been obsessed with affairs of the world, 1 John 2:17-19.

3) "For a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance," (hoti ou en to perisseuein tini zoe autou estin) "Because no one’s life abounds, holds or stays glued together by the amount or accumulated volume." True enjoyment and value of life is not measured by material wealth, Psalms 37:16; Proverbs 15:16; Proverbs 16:8.

4) "Of the things he possesseth." (ek ton huparchonton auto) "Out of or by means of his possessions," or the things he has accumulated to himself, of material or passing worldly things, Proverbs 23:5; Ecclesiastes 5:10; 1 Timothy 6:10; James 5:3; 1 Timothy 6:17-18.

Verse 16

THE RICH FOOL PARABLE V. 16-34

1) "And he spake a parable unto them, saying," (eipen de parabolen pros autous legon) "Then he told them a parable, saying pointedly," to illustrate the nature and fruit of covetousness.

2) "The ground of a certain rich man," (he chora. anthropou tinos plousiou) "The land or estate of a certain rich or wealthy man;" That he was wealthy indicates even more the folly of his covetous heart, expressed in his thoughts, resolves, and words.

3) "Brought forth plentifully:" (euphoresen) "Produced well," abundantly, or desirably, because God blessed him, sending the needed sunshine and rain, Deuteronomy 30:9; Romans 2:4. He thus had less excuse for covetousness.

Verse 17

1) "And he thought within himself, saying," (kai dielogizeto en heatuo legon) "And he reasoned in himself," in his own mind and heart, for his own selfish interest, (legon) "repeatedly saying," with thoughtful, foolish, and covetous words, anxiously planning, without consideration of the will of God, or any expressed gratitude to Him. Complaints of farmers are proverbial, Proverbs 24:9.

2) "What shall I do," (ti poieso) "Just what may I do." Being rich he might have given away some of his wealth, while living, and cheered the needy, or helped a worthy cause, but covetousness in his soul held him back.

3) "Because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?" (hot! ouk echo pou sunakso tous karpous mou) "Because I do not own, have, or possess a place where I may store my fruit," from my land, which is so very plentiful, so much more than I need. But it appears that "hoarding" was his hobby, his god. He had not an heart to share with his fellowman. Note the "I", "me," "my," and "mine," that came from a covetous, hell-bound soul. He did not consider the "will of God," for him, for either that day or the future; Though in Him he lived, moved, and had his being, Acts 17:28; James 4:14-17.

Verse 18

1) "And he said, This will I do," (kai elpen touto poieso) "And he said, this I will (am determined) to do," not seeking the will of God, Ephesians 5:16-17; This is what I have made up my mind to do. It was not to help his fellowman, any charitable or religious cause, but for selfish gain.

2) "I will pull down my barns, and build greater," (kathelo mou tas apothekas kai meizonas oikodomeso) "I will pull down (remove) my present barns and I will build larger ones," not realizing that that farm, and those barns, did not belong to him, and he did not belong to himself, but to God, by right of creation, Ezekiel 18:4; Malachi 2:10, and by right of daily Divine care over him, La 3:22; Acts 17:28.

3) "And there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods." (kai sunakso ekei panta ton siton kai ta agatha mou) "And I will gather out there (bring together) all my wheat and goods," which really actually did not belong to him, but to God. He did not reflect any spirit of "If the Lord wills," as commanded James 4:15. He sought not, and thought not, of God, or of the poor who might have need of what he was hoarding, but of himself only.

Verse 19

1) "And I will say to my soul," (kai ero te psuche mou) "And I will advise my soul," Proverbs 27:1; Ecclesiastes 11:9; 1 Corinthians 15:32; James 5:5, tell my soul-life, I’m my own captain, will do as I please, take care of myself, be my own god, Psalms 14:1. I will get all I "can", "can" all I ’.can," then sit on the "can", not realizing that the lid would soon blow off, Hebrews 9:27.

2) "Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years;" (psuche echeis polla agatha keimena eis ete polla) "Soul, (of me) you have or possess many goods laid up (sufficient) for many years," you have it made at last; He trusted in "uncertain riches" which can not redeem the soul, 1 Peter 1:18-19; 1 Timothy 6:9.

3) "Take thine ease," (anapauou) "Take your rest," or be at ease now, from now on. He placed his hope solely on perishing things, on poor stock, with diminishing dividends, 1 John 2:17-19.

4) "Eat, drink, and be merry." (This is the Epicurean philosophy of humanism.)

a) (phage) "you eat," as you please, from now on, be full. Such does not satisfy the hungry, perishing, starving soul.

b) (pie) "you drink" as you please, from now on, to satisfy your belly and its thirst; yet only Christ, as the Bread and Water of life, satisfies the need of the soul, John 6:35.

c) (euphrainou) "You be glad," or be jolly, from now on; live it up, for you have a plenty now, Ecclesiastes 11:9; 1 Timothy 6:17-19.

But the way of peace and gladness, neither a lost person nor a backslider can ever know, while carnally gluttonous and selfishly clinging to materialism as his only source of gladness or security. This man never found peace or gladness, as the prodigal son did not in the hog-pen, or until he returned to his father’s house, and found forgiveness for his sins, Luke 15:17-24; Isaiah 57:20-21.

Verse 20

1) "But God said unto him," (eipen de auto ho theos) "Then God said to him," his giver and sustainer of life and all that he had accumulated; whom he had left out of all his plans, "having no hope, and without God in the world," Ephesians 2:12.

2) "Thou fool," (aphron) "0 foolish one," responsible one, selfish and covetous one, self-centered one, who thinks, resolves, and speaks in such a self-damning way, with such fallible wisdom, 1 Corinthians 1:21.

3) "This night thy soul shall be required of thee:" (taute te nukti ten psuchen sou apaitousin apo sou) "in this very night your soul they demand from you;" "After many days," Psalms 52:5; Psalms 52:7 you are required to give account of your decisions and stewardship of life, Romans 14:11-12.

4) "Then whose shall those things be," (de tini estai) "Then whose will they (those things) be," Psalms 39:6; Jeremiah 17:11, come to be; apparently the man was so engrossed in covetousness and selfishness, that he made not so much as a word of preparation for the future use of his estate, when he was gone, Psalms 49:17; Hebrews 9:27-28.

5) "Which thou hast provided?" (ha hetoimasas) "Which you have prepared and provided?" without regards for your eternal soul’s welfare, or that of anyone else on earth, James 4:14. He died in a state "worse than an infidel," providing not a thing for his own household, but for the "I" "me" and "mine," as an ego-maniac, 1 Timothy 5:8. The sudden cutting short of this man’s career is given to emphasize the Vanity of trying to find soul satisfaction in hoarding property while caring not for God or one’s fellowman, then facing the consequence of a life without God, in all eternity, Mark 8:34-37.

Verse 21

1) "So is he that layeth up treasure for himself," (houtos ho thesaurizon auton) "Just like this one is the one who is continually treasuring to himself," Matthew 6:20; 1 Timothy 6:18-19; James 2:5, for self alone, as an atheist, or an unrighteous person, without regards for the Word of God, to prepare to die, Amos 4:12; Acts 17:30-31; Matthew 6:19-21.

2) "And is not rich toward God." (kai me eis teon plouton) "And is not rich (of wealth) toward God," who gives no alms, or does no benevolence, Proverbs 19:17, who does not honor God with the riches and wealth given to his stewardship, through accepting redemption in Christ, and walking in obedient service to his God, John 3:3; John 3:5; Ephesians 2:10; 1 Corinthians 3:8.

Verse 22

1) "And he said unto his disciples," (eipen de pros tous mathetes lautou) "Then he said directly, personally, to his disciples," to the company of covenant-fellowship followers, called His church, Matthew 16:18, and whom He had chosen, Matthew 4:18-22; John 15:16; John 15:27; John 20:21.

2) "Therefore, I say unto you," (dia touto lego humin) "On account of this, I tell you," or advise you all, Matthew 6:25; Philippians 4:6.

3) "Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat," (me merimnate te psuche ti phagete) "Do not be overanxious for your physical care, just what you may eat," or do not have anxiety or worry, 1 Samuel 9:5; Matthew 6:25; Matthew 6:31.

4) "Neither for the body, what ye shall put on." (mede to somati (humon) ti endusesthe) "Nor for your body just what you may put on," or wear, in the matter of clothes, Hebrews 13:5-6; Philippians 3:18-19; Philippians 4:6-7.

Verse 23

1) "The life is more than meat," (he gar psuche pleion estin tes trophes) "For the life is (exists as) more than food," something beyond food, Matthew 6:24. It is a greater gift than food.

2) "And the body is more than raiment." (kai to soma tou endumatos) "And the body (consists of) more than just clothes," what one may wear, Matthew 6:25. And He who gives and sustains His creatures with life and breath, will also through His mercy, care for food and the clothing of His own, La 3:22; Acts 17:28.

Verse 24

1) "Consider the ravens:" (katanoesate tous korakas) "You all consider the ravens," the crows. Study or observe them carefully, Psalms 147:9; Job 38:41, for He cares for and feeds them.

2) "For they neither sow nor reap;" (hoti oute speirousin oute therizousin) "That they neither sow nor reap," of earth’s plant life, Matthew 6:26.

3) "Which neither have storehouse nor barn," (hotis ouk estin tamieion oude apotheke) "Which have neither a storehouse nor a barn," for storage and an hiding, in times of cold and storm, a thing that the rich barn builder coveted, Luke 12:16-21.

4) "And God feedeth them:" (kai ho theos trepheis auto) "And God feeds them," while the rich, covetous, godless, hoarding barn-builder labored and died with anxiety, trusting uncertain riches, 1 Timothy 6:17-19.

5) "How much more are ye better than the fowls?" (poso mallon humeis diapnerete ton pereinon) "By how much more do you all differ (in a better way) from the birds?" You are more important to God than they are, aren’t you? For you are intellectual, moral, immortal, redeemed servants of His, aren’t you? Romans 8:32; Yes, you are better than fowls, Psalms 104:12; Job 35:11; Jeremiah 8:7.

Verse 25

1) "And which of you with taking thought," (tis de eks humon merimnon) "And then who among you all by being anxious," an overanxious concern, as in Luke 12:22. This is similar to the words of our Lord in the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:1 to Matthew 7:29.

2) "Can add to his stature one cubit?" (dunatai epi ten helikian autou prostheinai pechun) "is able to add to his stature even a cubit?) or add 18 inches to his height? or 18 months to his life? None can do either, Matthew 6:27.

Verse 26

1) "If ye then be not able to do that which is least," (ei oun oude elachiston dunasthe) "Therefore if you all are not able to add even the very least," by thinking about it. The application of dimensions and measures of space to time is not uncommon in the Scriptures, Psalms 39:5; 2 Timothy 4:7. One can not add to the length or course of his life by worry.

2) "Why take ye thought for the rest?" (ti peri ton loipon merimnate) "Just why are you anxious concerning the other temporal things?" that pertain or relate to life and its physical needs, Matthew 6:28.

Verse 27

1) "Consider the lilies how they grow:" (katanoesate ta krina) "You all consider (ponder) the lilies," those with which they were familiar in the area of Galilee, Matthew 6:28. Consider, not merely their natural beauty, but the moral lesson, that it is God who sustains them, as He does you; Because He cares for both you and them, as both grow mysteriously, Ecclesiastes 11:5.

2) "They toll not, they spin not;" (pos oute nethei oute huphainei) "How they neither weave nor spin," their clothing, what they wear, Matthew 6:28.

3) "And yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory," (lego de humin Solomon en pase te dokse autou) "Yet I tell you, that Solomon (bedecked) in all his glory," Matthew 6:29.

4) "Was not arrayed like one of these." (oude periebaleto hos hen touton) "Was not clothed (in dazzling array) as one of these," of these lilies in their natural habitat, Mark 6:29; or cared for and brought the fulness of beauty in character, like one of these, so, worry not, Acts 17:28.

Verse 28

1) "If then God so clothe the grass," (ei de ho theos houtos amphiazei ton chorton) "Then if God so gorgeously clothes the grass-lilies," or the grass that is mown down in the fields, where lilies are arrayed in the beauty of nature, 1 Peter 1:24. For the flower is the glory of the grass, as the soul is the glory of man.

2) "Which is today in the field," (en argo onta semeron) "Which exists in a field today," one day, Matthew 6:30.

3) "And tomorrow is cast into the oven;" (kai aurion eis klibanon ballomenon) "And tomorrow is thrown into an oven," a covered earthen vessel, where bread was baked by putting coals of fire upon it, to be burned, in so short a time, Matthew 6:30.

4) "How much more will he clothe you, 0 ye of little faith?" (poso mallon humas oligopistoi) "How much rather (by what greater priority will he clothe you all) you of such little faith," or who use your faith in such a little manner! Or will He not be even more careful to clothe you all, you who hold so little faith? The implied answer is, He will, Matthew 6:30; Philippians 4:6-7; Philippians 4:18-19.

Verse 29

1) "And seek not ye what ye shall sat," (kai huneis me zeteite ti phagete) "And you all do not seek what you may eat," in an overanxious manner, as a first priority of life, as the rich barn builder did, Matthew 6:31; Matthew 6:34.

2) "Or what ye shall drink," (kai ti piete) "And what you may drink," in that overanxious manner to quench your thirst.

3) "Neither be ye of doubtful mind." (kai me meteorizesthe) "And do not be in suspense," off balance in a mental state or condition of uncertainty, tossed as a ship or beach ball on waves of a storm, in suspense, an unstable state, James 1:5-8.

Verse 30

1) "For all these things," (tauta gar panta) "For all these kind of material or worldly things," which are not to be lusted after, 1 John 2:17-19.

2) "Do the nations of the world seek after" (ta ethne tou kosmou epizousin) "Do the heathen of the world continually seek," chase, or pursue, a thing you all are to avoid, Romans 12:1-2; Matthew 6:32.

3) "And your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things." (humon de ho pater oiden hoti chrezete touton) "Yet your Father perceives that you all have need of them," 2 Chronicles 16:9, and because He knows He will provide them for you, according to His wisdom, if you seek His will as a priority in all that you do, or purpose to do in life, Matthew 6:33; And He will provide for you, Psalms 37:25.

Verse 31

1) "But rather seek ye the kingdom of God;" (plen zeteite ten basileian autou) "But you all continually seek His kingdom," the welfare of His spiritual domain, as His stewards, in your new covenant church fellowship of service, Matthew 6:33, His kingdom of Heaven, the church, now on earth, is custodian of His work on earth, Matthew 28:18-20; John 15:16; John 15:26-27; John 20:21.

2) "And all these things shall be added unto you." (kai tauta prostethesetai humin) "And all these kind of things (material needs) will be added or computed to your asset ledger." Romans 8:34, to meet your daily needs, Matthew 6:33, as you carry on His Word and will, in and through the church, Ephesians 3:21, and "In His name."

Verse 32

1) "Fear not little flock," (me phobou to mikron poimnion) "Do not be fearful little flock," little assembly, little new covenant people, fellowship of mine, a diminutive, very small band or company, in comparison with world governments, Matthew 26:30-32; Zechariah 13:9.

2) "For It Is your Father’s good pleasure," (hoti eudokesen ho pater humon) "Because your Father was and is pleased," and He is my Father, permitting me to be the good shepherd to you all, my church-flock, John 10:1; Matthew 26:30-32; Zechariah 13:7; even as He was pleased with the baptism of His Son, who soon thereafter began calling and choosing His little flock, His church, Matthew 3:17; Matthew 4:18-22.

3) "To give you the kingdom." (dounai humin ten basileian) "To give, dole out, commit, or entrust to you all the kingdom," of His worship and service. The term "of God," Luke 12:31, is omitted in the better manuscripts, which infers that Luke often used the phrase "kingdom of God," in the broad sense, to refer to the church. It is restrictedly called "The kingdom of heaven," by Matthew, more than thirty times, used to mean the church only, in each instance; It never means all the saved!

Verse 33

1) "Sell that ye have, and give alms;" (polesate ta huparchonta humon kai dote eleemosunen) "You all sell your possessions and give alms," a matter of doing good deeds, Matthew 19:21; Acts 2:45; Acts 4:34-35, instructions directed apparently at the apostles, those sent forth away from their homes to preach and to teach, not to all the disciples, for the members of the church were to hold property and dispose of or manage it as good stewards, 1 Corinthians 4:2; Acts 4:4.

2) "Provide yourselves bags which wax not old," (polesate heautois ballanta me palaioumena) "Make for your use purses that do not become old," aged or decay, of the finest quality, Matthew 6:20; 1 Timothy 6:18; Proverbs 19:17; Acts 2:44-45.

3) "A treasure in the heavens that falleth not," (theasuron aneklipton en tois ouranois) "An unfailing treasure in the heavens," a large store, Matthew 6:19, rather than upon earth, where they do corrode, Proverbs 23:4; Proverbs 28:20. The riches of heaven are unfailing, incorruptible, and inexhaustible, Matthew 6:10; Luke 16:9.

4) "Where no thief approacheth," (hopou kleptes ouk enguzei) "Where thieves, thugs, bandits or kleptomaniacs do not come near," or even approach, Matthew 6:19. For there is no darkness in which for them to work in heaven, Revelation 21:25.

5) "Neither moth corrupteth." (oude ses diaphtheirei) "Nor does moth corrupt," fragment, or harm your heavenly reserves, things laid up in heaven, Matthew 6:19-21; 1 Peter 1:4-5.

Verse 34

1) "For where your treasure is," (hopou gar estin ho thesauros humon) "For where your treasure is," exists, or is located, Matthew 6:21. Where one’s affections are (emotions of the heart) that is his treasure, Luke 16:9.

2) "There will your heart be also." (ekei kai he kardia humon estai) "There also will your heart be," or exist, be located, Matthew 6:21; 1 Corinthians 6:9. If one’s priority of affections is houses, lands, stocks, bonds, pleasures, lusts of the flesh, his heart-affections will be there. If his priorities are on glorifying God, his affections of the heart will be located there, 1 Corinthians 10:31; Galatians 6:14; Ephesians 3:21.

Verse 35

PARABLES REGARDING THE SECOND COMING V. 35-41

1) "Let your loins be girded about," (estosan humon hai ospues perizosomenai) "Let your loins be as having been girded about," Exodus 12:11; Ephesians 6:14, tightly wrapped, as for a race, or a rugged journey; 2 Kings 4:29. A tight belt was tied to hold the clothes from tripping one up in labor, a race, or manual labor. In like manner servants of God are to prepare for the race or battle with care, 2 Timothy 2:4; 1 Corinthians 9:21-27.

2) "And your lights burning;" (hai hoi luchnoi kaiomenos) "And let your lights (lamps) be continually burning;" Matthew 25:1, as a light to those in the darkness of sin, to help, to guide from sin to righteousness, dark to light, from hell to heaven, from idleness to service, Matthew 5:15-16; Acts 1:8; 1 Peter 1:13.

Verse 36

1) "And ye yourselves like unto me," (kai humeis homoioi anthropois) "And you all be like men," similar to men, who are servants in waiting for their master’s return to his estate, for which the servants were to care, in his estate, for which the servants were to care, in his absence, Mark 13:34-35; 1 Corinthians 4:2.

2) "That wait for their lord," (prosdechomenos ton kurion heatuon) "Who are continually (with alertness) awaiting their lord," or their master whom they serve, to be at His command for help or service, with all things ready.

3) "When he will return from the wedding;" (pote analuse ek ton gamon) "When he returns from the wedding festivities," to be received, fed, rested, etc., or the feast to which he has gone, from which he may return at any unannounced moment, Mark 13:36-37; Matthew 25:1.

4) "That when he cometh and knocketh," (hina elthontos kai krousantos) "in order that when he comes and knocks," as He will, Matthew 25:6.

5) "They may open to him immediately." (eutheos anoiksosin auto) "They may immediately open to receive him," Matthew 25:10; Luke 14:16. In each of the parables of the return of the Lord to His household, as the Bridegroom, as the Goodman of the house, an accounting is required of His own then living stewards, servants and virgins, not of the unsaved, at that return.

Verse 37

1) "Blessed are those servants," (makarioi hoi douloi ekenoi) "Blessed are those slave-servants," of mine as well, Matthew 24:42, for they shall then be rewarded, Revelation 22:12.

2) "Whom their lord when he cometh shall find watching:" (ous elthon ho kurios heuresei gregorountas) "Whom the lord will find watching when he comes," Matthew 24:42, at an uncertain and yet unknown time, Acts 1:6-8.

3) "Verily I say unto you," (amen lego humin) I truly tell you all," as my little flock of serving church followers, who shall soon be left with my work, John 15:16; John 15:27; John 20:21.

4) "That he shall gird himself," (hoti periposetai) "That he will gird himself," to serve them as a servant-master, so expressly done by our servant-master, as recounted, John 13:1. The ancient custom was for the groom to wait on the guests.

5) "And make them sit down to meat," (kai anaklinei autous) "And make them to recline," for food, that he provides, 1 Timothy 6:18-19.

6) "And will come forth and serve them," (kai parelthon diakoesei autois) "And upon coming to them he will serve them in their material needs," for food and drink, and in all spiritual needs, as pledged Revelation 3:20-21, when they shall sit with Him in His throne-glory, James 2:5; Matthew 24:45; Matthew 25:21-23; 2 Timothy 4:7-8; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Revelation 14:13.

Verse 38

1) "And if he shall come in the second watch," (kan en te deutera) "And if in the second," watch of the night he comes, between 9 p.m. and midnight. The four watches of the night were: 1) First, from 6 till 9 p.m. 2) Second, from 9 till midnight, 3) Third, from midnight to 3 a.m. and 4) Forth, from 3 a.m. to 6 a.m.

2) "Or come in the third watch," (kan en te trite phulake elthe) "And if he comes in the third watch," of the night, between midnight and 3 a.m. The first watch is not mentioned, for little vigilance, or less, is needed in the early hours, as the master was likely at the feast during this time; And the forth watch is not mentioned, as by this late hour the feast was long past, and day was breaking.

3) "And find them so, blessed are those servants." (kai heure houtos makarioi eisin ekeinoi) "And he finds (them) so (so alert and watching), blessed are those slave-servants," for immediate rewards and blessings shall be theirs. As He went into heaven the last time, with outstretched hands, blessing His own church disciples from Galilee, on the Mount of Olives, at Bethany, good angels certified that He would return in "like manner as He went away," with special blessings for His faithful, watching, and serving servants of His house, the church, Mark 13:34-35; 1 Timothy 3:15; Hebrews 3:3-6; Luke 24:50-51; Acts 1:8-11; Revelation 22:12.

Verse 39

1) "And this know," (touto de ginoskete) "Then you all recognize this," as premise or principal of wisdom, Matthew 24:43. It is an appeal to good judgment.

2) "That if the goodman of the house had known," (hot! el edei ho oikodespotes) "That if the house­master perceived," really knew, as overseer of the servants whom he supervised, while his Lord was away, Matthew 24:43; Mark 13:34; 1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Peter 3:10.

3) "What hour the thief would come," (poia hora ho kleptes erchetai) "At what hour the thief, thug, bandit, or kleptomaniac comes," in an unexpected moment. Suddenly the coming of the Son of man is switched to the comparison of a night-thief or robber’s coming, for night-burglary purposes, Revelation 16:15.

4) "He would have watched," 1 Thessalonians 5:2.

5) "And would not have suffered his house to be broken through." (ouk an apheken dioruchthenai ton oikon autou) "He would not have permitted his residence to be dug through," as an house of mud walls, plundered or torn apart, Matthew 24:43.

Verse 40

1) "Be ye therefore ready also:" (kai humeis ginesthe hetoimoi) "And you all be prepared," as servants of mine, true disciples, Matthew 24:44. The ye, or "you all", was spoken directly to the church, not the Pharisees.

2) "For the Son of man cometh," (hot! ho huios tou anthropou erchetai) "Because the Son, (heir) of mankind, comes," surely comes, Matthew 24:44; Matthew 25:13.

3) "At an our when the think not." (e hora ou dokeite) "in what hour you do not think," Matthew 24:44, least anticipate or expect; Though it should not come upon you all, as wise ones, unaware, Daniel 12:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:4-10.

Verse 41

1) "Then Peter said unto him," (eipen de ho Petros) "Then Peter said," inquiring more specifically, about whom He was speaking, regarding both watchfulness and rewards.

2) "Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us," (kurie pros hemas ten parabolen tauten legeis) "Master do you speak this parable directly to us, "as your company of church followers, your chosen servants, John 15:16; John 15:27; John 20:21; Acts 1:8; Matthew 16:18; Matthew 28:18-20.

3) "Or even to all?" (e kai peos pantas) "Or also to all?" or are you speaking to and about all the world, or even all who claim to follow you? A master or lord of an house or household gives administering directions to all those who belong to His own house or household of service, not to those of another house or household, See? Mark 13:34-35; 1 Timothy 3:15; Hebrews 3:3-6; Ephesians 2:19-22. It was to His church ’lye" restrictedly, that He said, "Ye (you all) are my friends, if you do whatsoever I have commanded you," as a service fellowship body, called the church, John 15:14; Ephesians 3:21.

Verse 42

1) "And the Lord said," (kai eipen ho kurios) "And the Lord replied," responded with illustrative truth, so as neither to excite fleshly pride nor leave any ground of reasonable doubt that He was speaking the lesson concerning those of His own church.

2) "Who then is that faithful and wise steward," (tis ara estin ho postos oikomos ho phronimos) "Who then is (exists as) the faithful and prudent house-steward," or just who is he? Is that what you want to know? 1 Corinthians 4:2. An house-steward is a servant given specific responsibilities to administer the property and estate of another, of his lord or master, while the lord is away.

3) "Whom his lord shall make ruler over his household," (hon katastesei ho kurios epi tes therapeias autou tou) "Whom the lord or master will appoint over his household, his attendants and estate," as the pastor or bishop is made overseer of each congregation he serves, Acts 20:28. He is to feed the church, as an administrator of the congregation, John 20:21; 1 Timothy 3:15.

4) "To give them their portion of meat in due season?" (didonai en kairo (to) sitometrion) "To give or dole out to them their portion of food in season;" The attendants of the household had need for food and direction in daily service or activities. Every servant is to be faithful and watching and serving his Lord in the church, but the pastor, the head steward, called Porter and Bishop, is a special servant, Mark 13:34; Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-5.

Verse 43

1) "Blessed is that servant," (makarios ho doulos ekeinos) "Blessed is that slave-servant," that bought and paid for servant who has volunteered to serve his master, rather than run free, to do his own thing, Luke 9:23; John 7:17; Ephesians 5:17.

2) "Whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing." (hon elthon ho kurios autou heuresei poiounta houtos) "Whom his master upon coming will find doing thus," Matthew 24:45, behaving in service in such a manner as to please the master; The master who "left his house," gave instructions for them to carry on His house service, with instructions to watch till he returned; And that master or Lord was Jesus, Mark 13:34-35; 1 Timothy 3:15; This house was of a different kind from that Moses built, Hebrews 3:1-6, and it is better. John the Baptist, Simeon the aged, Anna, and others redeemed of Jesus’ day, were never in His church, as many saved are not today.

Verse 44

1) "Of a truth I say unto you," (alethos lego humin) "I tell you all truly," or truthfully, factually, and definitely you all who have been saved, baptized, chosen, or elected by me, to follow me, receive my commission, carry on my church company work, with those who later do identical work of mine, John 15:16; John 15:26-27; John 20:21; Acts 1:8.

2) "That he will make him ruler over all that he hath." (hoti epi pasin tois huparchousin sutou katastesei auton) "That he will appoint him over all his possessions," Matthew 24:47, administrator over all in the millennial era, as Joseph was made "ruler over all" that Pharaoh had; This trust-pledge, is to and for future servants and stewards in the Lord’s church, in this age, as an incentive to fidelity to Him, in and through His church, Acts 20:28; Ephesians 3:21; Ephesians 5:25. For instance 1) First, the Lord promised that the twelve apostles, first officers of the church, would be granted to sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel, Luke 22:28-30; Luke 2) Second, He pledged that the faithful in His house-service might rule over five, ten, cities in that millennial era, Luke 19:12-19; Luke 19:3) Third, that such were to sit on thrones, in close affinity with Him, ruling in the kingdom age, Revelation 3:21; Revelation 20:4.

Verse 45

1) "But and if that servant say in his heart," (ean de eipe ho doulos ekeinos en te kardia autou) "Then if the slave-servant says in his heart," in his affections, that servant, even of that house or household, and of that master, a member of that church company, Mark 13:34-36.

2) "My lord delayeth his coming;" (chronizei ho kurios mou erchesthai) "My lord delays to come," or defers to come, Ecclesiastes 8:11; 2 Peter 3:3-4.

3) "And shall ’begin to beat the menservants and maidens," (kai arksetai tuptein tous paidas kai tas paidiskas) "And he begins to strike the menservants and the maidservants," to go beyond the work given for him to do, as a servant, to live as he pleases, abusing his position of service given to him by his master. One who does such "has not God," in such matters, that Is, has not His approval, 2 John 1:8-9.

4) "And to eat and drink, and to be drunken;" (esthiein te kai pinein kai methuskesthai) "That is both to eat and to drink and to become drunk," in a reproachful manner, that reflects on his Lord, as forewarned also Luke 21:34-36. When this servant turns to act as a tyrant-master, beating up other servants, intimidating them, to get his own way, eating and drinking excessively, as if the servants and property entrusted him were his own property, his conduct is unbecoming, a thing the Lord hates, even in His church. Such became the conduct of Diotrephes against the apostle John and his missionary helpers, 3 John 1:9-11; Revelation 2-6.

Verse 46

1) "The lord of that servant will come," (eksei ho kurios tou doulou ekeinou) "The lord of that (kind of) servant will come," the same lord who owned the faithful servant, and of the same house or household, the church, Luke 12:42-44.

2) "in a day when he looketh not for him," (en hemera he ou prosdoka) "In a day in which he does not expect or anticipate," in an unexpected moment, when he has deserted, neglected doing the service he was called, assigned, and allotted to do, while his master was away, Mark 13:34.

3) "And at an hour when he is not aware," (kai en hora eh ou ginoskei) "And in an hour in which he does not know," he is yet living, but not aware, has paid no attention to the call of the Lord, to be watching, Mark 13:35-37.

4) "And will cut him in sunder," (kai dechotomeses auton) "And he will cut him loose," from his trusty servant position, taking from him that position of trust he had, 2 John 1:8-9; Luke 21:34-36.

5) "And will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers." (kai to meros autou meta ton aposton thesei) "And he will put, place, set or appoint his part or portion with those who do not believe;" Matthew 24:51 says "hypocrites," who were also unbelievers, put him out with the unbelievers, for The Tribulation The Great suffering that is to follow for some 42 months, after He comes to be glorified in His Saints, the church that looks for Him, 2 Thessalonians 1:10-12; Hebrews 9:28. The portion of unbelievers, immediately after Jesus comes in the air, for His saints, is that period of The Tribulation The Great, when God pours out His judgment upon the earth upon: 1) The unbelieving Jews first, 2) The great whore, organized Ecumenism or world religions, known as the mother of harlots, 3) And perhaps all living believers, sorry servants, who did not look for or anticipate the coming of their Lord, while engaged in self pursuits, who may thereafter be beheaded for refusing to worship the beast, then he brought, thereafter, before the judgment seat of Christ, Luke 21:36; Hebrews 10:35-37; Revelation 20:4.

Verse 47

1) "And that servant which knew his lord’s will," (ekeinos de ho doulos ho gnous to thelema tou kuriou autou) "Then that servant who had known the will of his lord," who had been enlightened, understood his calling and assignment of service, in his master’s household labors.

2) "And prepared not himself," (kai me hetoimasas) "And who had not prepared," for his return, and an accounting to him, of assigned labors done, or left undone, while he still will be living, but is not looking, lacks something in behavior and service to be then received of the Lord.

3) "Neither did according to his will," (he poiesas pros to thelema autou) "Or had not done (behaved) according to, or in harmony with, his will," in his moral conduct and ethical practices, but had been eating and drinking in an unbecoming manner, acting like the world, Luke 21:34; 1 John 2:17-19.

4) "Shall be beaten with many stripes." (daresetai pollas) "He will be beaten with many stripes," Deuteronomy 25:3; 2 Corinthians 11:24, after he has been cut asunder, Luke 12:46, or left behind, when the man of sin will kill all believers and unbelievers who do not worship him, or take his mark in their forehead and hand; This means all who will not bow their head to his thinking and serve him with their hands, Revelation 13:16-17. This is neither hell nor purgatory after death, for any believer, but seems to be a certain severe chastening that may lead to a tribulation death, before such a disobedient living servant is caught up to meet the Lord, James 4:17; Revelation 20:4.

Verse 48

1) "But he that knew not," (ho de me gnous) "Then the one who did not know," Leviticus 5:17, though his servant, did not know his will in service, or had not been told or supervised in what to do and how to behave, as a believer who chooses to stay in a false church that does not hold church truth, or teach of His personal return.

2) "And did commit things worthy of stripes," (poiesas de aksia plegon) "Yet had done things worthy of or that merited stripes," though he did them in ignorance. Ignorance of truth concerning a duty or law does not give one freedom for his wrongs, though punishment may be justly less, James 4:17.

3) "Shall be beaten with few stripes," (daresetai oligas) "He will be beaten with few stripes," or with less limited punishment, because of his ignorance, he had not been taught as much as the former, Deuteronomy 25:3; 2 Corinthians 11:24.

4) "For unto whomsoever much is given," (panti de ho edothe polu) "Yet to each one to whom much was given or entrusted," where much responsibility and property was doled out. And to the church to whom the Great commission is given, she must stay ready for the marriage of the Lamb, Revelation 19:5-9.

5) "Of him shall be much required:" (polu zetethesetai par’ autou) "Much will be demanded from him," or required. For one who accepts a large trust receives an equal obligation to handle it responsibly for his Lord, not use it for himself, or to use as he pleases.

6) "And to whom men have committed much," (kai ho paretheto polu) "And with whom much was deposited," placed for stewardship care.

7) "Of him they will ask the more." (perissoteron aitesousin auton) "They (the angel servants) will ask exceedingly more," than from those to whom they entrust less. So it is with the Lord, Romans 2:12-15. This entire lesson Luke 12:35-38, concerns the Lord (the Bridegroom) who has gone away, and the church, (His house), which He left His work to do, and assigned faithful service labors for every servant, with an accounting time when He returns, Mark 13:34-37.

Verse 49

1) “I am come to send fire on the earth;" (pur elthon balein epi ten gen) "I came to cast fire upon the earth," violence, Luke 12:51, as well as judgment for sin, Matthew 3:11.

2) "And what will I, if it be already kindled?" (kai ti thelo ei ede anephthe) "And what will I (what a priority will I have) if it was and now exists, already kindled;" The fire of his discriminating words and judgment warmed the hearts of believers and burned, with deep convictions, those who rejected His words, when he warned of their coming doom in hell fire, Matthew 3:11; Matthew 25:41.

Verse 50

1) "But I have a baptism to be baptized with;" (baptisma de echo baptisthenai) "Then I have a baptism (immersion) a bloody one, to be immersed with and in," referring to His coming sufferings, which should be overwhelming, Matthew 20:18; Matthew 20:22; Mark 10:38-39. It was a fiery baptism of trial and passion.

2) "And how am I straitened," (kai pos sunechona) "And how I am pressed," pained, pressed, or distracted, my soul is troubled, John 12:27; or what a pressure of spirit is upon me, Matthew 26:38.

3) "Till it be accomplished!" (heous hopou telesthe) "Until it is completed, finished, or terminated," consummated, or completed in Gethsemane, and at Calvary in particular, Mark 14:34; Matthew 19:30; Isaiah 53:1-12.

Verse 51

1) "Suppose ye that I came," (dokeite hot! paregenomen) "Do you all think (or suppose) that I came," to the earth at this time.

2) "To give peace on earth?" (eiremen dounai en te ge) "To give or dole out peace in the earth?" in a worldly sense of peace? It is apparent that this was uppermost in their minds, even after His death and resurrection, Acts 1:6; Acts 1:8.

3) ”I tell you, Nay; but rather division" (ouchi lego humin air e diamerismon) "I tell you, no, but rather and instead division," or an occasion for division; Matthew 10:34 uses the term "a sword," Micah 7:6; John 7:43; John 9:16.

Verse 52

1) "For from henceforth there shall be," (esontai gar apo tou nen) "For there will be (come to exist) from now and hereafter," as a continuing state or condition in homes similar to this:

2) "Five in one house divided," (pente en heni iokon diamemerismenoi) "Five in one residence who have been divided," as named Luke 12:53, come to be divided over me and who I am, as some receive and others reject me, Matthew 10:36-38.

3) "Three against two," (treis epi dusin) "Three against two," divided or in conflict, the younger generation in rebellion against the older generation.

4) "And two against three." (kai duo epi treis) "And two divided against three," the parents in conflict with the children, Matthew 10:34; John 10:19.

Verse 53

1) "The father shall be divided against the son," (diameristhe sontai pater epi huio) "A father will be divided against an heir" because of me, at variance against Jesus, Matthew 10:35. Note, the foregoing warnings against hypocrisy, covetousness, and watchfulness were solemn in view of His coming death.

2) "And the son against the father," (kai hulos epi pater) "And a son will be against (in opposition to) a father," because of me; For the reason that, "He that is not with me is against me," Mt 12;30; John 9:18.

3) "The mother against the daughter," (meter epi thugatera) "A mother against a daughter," in opposition to a daughter, because of me. Matthew 10:35.

4) "And the daughter against the mother," (kai thugater epi ten metera) "And a daughter will be divided against or opposed to the mother," because of me.

5) "The mother in law against the daughter in law," (penthera epi ten numphen autes) "A mother in law will be divided against her daughter in law," because of me, Matthew 10:35.

6) "And the daughter in law against her mother in law." (kai numphe epi ten pentheran) "And a daughter in law will be divided against or in conflict with a mother in law," because of me; The five members are named in the family as the father, mother, son, daughter, and daughter in law, Micah 7:6.

All this emphasized the statement of our Lord," He that is not with me is against me," and "a servant is not greater than his Lord," Matthew 12:30; John 15:20; Luke 11:23.

Verse 54

1) "And he said also to the people," (elegen de kai tois ochlois) "Then he said also to the crowds," to the masses openly. From this it should be noted that the previous matters had been spoken to His disciples, as His church.

2) "When ye see a cloud rise out of the West," (hotan idete nephelen anatellousan epi dusmon) "When you all see (perceive) a cloud rising out of the West," toward the Great Sea, 1 Kings 18:43; Job 37:16, coming up and toward you, Matthew 16:2.

3) "Straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is." (eutheos legete hoti ombros erchetai kai ginetai houtos) "Immediately you all say a storm-shower is coming, and so it comes," or that is the way it occurs, as you observe the weather signs, Matthew 16:3.

Verse 55

1) "And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say," (kai hotan noton pneonta legete) "And when you all see a south wind blowing, you all say," as a matter of observation, what you have seen and learned by observation, what you have seen and learned by observation from natural phenomena, Matthew 16:3.

2) "There will be heat;" (hoti kauson estai) "That there will be heat," or a "hot spell or season" is coming, from the Sinai desert down south, Job 37:17.

3) "And it cometh to pass." (kai ginetai) "And it comes to be, to exist," it happens that way, in harmony with the functioning of the laws of nature, very much as anciently recognized and affirmed, 1 Kings 18:44.

Verse 56

1) "Ye hypocrites," (hupocritai) "You hypocrites," 1 Corinthians 1:19-27; Matthew 16:1-3 indicates that these particular words were addressed to certain Pharisees and Sadducees who came questioning Him with ulterior motives.

2) "Ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth;" (to prosopon tes ges kai tou ouranou oidate dokimazein) "You all definitively perceive how to discern the face appearance of the natural earth, and the lower heaven," the clouds and wind of the air, as in 1 Kings 18:44-46.

3) "But how is it that ye do not discern this time?" (ton kairon de touton pos ou dokimazete) "Then just how (is it that) you all do not discern this time?" or season of fulfilled prophecy, of my coming, right before your face? Especially since you all claim to be authorities on the Law, Prophets, and the Psalms. They had demanded of Him "a sign" from heaven, but had not accepted the prophetic signs fulfilled, by both Him and John the Baptist, before their eyes already, Matthew 1:18-25; Matthew 3:1-8; John 1:30-34.

Verse 57

1) "Yea, and why even of yourselves." (ti de kai aph’ heauton) "Then why also from among yourselves," of prophetic signs regarding the coming of John the Baptist, Isaiah 40:1-3; Malachi 3; Malachi 1; Matthew 3:1-8; and the miracles I have done before you, John 2:11; John 3:2; Mark 2; Mark 5-11; John 20:30-31.

2) "Judge ye not what Is right?" (ou krinete to dikaion) "Do you all not judge the thing that is right?" even of your own conscience, or what is right and just? Concerning the coming of the Savior, or the Messiah, as Redeemer, Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 53:1-12; Genesis 49:10; Micah 5:2, Romans 10:1-4; etc.

Verse 58

1) "When thou goest," (hos gar hupageis) "For as you go," as an individual, personally. When you go forth, Proverbs 17:14.

2) "With thine adversary to the magistrate." (meta tou antidikou sou ep’ archonta) "With your adversary to a ruler, an officer," while you and your adversary are at odds, in conflict, disagreement with each other, over civil matters, Matthew 5:25; Proverbs 25:8-9.

3) "As thou art in the way," (en te hodo) "In the way, the journey," to the officer or magistrate, to file charges or complaints, before further, added time and expense is incurred, in payment of a debt, Matthew 5:25.

4) "Give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him;" (dos ergasian apellachthai ap’ autou) "Take precautionary pains to be rid, released, or delivered from him," from civil confrontation with him publicly, Proverbs 25:8. Use as much prudence in religious matters as you do in matters of civil litigation, is the idea, the charge of our Lord, 1 Corinthians 6:1-8.

5) "Lest he hale thee to the judge," (mepote katasure se pros ton kriten) "Lest he drag you directly to the judge," Proverbs 25:8. Settle your controversy as Christians, out of the courts, if at all possible, Psalms 32:6; Isaiah 55:6.

6) "And the judge deliver thee to the officer," (kai ho krites se patedosei to parkori) "And the judge will deliver you to the usher-officer," or transfer officer, who compelled payment of a debt, Proverbs 25:10.

7) "And the officer cast thee Into prison." (kai ho praktor se balei eis phulaken) "And the transfer or usher-officer will cast you into prison," to await trial, or satisfaction of the claim against you, Matthew 5:25; Seek reconciliation before the court hour of judgment, for the accuser, the devil will be there, and there, cold judgment by a fallible judge will be meted out.

Verse 59

1) "I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence," (lego soi ou me ekselthes ekeitian) "I tell you that you may by no means come out of or be released from thence," from imprisonment, Matthew 5:26; Mark 12:42.

2) "Till thou hast paid the very last mite." (heos kai to eschaton lepton apodos) "Until you pay even the last mite," a penny, or the maximum penalty adjudged against you, by the magistrate, Luke 12:58; Matthew 5:26; Isaiah 40:2; Ruth 1:21-22. The mite was the smallest Gk. coin then in use.

FATAL RESULTS OF DELAYING TO COME

TO AGREEMENT

William III, made proclamation when there was a revolution in the north of Scotland, that all who came and took the oath of allegiance by the 31st of December should be pardoned. Mac Ian, a chieftain of a prominent clan, resolved to return with the rest of the rebels, but had some pride in being the very last one that should take the oath. He consequently postponed starting for this purpose until two days before the expiration of the term. A snow-storm impeded his way, and before he got up to take the oath, and receive a pardon from the throne, the time was up and past. While the others were set free, Mac Ian was miserably put to death. In like manner, some of you are in prospect of losing forever the amnesty of the gospel. He started too late and arrived too late. Many of you are going to be forever too late. Remember the mistake of Mac Ian.

-Selected