Luke 7:4

THEY BESOUGHT HIM INSTANTLY - Urgently or earnestly. HE WAS WORTHY - The centurion. He had showed favor to the Jews, and it was not improper to show him a kindness.... [ Continue Reading ]

Luke 7:11

A CITY CALLED NAIN - This city was in Galilee, in the boundaries of the tribe of Issachar. It was about two miles south of Mount Tabor, and not far from Capernaum; It is now a small village inhabited by Jews, Muslims, and Christians. Dr. Thomson (“_The Land and the Book_,” vol. ii. p. 158) locates i... [ Continue Reading ]

Luke 7:12

THE GATE OF THE CITY - Cities were surrounded by walls, to defend them from their enemies. They were entered through “gates” placed at convenient distances from each other. In most cities it was not allowed to bury the dead within the walls; hence, they were carried to some convenient burial-place i... [ Continue Reading ]

Luke 7:16

CAME A FEAR ON ALL - An “awe” or solemnity at the presence of one who had power to raise the dead, and at the miracle which had been performed. GLORIFIED GOD - Praised or honored God that he had sent such a prophet. AND, THAT GOD HATH VISITED HIS PEOPLE - Some said one thing and some another, but... [ Continue Reading ]

Luke 7:19-35

See this passage explained in Matthew 11:2. Luke 7:29 THE PEOPLE - The common people. THAT HEARD HIM - That heard “John.” THE PUBLICANS - The tax-gatherers, the worst kind of people, who had, however, been converted. JUSTIFIED GOD - Considered God as “just” or “right” in the counsel which he ga... [ Continue Reading ]

Luke 7:36

ONE OF THE PHARISEES - His name was Simon, Luke 7:10. Nothing more is known of him. It is not improbable, however, from what follows Luke 7:40, that he had been healed by the Saviour of some afflictive disease, and made this feast to show his gratitude. SAT DOWN TO MEAT - The original word here mea... [ Continue Reading ]

Luke 7:37

IN THE CITY - What city is meant is unknown. Some have supposed it was Nain; some Capernaum; some Magdala; and some Jerusalem. WHICH WAS A SINNER - Who was depraved or wicked. This woman, it seems, was known to be a sinner - perhaps an abandoned woman or a prostitute. It is certain that she had muc... [ Continue Reading ]

Luke 7:38

STOOD AT HIS FEET BEHIND HIM - They reclined, at their meals, on their left side, and their feet, therefore, were extended from the table, so that persons could easily approach them. See the notes at Matthew 23:6. BEGAN TO WASH HIS FEET - The Jews wore sandals. These were taken off when they entere... [ Continue Reading ]

Luke 7:39

HE SPAKE WITHIN HIMSELF - Thought. IF HE WERE A PROPHET - The word “prophet” here means, not one who predicts future events, but one who knows the hearts of people. If Jesus had been sent from God as a prophet, he supposed that he would have known the character of the woman and would have rebuked h... [ Continue Reading ]

Luke 7:41

A CERTAIN CREDITOR - A man who had lent money or sold property, the payment for which was yet due. FIVE HUNDRED PENCE - About 69 dollars 26 cents, or 14 British pounds, 11 shilling, 8d. See the notes at Matthew 18:28. FIFTY - About 7 dollars, or 1 British pound, 9 shillings, and 2d.... [ Continue Reading ]

Luke 7:42

FRANKLY FORGAVE - Freely forgave, or forgave entirely without any compensation. This is not designed to express anything about the way in which God forgives sinners. He forgives - forgives freely, but it is in connection with the “atonement” made by the Lord Jesus. If it was a mere “debt” which we o... [ Continue Reading ]

Luke 7:43

I SUPPOSE ... - He saw not “the point” of our Lord’s parable. By thus saying, therefore, he condemned himself, and prepared the way for our Lord’s reproof.... [ Continue Reading ]

Luke 7:44

SEEST THOU THIS WOMAN? - You see what this woman has done to me, compared with what you have done. She has shown me expressions of regard which you, in your own house, have not shown. I ENTERED INTO THINE HOUSE - I came at your invitation, where I might expect all the usual rites of hospitality. TH... [ Continue Reading ]

Luke 7:45

THOU GAVEST ME NO KISS - The kiss was a token of affection or a common mode of salutation, and Simon had even neglected this mark of welcoming him to his house. It was often used among “men” as a sign of salutation. Compare Genesis 33:4; Exodus 18:7; Matthew 26:49. HATH NOT CEASED TO KISS MY FEET -... [ Continue Reading ]

Luke 7:46

MY HEAD WITH OIL - The custom of pouring oil upon the head was universal among the Jews. The oil used was sweet oil or oil of olives, prepared in such a way as to give an agreeable smell. It was also used to render the hair more smooth and elegant. See Ruth 3:3; 2Sa 12:20; 2 Samuel 14:2; Psalms 23:5... [ Continue Reading ]

Luke 7:47

WHEREFORE I SAY UNTO THEE - As the result of this, or because she has done this; meaning by this that she had given “evidence” that her sins had been forgiven. The inquiry with Simon was whether it was proper for Jesus to “touch her” or to allow her to touch him, because she was such a sinner, Luke... [ Continue Reading ]

Luke 7:48

THY SINS ARE FORGIVEN - What a gracious assurance to the weeping, loving penitent! How that voice, spoken to the troubled sinner, stills his anguish, allays his troubled feelings, and produces peace to the soul! And how manifest is it that he that could say thus “must” be God! No man has a “right” t... [ Continue Reading ]

Luke 7:49

WHO IS THIS ... - A very pertinent question. Who could he be but God? Man could not do it, and there is no wonder that they were amazed.... [ Continue Reading ]

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