Bible Commentary

Then came to [him] certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection: and they asked him, 27-40. Discomfiture of the Sadducees. 27. certain of the Sadducees ] Mat 3:7. On the Sadducees see the Excursus on Jewish Sects. They were undeterred by the discomfiture of the Pharisees and Herodians, and perhaps their … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 20:27”

And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marveled at his answer, and held their peace. 26. they marvelled at his answer ] Comp. Luk 2:47. They thought that escape was impossible for Him; and yet He instantly shatters their deeply-laid plot to pieces by shewing that they Pharisees … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 20:26”

And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar’s and unto God the things which be God’s. 25. unto Cesar the things which be Cesar’s ] St Paul very clearly enforces the same duty in Rom 13:6-7. The ‘tribute’ in Matthew 17. 24 was quite different; it was the Temple … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 20:25”

Show me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar’s. 24. Shew me a penny ] A denarius. See on Luk 7:41. We see from Mar 12:15-16 that they were obliged to borrow the heathen coin from one of the tables of the money-changers. They would only carry Jewish money … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 20:24”

But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me? 23. Why tempt ye mey &c.] Our Lord saw at once that it was a cunning test-question meant only to entrap Him. Not for a moment did these fawning spies deceive him though “Neither man nor angel can discern Hypocrisy, the only … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 20:23”

Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no? 22. is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Cesar, or no? ] The question was devised with so superlative a craft that it seemed impossible for our Lord to escape. If He said ‘It is lawful,’ the Pharisees hoped at once … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 20:22”

And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person [of any,] but teachest the way of God truly: 21. Master, we know, &c.] There is something in this fawning malice, and treacherous flattery, almost as repulsive as the kiss of Judas. neither acceptest thou the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 20:21”

And they watched [him,] and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor. 20-26. Question about the Tribute Money. 20. And they watched him. ] For the word used see Luk 6:7; … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 20:20”

And the chief priests and the scribes the same hour sought to lay hands on him; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he had spoken this parable against them. 19. against them ] This decidedly shews the primary sense of the Parable. As yet they hardly realized its wider significance. So when … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 20:19”

Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder. 18. shall fall upon that stone ] as the Jews did from the first, 1Co 1:23. See Isa 8:14-15. shall be broken ] Literally, “ shall be sorely bruised.” it shall fall ] as … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Luke 20:18”