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Luke 12:47
Verse
Context
Readiness at Any Hour
46The master of that servant will come on a day he does not expect and at an hour he does not anticipate. Then he will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers.47That servant who knows his master’s will but does not get ready or follow his instructions will be beaten with many blows.48But the one who unknowingly does things worthy of punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and from him who has been entrusted with much, even more will be demanded.
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Shall be beaten with many stripes - Criminals among the Jews could not be beaten with more than forty stripes; and as this was the sum of the severity to which a whipping could extend, it may be all that our Lord here means. But, in some cases, a man was adjudged to receive fourscore stripes! How could this be, when the law had decreed only forty? Answer: By doubling the crime. He received forty for each crime; if he were guilty of two offenses, he might receive fourscore. See Lightfoot.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But he that knew not,.... His Lord's will; either not having the means of knowing it, as the Heathens; or through neglect of them, not attending to them, and making use of them, which is the case of many, where the Gospel revelation is: and did commit things worthy of stripes; or punishment; as the Gentiles, by sinning against the law, and light of nature; and those who might have the advantage of a divine revelation, but neglect it: the Septuagint in Deu 25:2 have the same phrase as here, , "worthy of stripes": shall be beaten with few stripes; their punishment shall be less, and it shall be more tolerable for them in the day of judgment, than for knowing professors. The Jews did not always inflict forty stripes, or forty save one, upon delinquents; but according to their crimes, and as they were able to bear them, more or fewer: so it is said (w), "when they judge a sinner, how many (stripes) he can bear, they do not reckon, but by stripes that are fit to be trebled: if they judge he is able to bear "twenty", they do not order that he be beaten with twenty one, that so they may be trebled, but that he be beaten with "eighteen": if they condemn him to receive forty, and after he is begun to be beaten, they observe him to be weak, and they say he cannot bear any more than these "nine", or "twelve", with which he has been beaten, lo, he is free; if they condemn him to receive "twelve", and after that he is beaten, they see that he is strong and able to bear more, lo, he is free, and he is not to be beaten any more, upon that estimation: if they condemn him today that he is to be beaten with "twelve" (stripes), and they do not beat him till tomorrow, and lo, tomorrow he is able to bear eighteen, they do not beat him but with twelve.'' And elsewhere the rule is (x), "he that commits a sin, in which there are two negative (commands broken) if they pronounce but one sentence, he is beaten and is free; but if not (i.e. if more than one) he is beaten, and when he is healed, he is beaten again.'' For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall, much be required: the more knowledge a man has, the more practice is expected from him; and the greater his gifts are, the more useful he ought to be, and diligent in the improvement of them: and to whom men have committed much, or to whom much is committed, of him they will ask the more; not more than what was committed to him, but more than from him, who has less committed to him; in proportion to what a man is entrusted with, the greater increase and improvement it is expected he should make. (w) Maimon. Hilchot Sanhedrin, c. 17. sect. 2, 3. (x) Misn. Maccot, c. 3. sect. 11.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:47-48 who knows . . . who does not know: Sins of ignorance receive less punishment than intentional sins (Num 15:22-26; Ps 19:13; cp. Luke 23:34). • When someone has been given much: Believers will be held responsible for the knowledge and resources they have been given (see Jas 3:1). A sin in ignorance is still a sin.
Luke 12:47
Readiness at Any Hour
46The master of that servant will come on a day he does not expect and at an hour he does not anticipate. Then he will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers.47That servant who knows his master’s will but does not get ready or follow his instructions will be beaten with many blows.48But the one who unknowingly does things worthy of punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and from him who has been entrusted with much, even more will be demanded.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Joshua's Obedience
By C.H. Spurgeon2.8K48:26JOS 1:7LUK 12:47HEB 13:20In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of staying close to the word of God and one's conscience in order to prosper in life. The sermon highlights the folly of being a free thinker and a free liver, and instead encourages obedience to God's commands. The preacher shares a story from the old French wars, where a soldier's obedience to the captain's command is praised as the mark of a bold and excellent soldier. The sermon also references Joshua's obedience and perseverance in carrying out God's tasks, and encourages listeners to have the courage to stand firm in their obedience to God, even in the face of challenges.
Hell Is a Good Place - It Vindicates Gods Glory
By Tim Conway2.7K58:57HellDAN 12:2LUK 12:47REV 14:9In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the topic of hell and its significance in understanding the severity of sin and the sacrifice of Christ. He emphasizes the security of the world and how hell serves as a wake-up call to the seriousness of sin. The preacher also highlights the suitability of hell as a just punishment for those who worship the beast and receive its mark. He urges listeners to examine their actions and consider whether they have the mark of the beast on their hands, referring to Matthew 25 as a description of the judgment criteria. Finally, the preacher mentions that while hell is a place of eternal torment, God also glorifies His grace and mercy to those who have come to Christ.
The Man God Hates
By Chuck Smith1.3K32:47EZK 5:13LUK 12:47JAS 4:17This sermon delves into the book of Ezekiel, focusing on the impending destruction of Jerusalem due to the people's wickedness and departure from God's laws. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging sin, the reality of God's judgment, and the need for repentance and turning back to God. The message contrasts the popular 'feel-good' gospel with the biblical truth of God's justice and the consequences of willful disobedience. It calls for a return to biblical correctness over political correctness, urging listeners to heed God's warnings and accept Jesus for salvation.
Planning Properly, - Part 2
By Alistair Begg1.1K34:05PlanningMAT 6:33LUK 12:47ROM 12:11JAS 4:13JAS 4:16In this sermon by Alistair Begg, he focuses on James chapter 4 and verse 13. He warns against boasting and bragging about our plans for the future, as we do not know what tomorrow holds. Begg emphasizes the importance of recognizing our daily duties and responsibilities, and not neglecting the good that we ought to do. He reminds listeners that our Christian experience is expressed in the everyday events of life, and failing to do the good we know we should do is considered sin.
Church Live Re-Visited: Session Four - Part 2
By Ron Bailey1.0K32:39LUK 12:471CO 3:81CO 3:21EPH 4:23COL 3:9HEB 13:17This sermon delves into the process of spiritual renewal and growth as outlined in Colossians and Ephesians, emphasizing the ongoing transformation of believers. It also discusses the importance of trusting and respecting spiritual leaders in the church, highlighting the genuine spiritual authority and responsibility they carry. The sermon touches on the concept of rewards for faithful labor in serving God and the solemn warnings about accountability and perseverance in the Christian journey.
The Consent of the Will.
By Watchman Nee0The Will of GodSpiritual ControlLUK 12:47ROM 12:11CO 14:32PHP 2:13COL 2:23COL 4:122PE 3:5REV 22:17Watchman Nee emphasizes the critical role of the will in the relationship between God and humanity, asserting that both God and Satan require our consent to act in our lives. He explains that while the unsaved may be enslaved by Satan, they still possess the ability to choose, and it is essential for individuals to align their will with God's for divine empowerment. Nee warns against the dangers of a passive will, which can lead to being driven by external forces rather than guided by God's spirit. He illustrates the importance of maintaining control over one's spirit through the will, likening it to a kite string that keeps the kite steady. Ultimately, he encourages believers to actively seek and do God's will, following the example of Jesus.
The Hottest and the Darkest Place in Hell
By Thomas Brooks0JudgmentHypocrisyMAT 23:14LUK 12:47Thomas Brooks warns about the severe consequences of hypocrisy, emphasizing that those who pretend to be righteous while exploiting others, like the scribes and Pharisees, will face greater damnation. He illustrates that the torments of hypocrites in hell are unparalleled, as their counterfeit sanctity leads to double iniquity. Brooks stresses that justice demands that hypocrites endure double torment for their deceitful actions.
John 18:37-19:15
By St. John Chrysostom0EZK 14:14MAT 25:9MAT 27:63LUK 6:25LUK 12:47LUK 16:26JHN 15:22JHN 18:38JHN 19:1JHN 19:4JHN 19:6JHN 19:10JHN 19:12John Chrysostom preaches on the humility and endurance of Jesus during His trial before Pilate, highlighting how Jesus exhibited gentleness, mildness, and silence in the face of false accusations and mockery, ultimately showing His kingship and truth. Despite Pilate's attempts to release Him, the crowd demanded His crucifixion, revealing their rejection of the true King. Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of imitating Christ's response to insults and injustice, showing love and forgiveness even to enemies, as Jesus did. He urges the congregation to reflect on Christ's suffering and to live a life of virtue and humility, seeking wisdom from the Scriptures and preparing for the journey to eternal life.
The Outpouring of the Holy Ghost (Part 3)
By Robert Wurtz II0GEN 15:16MAT 25:31LUK 12:47JHN 16:8ACT 17:31ROM 2:7HEB 3:12HEB 10:26Robert Wurtz II preaches on the outpouring of the Holy Ghost, focusing on the Holy Spirit's role in convincing the world of judgment to come. He delves into the concept of judgment as discernment between good and evil, emphasizing the importance of living righteously through the power of the Holy Spirit. The sermon also explores the final judgment, highlighting the separation of good and evil at the end of history and the significance of repentance and trust in the Lord to avoid condemnation. Additionally, the sermon addresses the consequences of sin, the legal limit on sin, and the concept of Gospel hardening, warning against the dangers of rejecting God's warnings and pleadings.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Shall be beaten with many stripes - Criminals among the Jews could not be beaten with more than forty stripes; and as this was the sum of the severity to which a whipping could extend, it may be all that our Lord here means. But, in some cases, a man was adjudged to receive fourscore stripes! How could this be, when the law had decreed only forty? Answer: By doubling the crime. He received forty for each crime; if he were guilty of two offenses, he might receive fourscore. See Lightfoot.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But he that knew not,.... His Lord's will; either not having the means of knowing it, as the Heathens; or through neglect of them, not attending to them, and making use of them, which is the case of many, where the Gospel revelation is: and did commit things worthy of stripes; or punishment; as the Gentiles, by sinning against the law, and light of nature; and those who might have the advantage of a divine revelation, but neglect it: the Septuagint in Deu 25:2 have the same phrase as here, , "worthy of stripes": shall be beaten with few stripes; their punishment shall be less, and it shall be more tolerable for them in the day of judgment, than for knowing professors. The Jews did not always inflict forty stripes, or forty save one, upon delinquents; but according to their crimes, and as they were able to bear them, more or fewer: so it is said (w), "when they judge a sinner, how many (stripes) he can bear, they do not reckon, but by stripes that are fit to be trebled: if they judge he is able to bear "twenty", they do not order that he be beaten with twenty one, that so they may be trebled, but that he be beaten with "eighteen": if they condemn him to receive forty, and after he is begun to be beaten, they observe him to be weak, and they say he cannot bear any more than these "nine", or "twelve", with which he has been beaten, lo, he is free; if they condemn him to receive "twelve", and after that he is beaten, they see that he is strong and able to bear more, lo, he is free, and he is not to be beaten any more, upon that estimation: if they condemn him today that he is to be beaten with "twelve" (stripes), and they do not beat him till tomorrow, and lo, tomorrow he is able to bear eighteen, they do not beat him but with twelve.'' And elsewhere the rule is (x), "he that commits a sin, in which there are two negative (commands broken) if they pronounce but one sentence, he is beaten and is free; but if not (i.e. if more than one) he is beaten, and when he is healed, he is beaten again.'' For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall, much be required: the more knowledge a man has, the more practice is expected from him; and the greater his gifts are, the more useful he ought to be, and diligent in the improvement of them: and to whom men have committed much, or to whom much is committed, of him they will ask the more; not more than what was committed to him, but more than from him, who has less committed to him; in proportion to what a man is entrusted with, the greater increase and improvement it is expected he should make. (w) Maimon. Hilchot Sanhedrin, c. 17. sect. 2, 3. (x) Misn. Maccot, c. 3. sect. 11.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:47-48 who knows . . . who does not know: Sins of ignorance receive less punishment than intentional sins (Num 15:22-26; Ps 19:13; cp. Luke 23:34). • When someone has been given much: Believers will be held responsible for the knowledge and resources they have been given (see Jas 3:1). A sin in ignorance is still a sin.