Luke 21

Luke 21:1-4

The widow’ s two mites. Mark 12:41-44.

Luke 21:3

The value, in the sight of God, of what is given for his worship or for charitable purposes, depends not so much on the amount, as on the amount compared with the ability and the motives with which it is done.

Luke 21:5-24

Destruction of Jerusalem. Matthew 24:1-22. For the principles on which this prophecy is to be interpreted, and the double reference contained in it to the destruction of Jerusalem and the end of the world.

Luke 21:11

Fearful sights and great signs shall there be; these words had their primary fulfilment in the fearful appearances which were seen previous to the destruction of Jerusalem, and which are particularly described by Josephus in the sixth book of his history of the Jewish wars. A more awful fulfilment awaits them when “the end of the world” draws nigh.

Luke 21:13

Turn to you for a testimony; it shall give you the opportunity of bearing testimony to my gospel before kings and rulers. This will be a testimony in your behalf of your faithfulness, and against them, if they reject it. Compare Matthew 24:14; Mark 13:9.

Luke 21:15

A mouth and wisdom; ability rightly to speak, a gift which no man or angel could bestow.

Luke 21:18

Not a hair-perish; you shall suffer no real harm, though you die for my sake. Compare Romans 8:28-39; 1 Corinthians 3:21-23; 1 Peter 3:13. However great the wickedness of men, and however active their opposition to the people of God, they shall not in the end be able to injure them. His people should therefore be calm and quiet, as well as active and persevering in their labors for the promotion of his cause, trusting in him for whatever they need.

Luke 21:19

In your patience possess ye your souls; the word “possess” is here to be taken in the sense of gaining or saving. The whole verse might be rendered, By your endurance save ye your souls; the same as, “He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Matthew 24:13.

Luke 21:24

By the edge of the sword; eleven hundred thousand were slain.

Led away captive; ninety-seven thousand were carried into captivity.

Trodden down; desolated, oppressed. This has been done successively by the Romans, Saracens, Mamulukes, Franks, and by the Turks who continue to exercise dominion over and oppress it.

The times of the Gentiles be fulfilled; the times during which God has determined that the Gentiles shall tread down Jerusalem.

Luke 21:25-33

Signs of Christ’ s coming-parable of the fig-tree. For the exposition of these verses and their twofold reference, see notes on Matthew 24:29-35.

Luke 21:26

The powers of heaven; the same as the hosts of heaven; that is, the sun, moon, and stars.

Luke 21:34-36

Warning to be ready for Christ’ s coming. Matthew 24:36-51.

Luke 21:36

Always; habitually.

Escape all these things; the woes that would come on the wicked.

Stand; stand with acceptance.

Luke 21:37-38

These verses show the manner in which Jesus Christ spent the last days of his life, teaching the people the great truths of salvation. All who heard ought with the heart to have believed and been saved. So it is with all who hear the gospel now.