Luke 20

Hendriksen

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-8 1 3 2 -9 1 0 0 0 0 13 96 -9 2 0 0 2 0 1 RVStyle2 7 StyleNameNormal textFontNameArialUnicode Size Standard StyleNameDefaultFontNameTahomaUnicode Size Standard StyleNameJumpFontNameTahomaStylefsUnderlineColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonHoverEffects rvheUnderlineUnicode Jump Size Standard StyleNameHeading - Module name SizeDoubleFontNameTahomaColorclMaroonUnicode SizeStandard StyleName"Heading small - Module descriptionFontNameTahomaColorclMaroonUnicode Size Standard StyleNameHeading - LinkFontNameTahomaColorclNavy HoverColorclPurpleUnicode Jump Size Standard StyleNameDefaultFontNameTahomaStylefsUnderlineColorclBlueUnicode Jump Size Standard StyleNameDefaultFontNameTahomaColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonNextStyleNoUnicode Jump Size -9 2 0 0 2 0 2 RVStyle2 �BiDiModervbdLeftToRightTabs StyleNameCentered Alignment rvaCenterTabsStandardBiDiModervbdLeftToRightTabs-9 2 0 0 2 0 4 RVStyle2 -9 0 0 0 0 0 7 1 14 2 8 0 0 CHAPTER XX) Outline of Chapter 20) ) Theme: The Work Thou Gavest Him to Do) 20:1 8 Christ s Authority: Question and Counter-Question) 20:9 19 The Parable of The Wicked Tenants, and Its Sequel) 20:20 44 Captious Questions and Authoritative Answers) also) Christ s Own Question) 20:45 47 Denunciation of the Scribes) ) Tuesday and Wednesday) The exact point (before 22:7) where one day ends and the other begins is uncertain) 20:1 8 Christ s Authority: Question and Counter-Question) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.23-40.21.27|AUTODETECT|” Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.23-40.21.27|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 21:23 27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.27-41.11.33|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.27-41.11.33|AUTODETECT|” Mark 11:27 33) 1 7 2 8 0 0 20 1 One day, while Jesus was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the good news,��517�� the chief priests and the scribes, together with the elders, came up to him 2 and said, Tell us by what authority you are doing these things, or who it is that gave you this authority. ) 3 He replied, I will also ask you a question. Tell me: 4 John s baptism, was it from heaven or from men? ) 5 They reasoned among themselves, If we say, From heaven, he will say, Why, then, didn t you believe him? 6 But if we say, From men, all the people will stone us to death, for they are persuaded that John was a prophet. ) 7 So they answered that they did not know where John s baptism came from.��518��) 8 Jesus said to them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I am doing these things. ) ) 1, 2. One day, while Jesus was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the good news, the chief priests and the scribes, together with the elders, came up to him and said, Tell us by what authority you are doing these things, or who it is that gave you this authority.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.11|AUTODETECT|” On Sunday evening after the triumphal entry Jesus had entered the temple 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.11|AUTODETECT|” Mark 11:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.15|AUTODETECT|” ). He entered it again on Monday and cleansed it 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.11.15|AUTODETECT|” Mark 11:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.45|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.45|AUTODETECT|” Luke 19:45) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.46|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.46|AUTODETECT|” 46) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). And now, probably on Tuesday morning, though Luke is very indefinite , Jesus enters it once more.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.23|AUTODETECT|” We find him perhaps in the Stoa Basilica or 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.23|AUTODETECT|” John 10:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) in Solomon s Porch. He is surrounded by a group of people and is teaching them. While this teaching is going on his opponents are approaching. Do they wait until he is through teaching? We don t know. One thing is certain, however: these men are in an angry mood.) 1 3 2 8 0 0 Who are they? Three groups are mentioned: the chief priests and the scribes and the elders, the three component parts of the Sanhedrin. The chief priests constituted a group or order consisting of the present ruling highpriest, those who had formerly occupied this high office, and other dignitaries from whose ranks the highpriest was generally selected. The custody of the temple had been entrusted to these people, mostly Sadducees. It is not strange that the scribes, mostly Pharisees, are also mentioned, for these were the men who studied, interpreted, and taught the law. Their teaching was done in both temple and synagogue.

The elders, too, were present. In ancient Israel an elder was the head of a tribe or of a tribal division. In fact, every city or town of any importance soon had its ruling elders. With the establishment of the Sanhedrin the more prominent local elders became members of this august body. We might call them the Sanhedrin s lay members. ) It is possible that in approaching Jesus, all these men acted independently and unofficially. Far more reasonable, however, is the assumption that they acted in an official capacity, having been delegated by the Sanhedrin.) Their question is clear.

They want to know by what authority Jesus was doing these things, that is, who had given him the right. They were saying, Show us your credentials! It was an attempt to embarrass Jesus. If he admitted that he had no credentials the people could be expected to lose respect for him. On the other hand, if he considered himself authorized to do the things he had been doing, was he not arrogating to himself rights that belonged only to God? Could he not then be accused of being guilty of blasphemous behavior?

By not assaulting him directly, for example, by having him arrested, they reveal that they are afraid of him because of his following.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.2.18|AUTODETECT|” But what do they mean by these things ? They must have been referring to recent or present activities, that is, to things he had done on Sunday or on Monday, or to what he was doing now. Among commentators there is general agreement that the cleansing of the temple was included in these things. This opinion is undoubtedly correct 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.2.18|AUTODETECT|” John 2:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.14|AUTODETECT|” ). That action was in all probability uppermost in their minds. But was this the only thing to which these enemies of Jesus referred? There is a wide difference of opinion among commentators. Some would include Sunday s royal entry into Jerusalem. And if we bear in mind the fact that Christ s enemies ascribed his miracles to the power of Beelzebul, even the deeds of kindness to the blind and the lame 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.14|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 21:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) may have been included, and also Christ s present teaching and gospel preaching in the temple.) 1 10 2 8 0 0 3, 4. He replied, I will also ask you a question. Tell me: John s baptism, was it from heaven or from men?) When a person is verbally attacked whether directly, or, as in verse 2, by implication he often denies the charge, downgrades the crime, starts arguing, or produces an accusation. There are times when the best thing to do would be to admit the wrong, ask forgiveness, and make amends. For Jesus this was, of course, entirely out of the question, for he had committed no wrong.) What then? At times a charge can be effectively met by complete silence, or perhaps by a counter-charge, or, as in the present case, by a counter-question.) It has been pointed out by several interpreters that the method of answering a question by means of a counter-question was rather common in rabbinical discussions.

True, but when Jesus employs this method he in every instance vanquishes his opponents, and this certainly was not true with respect to rabbis in general.) To see for himself that the statement just made is true, let the reader view the following Lucan accounts. In each of them Christ s opponents attack him, sometimes directly, then again in a veiled manner, by half-concealing their disgust inside the wrapper of a question. In each case Jesus crushes their attack. Also, his answer, in each of these cases, begins with, or contains, a counter-question.) The opponents attack Jesus answer ) 5:21 5:22 24 ) 5:33 5:34 39 ) 6:2 6:3 5 ) 11:15 11:17 22 ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.24|AUTODETECT|” 20:27 33 20:34 38 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.24|AUTODETECT|” Mark 12:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) ) 1 3 2 8 0 0 20:1, 2 20:3 8 ) ) ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.9.48|AUTODETECT|” Now by means of the counter-question The baptism of John, was it from heaven or from men? Jesus was by no means evading the question that had been asked him, for an honest and correct answer to his question would unmistakably have pointed to himself as the Greater One whom John had proclaimed, and would therefore have meant that Jesus right or authority to do these things had come from God. It was by God that Jesus had been commissioned 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.9.48|AUTODETECT|” Luke 9:48) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.40|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.40|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 10:40) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.9.37|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.9.37|AUTODETECT|” Mark 9:37) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.3.16|AUTODETECT|” ). It was while John was baptizing that he had proclaimed Jesus as being his superior 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.3.16|AUTODETECT|” Luke 3:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.26|AUTODETECT|” f.; cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.26|AUTODETECT|” John 1:26) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.27|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.27|AUTODETECT|” 27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.29|AUTODETECT|” ), and it was soon after the Lord s baptism by John that the latter had described Jesus as the Lamb of God who is taking away the sin of the world 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.29|AUTODETECT|” John 1:29) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 3 2 8 0 0 By means of Christ s question his enemies had been driven into a corner. Obviously they did not want to answer, The baptism of John had a heavenly source, for they knew very well that the reply would be, Why, then, did you not believe him? On the other hand, were they to give a response which reflected what most of them probably believed, or at least wanted to believe, namely, that the baptism of John was from men, the general public perhaps especially the crowds of pilgrims that had come from Galilee would become definitely hostile toward them, and, as here indicated, might even stone them. Did not these people consider John a prophet? So these dignitaries start reasoning among themselves as to what to answer. Their decision was dishonest, though not surprising.

They do not say, We don t want to answer that question, a response which would at least have been honest, but We do not know. ) Given this background, verses 5 8 require little further explanation.) 5 8. They reasoned among themselves, If we say, From heaven, he will say, Why, then, didn t you believe him? But if we say, From men, all the people will stone us to death, for they are persuaded that John was a prophet. So they answered that they did not know where John s baptism came from. Jesus said to them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.143.10|AUTODETECT|” An important practical lesson is taught here. Christ s opponents failed to see the truth because they hardened themselves against it. The reason why many people know so little about Jesus and about the joy of living the Christian life is that they refuse to submit themselves to his will. The prayer of everyone should be: Teach me to do thy will, for thou art my God 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.143.10|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 143:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 3 2 8 0 0 For Practical Lessons and Greek Words, etc., see pp. 896 898.) ) 20:9 19 The Parable of The Wicked Tenants, and Its Sequel��522��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.33-40.21.46|AUTODETECT|” Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.33-40.21.46|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 21:33 46) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.1-41.12.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.1-41.12.12|AUTODETECT|” Mark 12:1 12) 1 14 2 8 0 0 9 Then he proceeded to tell the people this parable: A man planted a vineyard, leasing it to sharecroppers,��519�� and went abroad for a considerable period. 10 At the proper time he sent a servant to the sharecroppers, that they might give him a share of the vintage. But the share-croppers beat him up,��520�� and sent him back empty-handed. 11 Then he sent another servant; but him also they beat up and treated disgracefully and sent back empty-handed. 12 He sent still a third, and this one they wounded and flung out.) 13 Then the owner of the vineyard said, What shall I do? I will send my son, my beloved. Perhaps they will respect him. ) 14 But on seeing him the sharecroppers began to carry on a dialogue with one another,��521�� saying: This is the heir; let s kill him, that the inheritance may become ours. 15 So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? 16 He will come and kill those sharecroppers and give the vineyard to others. ) When the people heard this, they said, May this never be! ) 17 But Jesus looked straight at them and said, What then is this that is written:) The stone the builders rejected,) This became the cornerstone ?) 18 Everyone who falls on that stone will be smashed to pieces; and he on whom it falls it will crush him. ) 19 The scribes and the chief priests tried to lay hands on him that very hour, because they knew he had spoken this parable against them, but they were afraid of the people.) ) A. Agreement Between Owner and Tenants; Owner s Departure) 9.

Then he proceeded to tell the people this parable: A man planted a vineyard, leasing it to sharecroppers, and went abroad for a considerable period.) By wicked leaders Jesus had been attacked (verses 1, 2). He now proceeds, by means of a parable, to warn the people against these very men (see verse 19).) To understand this parable it must be borne in mind that the upper Jordan Valley, the western and northern shores of the Sea of Galilee, and even a considerable portion of Galilee itself, contained vast estates owned by foreigners, men who lived far away from their holdings. They had given the care of their farms and vineyards into the hands of local people. The absence of the landlords implied that those who ran the estates enjoyed a considerable measure of independence. However, this was not an unmixed blessing for either party. For the vinedressers it meant that when there were problems unexpected expenses, bad harvests, marauders, etc. the owner could not be consulted.

For the owner it meant that for his share of the yield of the soil he was dependent not only on natural conditions (weather, soil) but also on the honesty and co-operation of the tenants or sharecroppers.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.5.1-23.5.7|AUTODETECT|” In this parable Jesus introduces an owner who has planted a vineyard 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.5.1-23.5.7|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 5:1 7) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), has made a contract with the sharecroppers, stipulating that at the time of the vintage he shall receive a specified share of the harvest, and typically has gone away to some distant place, with the intention of remaining absent for a considerable period of time.) 1 5 2 8 0 0 B. Mistreatment of Owner s Servants) 10 12. At the proper time he sent a servant to the sharecroppers, that they might give him a share of the vintage. But the sharecroppers beat him up, and sent him back empty-handed. Then he sent another servant; but him also they beat up and treated disgracefully and sent back empty-handed. He sent still a third, and this one they wounded and flung out.) When the proper time arrived, not any sooner, the owner commissioned one of his servants to collect and carry back to the owner s home the portion of the vintage which, according to contract, belonged to him.

But not only did the tenants refuse to carry out the terms of their contract, they even maltreated the servant. When another servant was sent, he received similar treatment. And a third one was treated worse. Not only did he return empty-handed; he had even been grievously wounded, having been thrown out of the vineyard.) C. Killing of Owner s Son) 13 15a. Then the owner of the vineyard said, What shall I do?

I will send my son, my beloved. Perhaps they will respect him. But on seeing him the sharecroppers began to carry on a dialogue with one another, saying, This is the heir; let s kill him, that the inheritance may become ours. So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” The parable now reaches its dramatic climax. The owner says, I will send my son, my beloved. What intense feeling, love, pathos is implied in this decision! Is it even possible to read this passage without thinking immediately of such passages as ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” John 3:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.32|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.32|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.4.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.4.4|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 4:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.9.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.9.15|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 9:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ?) 1 5 2 8 0 0 But what happens? When the wicked tenants see the son approaching they begin to plot. They reason, This is the & what? The son? No, what they actually say is, This is the heir. They seem to take for granted that the owner has died, and that, accordingly, the person who is approaching, being the heir, is now the owner.

According to a then existing law, under certain conditions if the owner died, leaving no heir, whoever were the first to claim the estate, particularly the occupants, were allowed to have it. Therefore, by killing the heir, they will be able to lay claim to the inheritance. So they think.) The fallacy in this line of argumentation was, of course, that they had no reason to think that the owner had died!) The villains carry out their wicked plan. When the son arrives, they take him, cast him out of the vineyard, and kill him.) D. Punishment Awaiting the Murderers) 15b, 16a. What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them?

He will come and kill those sharecroppers and give the vineyard to others.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.41|AUTODETECT|” Note that in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.41|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 21:41) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 the question here asked is answered by the audience, Jesus himself as the subsequent context shows being in thorough agreement with that answer. In Mark and Luke the answer is represented as having been given by Jesus himself. There is no essential difference.) 1 2 2 8 0 0 It is clear that not the sharecroppers but the owner of the vineyard triumphs in the end. And so does his son. Here the meaning of the parable is surfacing. The owner is God, and his Son is Jesus, the Christ.) The remainder of the parable now also becomes clear. Note the following:) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.29-40.23.37|AUTODETECT|” God did indeed send his servants often called by this very name to his people Israel. In various ways these prophets were scorned, wounded, and rejected 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.29-40.23.37|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 23:29 37) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.23|AUTODETECT|” Luke 6:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.11.49-42.11.51|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.11.49-42.11.51|AUTODETECT|” 11:49 51) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.13.31-42.13.35|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.13.31-42.13.35|AUTODETECT|” 13:31 35) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.52|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.52|AUTODETECT|” Acts 7:52) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.12|AUTODETECT|” ). See also N.T.C. on ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.12|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 5:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” . But even then did God actually send his only-begotten, beloved Son 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” John 3:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.32|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.32|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.5|AUTODETECT|” ; etc.). He sent him first of all to Israel 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.5|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 10:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.6|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.6|AUTODETECT|” 6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.15.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.15.24|AUTODETECT|” 15:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.15.12|AUTODETECT|” ). He too was rejected by the Jews 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.15.12|AUTODETECT|” Mark 15:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.15.13|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.15.13|AUTODETECT|” 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.11|AUTODETECT|” John 1:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.37-43.12.41|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.37-43.12.41|AUTODETECT|” 12:37 41) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.23|AUTODETECT|” Acts 2:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.10|AUTODETECT|” 4:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.12|AUTODETECT|” ); exception: the believing remnant destined for everlasting glory 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.12|AUTODETECT|” John 1:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.5|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 11:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 0 The threatened destruction of the wicked sharecroppers points not only to a.d. 70 but also to everlasting punishment for every rejector.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.41|AUTODETECT|” The vineyard, i.e., the privileged position, once granted to Israel, was subsequently transferred to the church universal 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.41|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 21:41) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.19|AUTODETECT|” 28:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.46|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.46|AUTODETECT|” Acts 13:46) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.8.11|AUTODETECT|” ), a truth whose realization was already foreshadowed when Jesus walked on earth 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.8.11|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 8:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.8.12|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.8.12|AUTODETECT|” 12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.15.28|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.15.28|AUTODETECT|” 15:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” John 3:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.4.41|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.4.41|AUTODETECT|” 4:41) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.4.42|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.4.42|AUTODETECT|” 42) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.16|AUTODETECT|” 10:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.20|AUTODETECT|” 17:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.21|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.21|AUTODETECT|” 21) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The parable, accordingly, is not an abstraction. It pictures reality.) 1 9 2 8 0 0 E. The People s Reaction to the Parable) 16b. When the people heard this, they said, May this never be!) So certain are the people, however, that the privileges of the Jews will never be given to others that when they sense that this is what Jesus means, they cry out in horror, May this never be, or, in their own idiom, God forbid. See also the note on this expression on page 898.) F. The Manner in Which Jesus Applies This Parable) 17. But Jesus looked straight at them and said, What then is this that is written:) The Stone the builders rejected,) This became the cornerstone?) Here, again, for the linguistic aspects of these lines see the note on page 898.) The underlying figure is that of a huge building block, one of those that were used in the building of Solomon s temple.

When the builders examined this particular stone, they rejected it. In doing this they erred. Subsequently this rejected stone became the cornerstone. ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.118.0|AUTODETECT|” The words quoted are taken from ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.118.0|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 118) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.147.20|AUTODETECT|” (LXX 117):22. The quotation as here reproduced is from the Septuagint, which, in turn, for this passage faithfully reproduces the Hebrew original. It will be recalled that the parable reached its climax when the wicked tenants were described as casting the owner s son out of the vineyard and killing him. They had utterly rejected not only the servants but even the son! They had done this in order to enrich themselves. The son was gone now, so they thought, so his inheritance would be theirs.

Jesus now surprises them by reminding them about this passage from the psalms. Here a very similar transaction had been described: builders had rejected a stone; ultimately meaning: prominent men had rejected, despised, scoffed Israel. Nevertheless, Israel had become in a very true sense the head of the nations 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.147.20|AUTODETECT|”
Ps. 147:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.118.0|AUTODETECT|”
). This, moreover, had not happened because of Israel s own intrinsic moral and spiritual excellence or because of its own power. On the contrary, by the Lord this wonderful thing had been accomplished. Jesus now shows that the words of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.118.0|AUTODETECT|”
Ps. 118) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.1.11|AUTODETECT|”
reach their ultimate fulfilment in the owner s son, that is, in himself, the true Israel. He is that stone that was being rejected by the chief priests, scribes,��523�� elders, and at Calvary, by the nation as a whole . See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.1.11|AUTODETECT|”
John 1:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 0
.) 1 1 2 8 0 0
But something marvelous was going to happen: the rejected stone would become the cornerstone: Christ crucified would rise again triumphantly. And what about the nation, namely, the old unconverted Israel, the rejectors of the Messiah? From you, says Jesus, the kingdom of God, that is, the special kingdom privileges the special standing in the eyes of God which this people had enjoyed during the old dispensation, to which had now been added the blessed words and works of Jesus will be taken away. Why? Because they had not lived up to their obligations. They had been like the sharecroppers who at the time of the vintage had refused to render to the owner that portion of the vintage that was his due. So, in the place of the old covenant people there would arise was it not already beginning to happen? a nation producing its fruit, a church international gathered from both Jews and Gentiles.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.2.12|AUTODETECT|”
Briefly, therefore, the thrust the one main lesson of the parable can be expressed in the words of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.2.12|AUTODETECT|”
Ps. 2:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 0: Kiss [or: pay homage to] the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way; for soon shall his wrath be kindled. Blessed are all those who take refuge in him. ) 1 1 2 8 0 0 As to the separate items in this parable, it has now become clear that:) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.5.1-23.5.7|AUTODETECT|” a. The vineyard reminds us immediately of Israel. See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.5.1-23.5.7|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 5:1 7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.32.32|AUTODETECT|” , on which the parable is clearly based. Also cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.32.32|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 32:32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.80.8-19.80.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.80.8-19.80.16|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 80:8 16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.27.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.27.2|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 27:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.27.3|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.27.3|AUTODETECT|”

1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.2.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.2.21|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 2:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.15.1-26.15.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.15.1-26.15.6|AUTODETECT|” Ezek. 15:1 6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.19.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.19.10|AUTODETECT|” 19:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.10.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.10.1|AUTODETECT|” Hos. 10:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.43|AUTODETECT|” . Nevertheless, not the nation as such but the special advantages and opportunities which were given to the people as the chosen seed, and in virtue of God s covenant with them (W. M. Taylor, op. cit., p. 140) is what is signified, for we are told that the vineyard will be given to a nation producing its fruit 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.43|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 21:43) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 4 2 8 0 0 b. The one who planted and owns the vineyard is God.) c. The wicked sharecroppers or tenants are especially Israel s leaders: chief priests, scribes, elders, though their followers (hence, the nation as a whole) need not be entirely excluded.) d. The servants who were sent to collect the portion of the vintage that could be rightfully claimed by the owner, and who were treated shamefully, are the prophets, as has been shown.) e. As already indicated, the owner s son is Jesus Christ himself.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.118.22|AUTODETECT|” An additional word, in conclusion, should be said about Jesus as the stone which the builders rejected. ��524�� Other references to this stone 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.118.22|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 118:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.118.23|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.118.23|AUTODETECT|”
1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.17|AUTODETECT|” and the present passage [) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.17|AUTODETECT|” Luke 19:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.18|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.18|AUTODETECT|”
1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.28.16|AUTODETECT|” ]) are ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.28.16|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 28:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.11|AUTODETECT|” Acts 4:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.33|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.33|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:33) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.20|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 2:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.6|AUTODETECT|” ; and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.6|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 2:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 2 2 8 0 0 The cornerstone of a building, in addition to being part of the foundation and therefore supporting the superstructure, finalizes its shape, for, being placed at the corner formed by the junction of two primary walls, it determines the lay of the walls and crosswalls throughout. All the other stones must adjust themselves to this cornerstone. Such is the relation of Christ to his church. By his glorious resurrection, ascension, and coronation he has become highly exalted, and from his place at the Father s right hand sends out the Spirit to dwell in the hearts of his followers and to rule over the entire universe in the interest of the church, to the glory of God Triune.) 18. Everyone who falls on that stone will be smashed to pieces; and he on whom it falls it will crush him.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.3.17|AUTODETECT|” Meaning: Anyone who persists in opposing Christ is going to be pulverized 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.3.17|AUTODETECT|” Luke 3:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.8.14|AUTODETECT|” ). If Christ strikes him with his judgment, the person so stricken will be crushed. In other words, if people reject Christ, not he but they will be the losers, both now and especially in the day of the final judgment. Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.8.14|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 8:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.8.15|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.8.15|AUTODETECT|”
1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.2.34|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.2.34|AUTODETECT|” Dan. 2:34) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.2.35|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.2.35|AUTODETECT|”
1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 2 2 8 0 0 G. The Reaction on the Part of the Scribes and the Chief Priests) 19. The scribes and the chief priests tried to lay hands on him that very hour, because they knew he had spoken this parable against them, but they were afraid of the people.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.5.1-23.5.7|AUTODETECT|” As has been pointed out, the parable was based on ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.5.1-23.5.7|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 5:1 7) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , which states in so many words, The vineyard of Jehovah of hosts is the house of Israel. ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.118.0|AUTODETECT|” Also, it was not difficult to believe that when Jesus quoted ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.118.0|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 118) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , he was equating the builders there mentioned with the religious leaders among his own contemporaries.) 1 3 2 8 0 0 And, of course, the scribes and chief priests who were among those who heard Jesus speak this parable knew very well that in his mind they were the ones who had been, and still were engaged in, rejecting him. There had been too many clashes to doubt this.) Result: so filled with hatred were they that they tried to lay hands on Jesus that very hour.) What prevented them from carrying out their plan at this particular moment is stated in these words: But they were afraid of the people. That is not very surprising, for:) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.7.16|AUTODETECT|” a. these people held Jesus to be a prophet 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.7.16|AUTODETECT|” Luke 7:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.19|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.19|AUTODETECT|” 24:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 );) 1 1 2 8 0 0 b. on the preceding Sunday they had been shouting in his honor (19:37, 38);) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.15|AUTODETECT|” c. on a previous occasion they had tried to make him their king 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.15|AUTODETECT|” John 6:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 );) 1 1 2 8 0 0 d. for many, Passover Week was a period during which political enthusiasm ran high, and hero worship would be difficult to control; and) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.39|AUTODETECT|” e. very recently many believers whether their faith was genuine or whimsical had been added to the ranks of those who sided with the Prophet of Galilee, for he had brought back to life Lazarus, who had been dead four days ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.39|AUTODETECT|” John 11:39) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.43|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.43|AUTODETECT|”
1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.44|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.44|AUTODETECT|”
1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.10|AUTODETECT|” 12:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.17-43.12.19|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.17-43.12.19|AUTODETECT|” 17 19) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��525��) 1 1 2 8 0 0 ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.1-42.20.19|AUTODETECT|” Practical Lessons Derived from ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.1-42.20.19|AUTODETECT|” Luke 20:1 19) 1 1 2 8 0 0 Verses 6, 7) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.11|AUTODETECT|” All the people & are persuaded that John was a prophet. & [The chief priests, etc.] answered that they did not know. Does not this passage show that at times the judgment of the laity is better than that of the clergy? The lesson is this: Though it is indeed wrong for a congregation to indulge, without very good reason, in the habit of being adversely critical of their minister(s), in the final analysis every member, with the help of God s Spirit, should make up his own mind. Heresy often begins at the top! An excellent example to follow is that of the Bereans 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.11|AUTODETECT|” Acts 17:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 3 2 8 0 0 Verses 10 15) The sharecroppers beat him up and sent him back empty-handed.& This one they wounded and flung out.& They threw him [the son] out of the vineyard and killed him. Note how, step by step, the cruelty of these tenants increases. That is not at all unusual, except when grace intervenes. See this increase in wickedness exemplified in Cain, Herod I, Herod Antipas, etc. The lesson is: Principiis obsta: Resist the beginnings! Watch out for the first misstep. Every further advance into sin will be easier than the previous step.) Verse 16) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=25.3.23|AUTODETECT|” He will come and kill these sharecroppers and & what? take it back? & destroy it? & forget about it? No, and give the vineyard to others! Isn t that wonderful? The blessings are not completely withdrawn. They are simply removed from the Jews as a nation and given to the church universal consisting of both Jew and Gentile. In other words God substitutes a greater blessing for the one that is withdrawn. The river bed of God s grace is widened! How great thou art! Think of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=25.3.23|AUTODETECT|” Lam. 3:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.16|AUTODETECT|” John 1:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.14-49.3.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.14-49.3.19|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 3:14 19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.4.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.4.6|AUTODETECT|” James 4:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 14 2 8 0 0 ) Notes on Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 20:1 19) Verse 1) ��, third per. pl. aor. (ingressive) indicat. act. of ��; here: to confront; i.e., to come up to a person boldly, defiantly. For more on this verb see the note on 10:40 on page 603.) Verse 3) ��, acc. s. of ��, a word with a great variety of meanings; such as, word, Word (the Christ), message, prayer, prophecy, account, reason, motive, etc. In each case the exact sense is determined by the context. Here and in the parallel passages the meaning is obviously question.) Verses 5, 6) ��, third per. pl. aor. indicat. of ��, to reason (together). The reciprocal idea, already present in the verb, is expressed also by ��x� ��.) The clauses introduced by �� are conditions of the third class (future more vivid). In each verse �� is followed by �4��, first per. pl. subjunct. of �6��, used as 2nd aor. of ��, in the protasis; and a third per. s. future indicat. (respectively �� and �� [from ��, to stone down, stone to death]) in the apodosis.) �� & ��, (having been and therefore) being persuaded, periphrastic perfect of ��, to persuade.) Note indirect discourse: 8�� 6��: John to be a prophet; that is, that John was a prophet.) Verse 9) $�� & ��, he proceeded (or: went on) & to tell.) ��, third per. s. aor. indicat. act. of ��, to plant. See also 17:6, 28, and the note on 13:6 on page 698.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.9.7|AUTODETECT|” ��, acc. s. of ��, vineyard, as in 13:6 and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.9.7|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 9:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 2 2 8 0 0 ��, third per. s. 2nd aor. (ingressive) middle of ��, to lease, let out.) �� (from �� plus ��), lit. worker of the soil; specifically:) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.1|AUTODETECT|” John 15:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , vinedresser) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.2.6|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 2:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.5.7|AUTODETECT|” and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=59.5.7|AUTODETECT|” James 5:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , farmer.) 1 17 2 8 0 0 In the present parable the �� is clearly a tenant farmer, one who works the land in this case a vineyard for a share of the crop. He is therefore a sharecropper.) For ��, he went abroad, see the note on 15:13 on page 760.) �� 1��, for a considerable period of time, for a long time. Here pl.; in 8:27 s. but with little, if any, difference in meaning.) Verse 10) ��, at the proper time. For the distinction between �� (verse 9) and �� (verse 10) see the note on 12:56 on page 690.) ��, third per. pl. fut. indicat., where aor. subjunct. would be more usual. This can be explained either as showing the close relationship between the subjunctive and the future indicative, or as being a means to add to the vividness of the story.) ��, nom. pl. masc. aor. participle of ��, basically meaning: to skin, flay, but here: to beat (up). See also the note on 12:47, 48 on page 688.) Verses 11, 12) For the idiom (in both verses) ��, here followed by ��, see the note on 17:5 on page 801.) Verse 13) ��, third per. pl. fut. indicat. pass. of ��; act. meaning: to make someone turn in on himself; i.e., to make him ashamed; pass., as here, with middle sense: they will turn in on themselves, will be ashamed out of respect for someone; in the present context: they will respect him.

German: Vielleicht, wenn sie den sehen, werden sie sich scheuen. Dutch: Dien zullen zij wel ontzien. ) Verses 14, 15) �� x� �� means about the same thing as �� x� �� in verse 5.) ��, first per. pl. subjunct. (volitive) act. of ��, to kill; hence, Let us kill. ) ��, third per. pl. aor. indicat. act. of the same verb. Beginning at 9:22 this verb appears frequently in this Gospel.) ��, third per. s. 2nd aor. subjunct. after 5��, indicating purpose: that the inheritance may become ours. ) Verse 16) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.44.7|AUTODETECT|” �t ��, third per. s. 2nd aor. optat. of ��. May it never be! In view of the fact that the people spoke Aramaic, what they actually said may well have been, God forbid! Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.44.7|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 44:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.44.17|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.44.17|AUTODETECT|” 17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.22.29|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.22.29|AUTODETECT|” Josh. 22:29) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.24.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.24.16|AUTODETECT|” 24:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.12.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.12.23|AUTODETECT|” I Sam. 12:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.14.45|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.14.45|AUTODETECT|” 14:45) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.20.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.20.2|AUTODETECT|” 20:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.27.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.27.5|AUTODETECT|” Job 27:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 2 8 0 0 Verse 17) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.7|AUTODETECT|” ��, nom. s. masc. aor. (ingressive) participle of ��, to look straight at, fix one s gaze on. The antecedent ��, which, being the subject of became the cornerstone, would normally be in the nom., has been attracted to the case of E�, the relative. This is not what happens normally. It is called inverse attraction. See Gram. N.T., pp. 717, 718. For quotation of the same Old testament passage but with �� instead of �� see ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.7|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 2:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.118.22|AUTODETECT|” Note �0�; as if This became for a cornerstone. The New Testament in Modern Greek omits this �0�. Its inclusion may be considered a Hebraism 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.118.22|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 118:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), though it is not entirely absent even from Greek secular literature. This �0� shows that something (here the stone) passes from one state (that of being rejected) to another (that of being honored as cornerstone). In English �0� in such a context is generally omitted. German, however, has & ist zum Eckstein geworden ; Dutch, & is tot een hoeksteen geworden. Frisian also has retained the little word (ta), and so has Danish (til), but South African and also Swedish omit it.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 Verse 18) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.44|AUTODETECT|” ��, third per. s. fut. indicat. pass. of ��(?). In the New Testament this word occurs in this one passage, unless ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.44|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 21:44) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 should be authentic (an improbability). Meaning: to dash to pieces. The same is true with respect to ��, to crush.) 1 6 2 8 0 0 Verse 19) ��, aor. (ingressive) act. infinitive of ��; here: to lay hands on, seize. For a complete summary of the meaning of this word in the New Testament see the note on 15:12 on page 759.) ) 20:20 44 Captious Questions and Authoritative Answers) also) Christ s Own Question) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.15-40.22.22|AUTODETECT|” verses 20 26 Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.15-40.22.22|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 22:15 22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.13-41.12.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.13-41.12.17|AUTODETECT|” Mark 12:13 17) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.23-40.22.33|AUTODETECT|” verses 27 40 Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.23-40.22.33|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 22:23 33) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.18-41.12.27|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.18-41.12.27|AUTODETECT|” Mark 12:18 27) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.41-40.22.46|AUTODETECT|” verses 41 44 Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.41-40.22.46|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 22:41 46) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.35-41.12.37|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.35-41.12.37|AUTODETECT|” Mark 12:35 37) 1 17 2 8 0 0 20 Now they watched (him) closely and sent spies, who pretended to be honorable men. Their purpose was to lay hold on something he might say, so as to hand him over to the control and authority of the governor.) 21 So the spies questioned him, saying, Teacher, we know that you speak and teach what is right and show no partiality but truthfully teach God s way. 22 Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or is it not? ) 23 But he saw through their craftiness and said to them, 24 Show me a denarius! Whose image��526�� and inscription does it bear ) 25 Caesar s, they told him. He said to them, Well then, what is due to Caesar render to Caesar, and what is due to God render to God. ) 26 So they were unable to get a handle on him��527�� because of what he had said in the presence of the people, and amazed by his answer they became silent.) 27 Next, some of the Sadducees, who say that there is no resurrection, came up and asked Jesus, 28 Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man s brother dies, leaving a wife but no child, that man should take the widow and raise up children for his brother. 29 Now there were seven brothers. The first took a wife and died childless. 30 The second 31 and then the third took her, and similarly all seven, and they died leaving no children. 32 Last of all the woman herself died. 33 Now then, at the resurrection whose wife will the woman be, since all seven had her as wife? ) 34 Then Jesus said to them, The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage, 35 but those who are accounted worthy to attain to that age, even to the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage: 36 for they can no longer die, because they are like the angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.) 37 But that the dead are raised up even Moses disclosed in the passage about the bush, when he calls the Lord:) the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. ) 38 He is not the God of the dead but of the living, for all are alive to him. ) 39 Some of the scribes answered, Well said, Teacher. 40 For they no longer dared to ask him any more questions.) 41 Then Jesus said to them, How can people say that the Christ is the Son of David? 42 For David himself in the book of Psalms declares:) The Lord said to my Lord,) Sit at my right hand) 43 Until I make your enemies your footstool. ��528��) 44 David therefore calls him Lord. How then can he be his son? ) ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.35|AUTODETECT|” Without any indication as to time or place Luke here begins to present his report with respect to captious questions put to Jesus during the week of The Passion. The place, however, must have been the temple 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.35|AUTODETECT|” Mark 12:35) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.1|AUTODETECT|” ). As to the time, note that even when we reach ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.1|AUTODETECT|” Luke 22:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.1|AUTODETECT|” 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.1|AUTODETECT|” Mark 14:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.21|AUTODETECT|” ) the story has not advanced beyond Tuesday. This does not mean, however, that some of what ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.20.21|AUTODETECT|” Luke 20:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ff. relates may not have taken place a little later, say on Wednesday.��529�� Subsuming the events here recorded under the caption TUESDAY-WEDNESDAY, as we have done, should suffice. We now proceed at once to the first of the two captious questions reported by Luke.) 1 4 2 8 0 0 A. Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or is it not?) 20. Now they watched (him) closely and sent spies, who pretended to be honorable men. Their purpose was to lay hold on something he might say, so as to hand him over to the control and authority of the governor.) It is necessary to keep the context in mind. The Sanhedrists had bluntly questioned Jesus authority. This attack had failed.

By means of a counter-question Jesus had silenced them. Not only that, but by means of the parable of The Wicked Tenants he had predicted their doom. So, more than ever they were determined to kill him. But they were afraid of the people (20:19).) So they now decided to use the opposite method. For implied accusation they substituted adulation, flattery. At the same time they probably figured that their clever device would result in discrediting their enemy in the estimation of the people, at least of a large group.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.13|AUTODETECT|” Therefore the enemies of Jesus sent a committee to him. The committee consisted of Pharisees and Herodians 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.13|AUTODETECT|” Mark 12:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). These men pretended to be honorable. They, especially the Pharisees, acted as if they were deeply troubled by a question of conscience, and were seeking his advice. Meanwhile their real purpose was to see whether they could make him say something that could serve as a reason for accusing him before the Roman governor. With the Herodians going along as witnesses, the governor, so they hoped, might be willing to take Jesus off their hands, condemning him. Very clever & and wicked! The honorable men were in reality tricky, prying spies.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 21. So the spies questioned him, saying, Teacher, we know that you speak and teach what is right and show no partiality but truthfully teach God s way.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.4.38|AUTODETECT|” As to Teacher, this form of address was certainly correct. Not only do the evangelists constantly describe Jesus as such, but so do also many others 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.4.38|AUTODETECT|” Mark 4:38) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.5.35|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.5.35|AUTODETECT|” 5:35) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.9.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.9.17|AUTODETECT|” 9:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.9.38|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.9.38|AUTODETECT|” 38) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.17|AUTODETECT|” 10:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.20|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.20|AUTODETECT|” 20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.35|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.35|AUTODETECT|” 35) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.2|AUTODETECT|” John 3:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.49|AUTODETECT|” ; etc.). In fact, Jesus himself stated that teaching was one of his main activities 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.49|AUTODETECT|” Mark 14:49) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.55|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.55|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 26:55) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.37|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.37|AUTODETECT|” Luke 21:37) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.18.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.18.20|AUTODETECT|” John 18:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.18|AUTODETECT|” ). He was the greatest Teacher ever to walk the earth. Being God s true Prophet he taught men as the Father had taught him 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.18|AUTODETECT|” John 1:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.34|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.34|AUTODETECT|” 3:34) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.28|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.28|AUTODETECT|” 8:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.49|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.49|AUTODETECT|” 12:49) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). It was a pity that those who now addressed him as Teacher did not accept his teaching.) 1 2 2 8 0 0 And now the flattery. These men tell Jesus that he speaks and teaches what is right, that is, he truthfully teaches God s way. The word way, as here used, indicates the manner in which God wants people to think and to live. It is his will for man s heart, mind, and behavior. They are saying, therefore, You are a teacher on whom people can depend; you faithfully declare the will of God for doctrine and life. ) In further explication of what they have in mind they say, You are not partial to anyone ; literally, You do not look on anyone s countenance. They mean, No matter to whom you speak, what you say is still the same. You do not allow yourself to be swayed by rich or poor, learned or unlearned, master or slave.& ��530��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.5.37|AUTODETECT|” Thinking, perhaps, that by means of their kind (?) words they have completely disarmed Jesus, having dispelled any suspicion which he might otherwise have entertained with respect to their motives, they now spring their question, 22. Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or is it not? The tribute to which the present passage refers was a poll tax which, after the deposition of Archelaus (a.d. 6), was collected by the procurator from every adult male in Judea, and was paid directly into the imperial treasury. Since this coinage bore the image of the emperor, who ascribed divinity to himself and claimed to possess supreme authority not only in political but even in spiritual affairs , and since, in addition to this, it reminded the Jews that they were a subject nation, it is understandable that payment of this personal tax was very distasteful to many freedom-loving, devout Jews. It was in connection with the introduction of this imposition that Judas of Galilee had vehemently proclaimed, Taxation is no better than downright slavery. He had blasted it as being no less than high treason against God. See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.5.37|AUTODETECT|” Acts 5:37) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ; Josephus, Jewish War II.117, 118; Jewish Antiquities XVIII.1 10.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.20|AUTODETECT|” The question put to Jesus was therefore a very clever scheme. If he answered affirmatively, he would be alienating ever so many devout, patriotic Jews; but a negative reply would be exposing himself to the charge of rebellion against the Roman government 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.20|AUTODETECT|” Luke 20:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.23.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.23.2|AUTODETECT|” 23:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 0 23 25. But he saw through their craftiness and said to them, Show me a denarius! Whose image and inscription does it bear? Caesar s, they told him.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.18|AUTODETECT|” Jesus was fully aware of their wickedness 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.18|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 22:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), unscrupulousness, or craftiness, their readiness to do anything, no matter how wicked, to attain their purpose. Their question, after an introduction of honeyed words, sounded like a pious request for direction in deciding what to do in a difficult matter of ethics, but their real intention was the destruction of Jesus. Their action was diabolical. While feigning innocence, they thought they had lured their enemy into a trap from which, as they saw it, he would not be able to escape.) 1 14 2 8 0 0 So Jesus asked them to show him a denarius. This was a small silver coin equal to a laborer s average wages for one day s work. It was the amount fixed by law for the payment of the poll tax. It is held by many that Christ s asking for this coin implied that he himself was so poor that he did not possess that much. To this observation some add that it showed that even his disciples did not have a denarius. But perhaps this is reading into the account something that is not really there.

One could, for example, advance an entirely different explanation for this request, namely, that Jesus wanted the coin to come from the pockets of his opponents, so as to impress upon them the fact that they themselves were using this coinage, were benefiting from its use, and had accordingly accepted the resulting obligations. That explanation has in its favor that it fits into the succeeding context. But this point need not be pressed.) Jesus question, Whose image and inscription does it bear? was easily answered. Caesar s, of course.) A denarius from the reign of the then ruling emperor Tiberius pictures on its obverse side the head of that ruler. On the reverse side he is shown seated on a throne. He is wearing a diadem and is clothed as a highpriest.) The inscriptions, with abbreviations as indicated and with V representing our present U, are as follows:) Obverse) TICAESARDIVI AVGFAVGVSTVS) Translated:) TIBERIUS CAESAR AUGUSTUS) SON OF THE DIVINE AUGUSTUS) Reverse) PONTIF MAXIM) Translated:) HIGHEST PRIEST) The tension must have been very high when He said to them, Well then, what is due to Caesar render to Caesar, and what is due to God render to God.

Explanation:) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.2.2|AUTODETECT|” a. Jesus was not evading the issue, but was clearly saying, Yes, pay the tax. Honoring God does not mean dishonoring the emperor by refusing to pay for the privileges a relatively orderly society, police protection, good roads, courts, etc., etc. one enjoys. At this particular time the Roman Empire had brought peace and tranquility to the people under its sway, and this to a degree seldom if ever experienced either before or afterward. Such a blessing implies a responsibility. Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.2.2|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 2:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.17|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 2:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . Thus, no truthful charge of sedition could be made against Jesus.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=12.18.19-12.19.37|AUTODETECT|” b. He was qualifying his yes answer by stating that the emperor should be paid (given back) only what was his due. Hence, the divine honor which the emperor claimed but which is due to God alone must be refused. How could the Pharisees find any fault with that? Besides, this word was a warning to all from the most exalted emperor to the subject lowest in rank not to claim undue honors. Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=12.18.19-12.19.37|AUTODETECT|” II Kings 18:19 19:37) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=14.32.9-14.32.23|AUTODETECT|” 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=14.32.9-14.32.23|AUTODETECT|” II Chron. 32:9 23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.4.28-27.4.32|AUTODETECT|” ; Isa. 36, 37); ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.4.28-27.4.32|AUTODETECT|” Dan. 4:28 32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.5.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.5.0|AUTODETECT|” 5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.12.20-44.12.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.12.20-44.12.23|AUTODETECT|” Acts 12:20 23) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.29.0|AUTODETECT|” c. By adding and what is due to God render to God Jesus was stressing the fact that all the service, gratitude, glory, etc., due to God should be constantly and gladly accorded to him. Nothing must be withheld. See, for example, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.29.0|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 29) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.95.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.95.0|AUTODETECT|” 95) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.96.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.96.0|AUTODETECT|” 96) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.116.0|AUTODETECT|” ; 103 105; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.116.0|AUTODETECT|” 116) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.4|AUTODETECT|” John 17:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.33-45.11.36|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.33-45.11.36|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 11:33 36) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.20|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 6:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.31|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.31|AUTODETECT|” 10:31) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.1|AUTODETECT|” 16:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.2|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.2|AUTODETECT|” 2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.9.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.9.15|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 9:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . One does not give God what is his due by plotting to destroy his beloved Son! But this was exactly what these spies and their teachers were trying to do.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.18.36|AUTODETECT|” d. By drawing a distinction between what is due to Caesar and what is due to God Jesus was rejecting the very claim of Caesar, a claim made on the coin and elsewhere, to the effect that his was not only a physical kingdom but also a spiritual one . Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.18.36|AUTODETECT|” John 18:36) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.4.34|AUTODETECT|” . Naturally God is Sovereign over all 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.4.34|AUTODETECT|” Dan. 4:34) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.4.35|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.4.35|AUTODETECT|” 35) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.11|AUTODETECT|” ), even over the emperor. Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.11|AUTODETECT|” John 19:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.13.1-45.13.7|AUTODETECT|” . The emperor, to be sure, should be respected and obeyed whenever his will does not clash with the divine will. See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.13.1-45.13.7|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 13:1 7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.5.29|AUTODETECT|” . But when there is a clash the rule laid down in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.5.29|AUTODETECT|” Acts 5:29) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 must be followed.) 1 2 2 8 0 0 By means of this answer Jesus had discomfited his enemies. We are not surprised to read: 26. So they were unable to get a handle on him because of what he had said in the presence of the people, and amazed by his answer they became silent.) The spies had not expected this kind of answer. Jesus had frankly and courageously answered their question. The answer implied, Yes, the tax must be paid. There must be an adequate response to privileges enjoyed. But though the emperor must receive his due, he must not receive more than that; that is, he must not receive the divine honor he claims. At the same time, God must receive all glory and honor.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.22|AUTODETECT|” Who could find fault with this answer? Certainly no one. So the spies were reduced to silence. They left 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.22|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 22:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 2 2 8 0 0 B. At the resurrection whose wife will the woman be?) 27, 28. Next, some of the Sadducees, who say that there is no resurrection, came up and asked Jesus, Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man s brother dies, leaving a wife but no child, that man should take the widow and raise up children for his brother.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.8.17|AUTODETECT|” Who were these Sadducees?��531�� How this party originated we do not know. They loved to trace their name and origin back to Zadok, the man who during David s reign shared the highpriestly office with Abiathar 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.8.17|AUTODETECT|” II Sam. 8:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.15.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.15.24|AUTODETECT|” 15:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.1.34|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.1.34|AUTODETECT|” I Kings 1:34) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.2.35|AUTODETECT|” ), and was made sole highpriest by Solomon 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.2.35|AUTODETECT|” I Kings 2:35) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Whether they were right in so doing cannot be proved, but they may well have been.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.1|AUTODETECT|” That there was indeed, even during the days of Christ s sojourn on earth, a close relationship between priesthood, temple, and Sadducees is not open to doubt. It is clearly implied in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.1|AUTODETECT|” Acts 4:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.5.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.5.17|AUTODETECT|” 5:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . Let the reader see for himself.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.23.6-44.23.8|AUTODETECT|” As to doctrinal beliefs, the Sadducees accepted only the written word; not, like the Pharisees, also oral tradition. So much is clear from Josephus, Antiquities XIII.297. Also, they denied the soul s immortality. As they saw it, the soul perishes along with the body (Antiquities XVIII.16, 17). They said, There is no resurrection, neither angel nor spirit 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.23.6-44.23.8|AUTODETECT|” Acts 23:6 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). They rejected the eternal divine decree or as they called it fate and accepted the freedom of the will (Antiquities XIII.171 173).) 1 1 2 8 0 0 Politically they supported the status quo, were satisfied to have matters remain as they were. They were not a popular party, as were the Pharisees, but were in favor with the wealthy (Antiquities XIII.298).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.1|AUTODETECT|” In so many respects did they differ from the Pharisees that, at first glance, it may seem strange that at times Pharisees and Sadducees co-operated 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.1|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 16:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.6|AUTODETECT|” ), and that Jesus warned against the teaching of both, mentioning them in one breath 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.6|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 16:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.11|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.11|AUTODETECT|” 11) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). But this co-operation was, after all, not so strange. In the final analysis both of these parties tried to obtain their feeling of security by their own efforts whether this sense of ease and salvation was based on material possessions on this side of the grave, as with the Sadducees, or on imagined spiritual possessions on the other side, as with the Pharisees, who were striving with all their might to work their way into heaven.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.18|AUTODETECT|” It should not be a surprise, therefore, that when Jesus, with his emphasis on the sincere religion of the heart and on God as the sole Author of salvation, appeared upon the scene of human history, he was rejected by both groups: by the Pharisees, who resented his exposure of their hypocrisy, and by the Sadducees, who considered him a threat to their status quo. Besides, both parties envied Jesus 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.18|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 27:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) because of his miracles and the crowds he attracted.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.34|AUTODETECT|” When the Sadducees now come up to Jesus they probably intend to strike a double blow. By exposing to ridicule Christ s belief in a bodily resurrection would they not also triumph over the Pharisees who likewise accepted the doctrine of a life after death? If we are permitted to assume that news of the victory of Jesus over the Pharisees (and their allies) soon reached the ears of the Sadducees in view of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.34|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 22:34) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 not an unreasonable assumption may we not also assume that the latter were already saying to each other, We ll show the Pharisees that we can do better ? Were they perhaps already chuckling over the prospect of killing two birds with one stone, that is, of exposing to ridicule both Jesus and the Pharisees?) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.25.5|AUTODETECT|” For their word of address, Teacher, see on verse 21. They continue with an appeal to the great lawgiver Moses . It should be borne in mind that the Sadducees regarded the Pentateuch as being higher in value than the other books of the Old Testament. They now make ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.25.5|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 25:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.25.6|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.25.6|AUTODETECT|” 6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.25.7-5.25.10|AUTODETECT|” the springboard of their question. In that passage the law of levirate��532�� marriage is given to Israel. According to this law, if a wife loses her husband before any male child has been born, the brother of that husband or else the nearest of kin must marry the widow, so that the first child born of this marriage may be counted as a child of the deceased, and the latter s line may not die out. Disobedience to this command was frowned upon 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.25.7-5.25.10|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 25:7 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.38.8-1.38.10|AUTODETECT|” ). The halfhearted obedience of Onan, who was willing to marry the widow but not to raise offspring by her since such a child could not be counted as his own, was punished with death 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.38.8-1.38.10|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 38:8 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=8.4.1-8.4.8|AUTODETECT|” ). For an interesting application of the law of levirate marriage see ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=8.4.1-8.4.8|AUTODETECT|” Ruth 4:1 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . To what extent this law was still being obeyed during Christ s sojourn on earth is not clear.) 1 5 2 8 0 0 The Sadducees, then, make use of this commandment in order to show how thoroughly absurd, as they see it, is belief in the resurrection of the body. Whether the story which they are about to relate was a report on an actual event, as some commentators believe; or whether it was suggested by the apocryphal book of Tobit (3:8, 15; 6:13; 7:11); or finally, whether from start to finish it was their own fabrication; let the reader judge for himself.) Continued: 29 33. Now there were seven brothers. The first took a wife and died childless. The second and then the third took her, and similarly all seven, and they died leaving no children. Last of all the woman herself died.

Now then, at the resurrection whose wife will the woman be, since all seven had her as wife?) Provided that their opponent (in this case, Jesus) accepted the basic assumption that married life continues in the hereafter, two husbands would have been sufficient to prove the Sadducees point. But seven makes the story more interesting and might also make belief in the resurrection seem even more absurd. Think of it: when the dead arise, this woman husband-killer? will have seven husbands! Of course, that cannot, must not, be. She is allowed to have only one, but which one?) It is clear, of course, that the entire representation was absurd. It was atrociously unfair; for Jesus, though believing in the doctrine of the physical resurrection, did not believe that the state of marriage would continue after the resurrection.

What the opponents were doing, therefore, was setting up a man of straw, to be bowled down very readily. Not the doctrine of the resurrection but the assumption from which the Sadducees were proceeding was false. In fact, it was grotesquely fictitious.) And now Christ s answer: 34 36. Then Jesus said to them, The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage, but those who are accounted worthy to attain to that age, even to the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage; for they can no longer die, because they are like the angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.5.29|AUTODETECT|” Meaning: Those who live in this world marry and are given in marriage. But those who, apart from any merit of theirs but only by virtue of God s sovereign grace, are considered worthy of partaking in the glories of the coming age, the new heaven and earth, so as to be sharers in the resurrection of the righteous 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.5.29|AUTODETECT|” John 5:29) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.13|AUTODETECT|” a), neither marry nor are given in marriage. Reason: they do not die; therefore marriage with a view to the perpetuation of the race will not be necessary. With respect to marriage they are like the angels, who also do not marry. The redeemed in glory are sons of God, being born of God and being, in a sense, like him 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.13|AUTODETECT|” John 1:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.2|AUTODETECT|” I John 3:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), and thus also sharers in the resurrection unto life. ) 1 3 2 8 0 0 For the sons of expressions see the note on 10:6 on page 587 and the diagram (of some of these forms) on page 588.) Continued: 37, 38. But that the dead are raised up even Moses disclosed in the passage about the bush, when he calls the Lord: the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. He is not the God of the dead but of the living, for all are alive to him.) It is true that the Sadducees did not have the New Testament, which mentions or implies the resurrection (whether of Jesus himself or of his people, or even of all the dead) again and again.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.16.9-19.16.11|AUTODETECT|” But even the Old Testament is not lacking in references to the bodily resurrection. Clearest, perhaps, are ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.16.9-19.16.11|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 16:9 11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.27|AUTODETECT|” 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.27|AUTODETECT|” Acts 2:27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.31|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.31|AUTODETECT|” 31) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.12.2|AUTODETECT|” ) and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.12.2|AUTODETECT|” Dan. 12:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.14.14|AUTODETECT|” . Worthy of consideration are also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.14.14|AUTODETECT|” Job 14:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.19.25-18.19.27|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.19.25-18.19.27|AUTODETECT|” 19:25 27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.17.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.17.15|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 17:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.73.24-19.73.26|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.73.24-19.73.26|AUTODETECT|” 73:24 26) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.26.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.26.19|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 26:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.37.1-26.37.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.37.1-26.37.14|AUTODETECT|” Ezek. 37:1 14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.6.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.6.2|AUTODETECT|” Hos. 6:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.13.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.13.14|AUTODETECT|” 13:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.55|AUTODETECT|” 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.55|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 15:55) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.73.24-19.73.26|AUTODETECT|” ); these are passages which, though not always directly teaching the resurrection of the body, may well imply belief in this truth. Take, for example, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.73.24-19.73.26|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 73:24 26) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.2.7|AUTODETECT|” , which clearly teaches the blessed after-death existence of the believer s soul in heaven. Does not this very existence of the soul in the intermediate state demand the resurrection of the body? Two facts certainly point in that direction: (a) the creation of man as body and soul 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.2.7|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 2:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.19|AUTODETECT|” ), and (b) this very passage, He is not the God of the dead but of the living. Note also that Abraham surely believed in the possibility of a physical resurrection 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.19|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 11:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 0 Jesus, however, refers to another passage, I am the God of Abraham & , and implies that since God is not the God of the dead but of the living, the conclusion is that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are still alive, and are awaiting a glorious resurrection.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.26|AUTODETECT|” Luke 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.26|AUTODETECT|” Mark 12:26) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.3.1|AUTODETECT|” ) represents Jesus as tracing the saying to Moses, that is, to the Pentateuch, the very book which by the Sadducees was esteemed above all others. More precisely, Jesus points out the very place in the Pentateuch where the quoted words are found, namely, in the passage about the bush, that is, the burning bush that was not consumed. The reference is, of course, to ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.3.1|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 3:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ff.; see verse 6 and cf. verses 15, 16.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.3.6|AUTODETECT|” Attempts have been made to rob Christ s argument of its value. It has been said, for example, that the expression the God of Abraham simply means that while Abraham was on earth he worshiped Jehovah. However, a study of the context in which ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.3.6|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 3:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.16.10|AUTODETECT|” and all similar passages occur quickly proves that the One who reveals himself as the God of Abraham & is the unchangeable, eternal covenant God who blesses, loves, encourages, protects, etc., his people, and whose favors do not suddenly stop when a person dies but go with that person beyond death 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.16.10|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 16:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.16.11|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.16.11|AUTODETECT|” 11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.17.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.17.15|AUTODETECT|” 17:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.73.23-19.73.26|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.73.23-19.73.26|AUTODETECT|” 73:23 26) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.3.6|AUTODETECT|” Another fact must be mentioned in this connection. The men with whom the immutable Jehovah 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.3.6|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 3:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.3.14|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.3.14|AUTODETECT|” 14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=39.3.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=39.3.6|AUTODETECT|” Mal. 3:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.7|AUTODETECT|” ) established an everlasting covenant 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.7|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 17:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.28.1-5.28.14|AUTODETECT|” ) were Israelites, not Greeks. According to the Greek (and afterward also the Roman) conception, the body is merely the prison house of the soul. See N.T.C. on I and II Thessalonians, pp. 110, 111. The Hebrew conception, product of special revelation, is entirely different. Here God deals with man as a whole, not only with his soul or merely with his body. On the contrary, when God blesses his child he enriches him with physical as well as spiritual benefits 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.28.1-5.28.14|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 28:1 14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.9.21-16.9.25|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.9.21-16.9.25|AUTODETECT|” Neh. 9:21 25) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.104.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.104.14|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 104:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.104.15|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.104.15|AUTODETECT|” 15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.107.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.107.0|AUTODETECT|” 107) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.136.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.136.0|AUTODETECT|” 136) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.19|AUTODETECT|” ; and many similar passages). He loves him body and soul. He is going to send his beloved Son in order to ransom him completely. The body, accordingly, shares with the soul the honor of being the sanctuary of the Holy Spirit 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.19|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 6:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.20|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.20|AUTODETECT|” 20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.13|AUTODETECT|” ). The body is for the Lord, and the Lord for the body 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.13|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 6:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.35-45.8.39|AUTODETECT|” ). God loves the entire person, and the declaration, I am the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob (note the triple occurrence of the word God, mentioned separately in connection with each of the three to stress personal relationship with each), certainly implies that their bodies will not be left to the worms but will one day be gloriously resurrected. The God of the covenant is not the God of dead bodies but of living people! Those dear ones who have exchanged this life for the life hereafter may seem dead to us, but to God they are very much alive. The vital and glorious relationship between himself and them cannot be broken. See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.35-45.8.39|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:35 39) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . Hence, he will not forget their bodies!) 1 5 2 8 0 0 The burden of proof is entirely on the person who denies this. See also H. W. Robinson, The People and the Book, Oxford, 1925, p. 353 f.) 39, 40. Some of the scribes answered, Well said, Teacher. For they no longer dared to ask him any more questions.) These scribes were probably Pharisees, and believed in a bodily resurrection. On this particular question they, accordingly, stood with Jesus, and were happy that their enemies, the Sadducees, had been defeated. The Sadducees, realizing that they had been worsted, did not again venture to ask Jesus a question.) C. Jesus own question: Whose Son is the Christ?) 41. Then Jesus said to them, How can people say that the Christ is the Son of David?) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.9|AUTODETECT|” The blind beggar had called Jesus the Son of David (18:38). The multitudes had shouted Hosanna to the Son of David 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.9|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 21:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.9.9|AUTODETECT|” ). Jesus, by accepting these praises without protest, and by fulfilling the prophecy of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.9.9|AUTODETECT|” Zech. 9:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.69|AUTODETECT|” , had indicated, though indirectly, that he was indeed the very Son of David that was to come. The direct and open affirmation would follow a little later 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.69|AUTODETECT|” Luke 22:69) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.70|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.70|AUTODETECT|” 70) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 5 2 8 0 0 However, in what sense was he the Son of David? For the sake of man s salvation unto God s glory that question must be answered. Especially now, with the cross so very, very near, and deadly error prevailing on every side.) We might say, therefore, that there were three propositions Jesus wanted everyone to accept, and this with heart and mind:) a. David s Son is not merely David s descendant; he is David s Lord.) b. Being David s Lord, he is the Son of God.) c. Since he is the Son of God, everyone should place his trust in him.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.35|AUTODETECT|” It is for this reason that Jesus now asks the all-important question, How can people [the scribes, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.35|AUTODETECT|” Mark 12:35) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , and their followers, people in general] say that the Christ is the Son of David? Jesus is asking as it were, Is he merely David s descendant? In which sense is he Son? How does David himself answer that question? ) 1 2 2 8 0 0 42 44. For David himself in the book of Psalms declares: The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool. David therefore calls him Lord. How then can he be his son?) We return, then, to proposition (a): David s Son is not merely David s descendant; he is David s Lord.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.34|AUTODETECT|” Jesus ascribes this Psalm (110) to David, and is saying that it is a Messianic Psalm. Note that the Christ, etc. (verse 41). It was so regarded also by Peter 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.34|AUTODETECT|” Acts 2:34) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.35|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.35|AUTODETECT|” 35) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.25|AUTODETECT|” ), by Paul 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.25|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 15:25) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), by the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews (1:13; cf. 10:13), and, during New Testament times, by the rabbis.��533��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.22.16|AUTODETECT|” The words, David himself in the book of Psalms & calls him Lord. How then can he be his son? cannot mean, The Messiah is not David s son. They must mean, He cannot be David s son merely in the sense of his descendant. He is far more than that. He is the root as well as the offspring of David 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.22.16|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 22:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.11.1|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.11.1|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 11:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.11.10|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.11.10|AUTODETECT|” 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). He is David s Lord.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.10.24|AUTODETECT|” The figure Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool is that of an enemy lying in the dust so that the conqueror s feet can be placed on his neck. Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.10.24|AUTODETECT|” Josh. 10:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . Complete triumph over every foe is assured to David s Lord.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 This brings us to proposition (b): Being David s Lord, he is the Son of God.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.20-49.1.23|AUTODETECT|” In this psalm David is making a distinction between YHWH (Jehovah) and Adonai. YHWH is addressing David s Adonai; that is, God is addressing the Mediator. He is promising that Mediator such pre-eminence, power, authority, majesty as would be proper only for One who, as to his person, from all eternity was, is now, and forever will be GOD. See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.20-49.1.23|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 1:20 23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.5-50.2.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.5-50.2.11|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 2:5 11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.2.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.2.9|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 2:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.5.1-66.5.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.5.1-66.5.10|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 5:1 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.12.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.12.5|AUTODETECT|” 12:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 4 2 8 0 0 The clear implication is surely proposition (c): Since he is the Son of God, hence also himself God, everyone should place his trust in him.) For Practical Lessons and Greek Words, etc., see pp. 911 915.) ) 20:45 47 Denunciation of the Scribes) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.1-40.23.36|AUTODETECT|” Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.1-40.23.36|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 23:1 36) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.38-41.12.40|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.38-41.12.40|AUTODETECT|” Mark 12:38 40) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.11.37-42.11.54|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.11.37-42.11.54|AUTODETECT|” Luke 11:37 54) 1 5 2 8 0 0 45 Now while all the people were listening, Jesus said to his disciples:) 46 Beware of the scribes, who relish parading about in long, flowing robes, and who love formal salutations in the market places, chief seats in the synagogues, and places of honor at the banquets. 47 They devour widows houses, and for a show��534�� offer lengthy prayers. Such men will receive a heavier sentence. ) ) 45. Now while all the people were listening, Jesus said to his disciples:) Having now attacked the doctrine of the scribes and their allies, Jesus next exposes their corrupt practice.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.0|AUTODETECT|” From the Woes against the Scribes, as recorded at length in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.0|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.38-41.12.40|AUTODETECT|” 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.38-41.12.40|AUTODETECT|” Mark 12:38 40) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), Luke selects a representative few. Note that the scribes are not addressed directly. Any reference to them is in the third person. If from this fact someone wishes to draw the conclusion that they were no longer present, or, if present, then only sparsely, he can hardly be blamed.) 1 5 2 8 0 0 What must not escape us is the fact that the Master, fully realizing that the scribes had a large following, warns his audience against them, out of love for all who were prone to be easily led astray. To be sure, the descriptions of the enemies of the truth are not mild, but underneath throbs a loving heart!) 46, 47a. Beware of the scribes, who relish parading about in long, flowing robes, and who love formal salutations in the market places, chief seats in the synagogues, and places of honor at the banquets. They devour widows houses, and for a show offer lengthy prayers.) Note the six items of criticism, followed by the statement of condemnation:) A. Items of Criticism) a. who relish parading about in long, flowing robes. These men were putting on airs; they walked around attired like kings or priests about to perform official functions.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.21|AUTODETECT|” b. formal salutations in the market places. Cf. 11:43b. Though the word for salutation that is here used can indicate a friendly spoken greeting, or a written message of regards 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.21|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 16:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.4.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.4.18|AUTODETECT|” Col. 4:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.3.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.3.17|AUTODETECT|” II Thess. 3:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.7|AUTODETECT|” ), here it has a more formidable connotation, as the immediate context in the parallel passage, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.7|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 23:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , indicates ( & the formal salutations in the market places, and to have the people address them as rabbi. ). What the men who are here described were always longing for was not a mere token of friendliness but rather a demonstration of respect, a public recognition of their prominence.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 c. chief seats in the synagogues. Cf. 11:43a. Those were the seats in front of the raised platform on which stood the prayer leader and the reader of the Scriptures. Thus seated, a man had the double advantage of being near the person reading or leading in prayer, and of facing the congregation and thus being able to see everybody. Besides, being ushered to such a seat was regarded as a mark of honor.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.14.8|AUTODETECT|” d. places of honor at the banquets. Jesus had issued a warning against this very sin of seeking the best seat at a banquet or dinner 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.14.8|AUTODETECT|” Luke 14:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). James condemned the sin of assigning the best seat to the rich, while telling the poor man to stand or else to sit on the floor near someone s footstool (2:2 4).) 1 2 2 8 0 0 e. widows houses. The scribes are described as devouring-fattening themselves on the houses of these lonely women.) The question, Just how did these men do this? has been answered differently. Some of the answers that have been suggested are: to funds under their control and from which they, these scribes, could draw, they asked widows to contribute more than could reasonably have been expected of them; or, they offered their help in settling estates that fell to widows, meanwhile taking for themselves more than was coming to them; or, they took unfair advantage of material support which initially had been volunteered by widows. Whatever may have been the method used, it is clear that Jesus is here condemning the crime of extortion practiced on widows, according to Scripture a most heinous wrong indeed. The history of the church supplies many examples of this evil. Read C. Chiniquy s chapter, The Priest, Purgatory, and the Poor Widow s Cow. ��535��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.5|AUTODETECT|” f. praise from men. & and for a show offer lengthy prayers. It was for the purpose of drawing attention to themselves that the scribes offered these almost endless prayers. Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.5|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 2:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.6|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.6|AUTODETECT|” 6) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . All they were seeking was honor from men.& Or, was this really all? The close grammatical juxtaposition of devouring widows houses and offering lengthy prayers has led some to suggest that between these two activities there was a very close connection, the meaning being: they devour widows houses and to cover up their wickedness they make long prayers. The longer they pray for the widows (or at least in their presence), the more they can prey upon them! Whether there is sufficient evidence for this interpretation let everyone decide for himself. Even apart from it, the evil here condemned was scandalous. For lengthy prayers see N.T.C. on Matthew, pp. 323 325.) 1 4 2 8 0 0 B. Judgment Pronounced) As with a crash of thunder doom is pronounced upon these hypocrites: 47b. Such men will receive a heavier sentence.) For the men described here in such detail not necessarily for every scribe, but for those here described the punishment is going to be heavier, since they were the very people who were constantly studying, teaching, and interpreting God s law. They had every opportunity to know that God required humility, sincerity, and love. Accordingly, when, by means of their hypocrisy, they revealed the absence of these qualities, though they were pretending to be very holy indeed, their sentence would be all the more severe.��536��) ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.20-42.20.47|AUTODETECT|” Practical Lessons Derived from ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.20-42.20.47|AUTODETECT|” Luke 20:20 47) 1 5 2 8 0 0 Verse 21) Teacher, we know that you & truthfully teach God s way. So truthful is Christ that even his enemies admit it. Therefore, heed him!) Verses 24, 25) Caesar s, they told him. & Well then, what is due to Caesar render to Caesar. Jesus defeats his enemies by using their own words! This happens also in 19:22. So great is he!) Verse 39) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.10|AUTODETECT|” Well said, Teacher. Even his enemies admit Christ s greatness & a foretaste of what will happen on the day of the final judgment 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.10|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 2:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) and a comfort for all his true disciples.) 1 35 2 8 0 0 Verse 44) How then can he be [merely] his son? Any doctrine that falls short of confessing Christ s deity dishonors him and does not help to save anyone.) A certain poet has said:) I sought Thee, weeping, high and low,) I found Thee not; I did not know) I was a sinner even so,) I missed Thee for my Savior.) I saw Thee sweetly condescend,) Of humble men to be the Friend,) I chose Thee for my Way, my End,) But found Thee not my Savior.) Until upon the cross I saw) My God, who died to meet the law) That man had broken; then I saw) My sin, and then my Savior.) What seek I longer? let me be) A sinner all my days to Thee,) Yet more and more, and Thee to me,) Yet more and more my Savior.) Be Thou to me my Lord, my Guide,) My Friend, yea, everything beside;) But first, last, best, whate er betide,) Be Thou to me my Savior.) Verse 47) They devour widows houses, and for a show offer lengthy prayers. Contrast Christ s simplicity, honesty, and generosity with the duplicity, mendacity, and cupidity of his opponents. On which side would you rather be?) ) Notes on Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 20:20 47) Verse 20) ��, nom. pl. masc. aor. participle of ��, to watch closely; as it were, standing by a person s side or looking over his shoulder. See also the note on 6:7 on page 324, and the note on 14:1 on page 726.) ��, pl. acc. of the verbal ��*, referring to one who lit. has been let down into a place for the purpose of spying; hence, a spy.) Q��245, acc. pl. masc. pres. participle of Q��, to pretend. Cf.

Q��, hypocrite, pretender.) ��, third per. pl. 2nd aor. (ingressive) subjunct. (after 5��) middle of ��, here: to lay hold on.) Verse 21) �P �� , lit. you do not lift up (someone s) face, clearly a Hebraism for you show no partiality or special favor. See N.T.C. on Galatians, p. 82. On Hebraisms involving the concept face see also the note on 9:51 on p. 564, and the note on 10:1 on page 586; and cf. N.T.C. on Mark, p. 481, footnote 579.) Verse 22) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.13.6|AUTODETECT|” ��, acc. s. of �� 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.13.6|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 13:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.13.7|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.13.7|AUTODETECT|” 7) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), related to ��, to bear, bring up, produce; hence, tribute, tax.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 Verse 23) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.31|AUTODETECT|” ��, nom. s. masc. aor. participle of ��; lit. to know to the bottom; to know thoroughly, perceive, see through. See also 6:41; 12:24, 27; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.31|AUTODETECT|” Acts 7:31) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.32|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.32|AUTODETECT|” 32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.11.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.11.6|AUTODETECT|” 11:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.27.39|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.27.39|AUTODETECT|” 27:39) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.19|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 4:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.3.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.3.1|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 3:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.10.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.10.24|AUTODETECT|” 10:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.1.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.1.23|AUTODETECT|” James 1:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.1.24|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.1.24|AUTODETECT|” 24) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 2 2 8 0 0 ��, acc. s. of ��; lit. doing anything; hence, craftiness, wickedness, duplicity. Those guilty of the sin here indicated will do most anything to achieve their purpose.) Verse 24) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.23|AUTODETECT|” �0��, acc. s. of �0��, figure, image, likeness, portrait, picture. Cf. iconoclast. See also parallels in Matthew and Mark; further: ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.23|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.29|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.29|AUTODETECT|” 8:29) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.11.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.11.7|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 11:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.49|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.49|AUTODETECT|” 15:49) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.3.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.3.18|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 3:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.4.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.4.4|AUTODETECT|” 4:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.15|AUTODETECT|” Col. 1:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.10|AUTODETECT|” 3:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.10.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.10.1|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 10:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 and 10 references in Rev., beginning with 13:14, 15.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.23.38|AUTODETECT|” ��, acc. s. of ��, inscription. Cf. epigraphy. See also parallels in Matthew and Mark, to which add ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.23.38|AUTODETECT|” Luke 23:38) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 2 2 8 0 0 Verses 28, 29) Literally the verse reads, Moses wrote for us, If a man s brother die, having a wife, and he be childless, that his brother should take the wife and raise up seed for his brother. Here the first and third brother is the man who dies, and the second is his surviving brother. To the average reader such a rendering and also that of A.V. is probably somewhat confusing. See, therefore, my translation. In fact, one can find several excellent renderings of this passage in modern translations. The essential meaning of the passage remains the same in all of them. They faithfully reflect the original.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.19|AUTODETECT|” ��, third per. s. aor. subjunct. (after 5��) act. of ��, in a third class conditional sentence. See also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.19|AUTODETECT|” Mark 12:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.15.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.15.5|AUTODETECT|” Acts 15:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 10 2 8 0 0 ��, childless, occurring once in each verse.) Verse 31) ��, third per. pl. 2nd aor. (normal or constative) indicat. act. of ��, to leave behind (at death).) Other meanings of this verb in Luke s Gospel: to leave in the lurch (10:40); to leave behind the ninety-nine (15:4); to leave or give up everything in order to follow Jesus (5:28).) Verse 32) U��, used here as adverb in the (superlative) sense of finally.) Verse 33) ��, third per. s. pres. (here futuristic) indicat. of ��, to become, to be. ��, here third per. pl. 2nd aor. indicat. of ��, to have.) Verses 34, 35) ��, once in each verse, third per. pl. pres. indicat. act. of ��, to marry; ��, third per. pl. pass. of ��; in the act., to give in marriage; in the pass., to be given in marriage. A synonym of �� is ��. In meaning and construction the form here used matches its mate.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.5.41|AUTODETECT|” ��, nom. pl. masc. aor. pass. participle of ��, to account worthy of; in pass., as here, to be accounted worthy of. See also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.5.41|AUTODETECT|” Acts 5:41) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.1.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.1.5|AUTODETECT|” II Thess. 1:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.24.2|AUTODETECT|” ��, 2nd aor. infinitive of ��, to hit, attain, obtain, enjoy, experience, etc., in such passages as ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.24.2|AUTODETECT|” Acts 24:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.26.22|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.26.22|AUTODETECT|” 26:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.27.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.27.3|AUTODETECT|” 27:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.2.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.2.10|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 2:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.8.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.8.6|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 8:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.35|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.35|AUTODETECT|” 11:35) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.30|AUTODETECT|” . There is also the intransit.: to happen 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.30|AUTODETECT|” Luke 10:30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.37|AUTODETECT|” ), to fall out, turn out; to which is related �0 ��, if it turns out, hence perhaps 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.37|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 15:37) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.6|AUTODETECT|” ); and ��, perhaps, for example 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.6|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 16:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.11|AUTODETECT|” ). Finally, �P� A �� means not generally happening ; hence, not common, exceptional 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.11|AUTODETECT|” Acts 19:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.28.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.28.2|AUTODETECT|” 28:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 4 2 8 0 0 Verse 36) 0��, nom. pl. masc. of 0��, lit. equal to angels; hence, like (the) angels. Cf. isosceles.) �1��, here children, not just sons.) Verse 37) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.57|AUTODETECT|” ��, third per. s. aor. indicat. act. of ��, to disclose, reveal, report, point out. See also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.57|AUTODETECT|” John 11:57) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.23.30|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.23.30|AUTODETECT|” Acts 23:30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.28|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.28|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 10:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 2 8 0 0 In the passage about is one of the normal meanings of �� followed by the genitive.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.26|AUTODETECT|” ��, gen. s. of ��, bush. See also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.26|AUTODETECT|” Mark 12:26) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.44|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.44|AUTODETECT|” Luke 6:44) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.30|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.30|AUTODETECT|” Acts 7:30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.35|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.35|AUTODETECT|” 35) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 2 8 0 0 Verse 40) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.15.43|AUTODETECT|” ��, third per. pl. imperf. (descriptive) of ��, to dare, venture; here only in Luke; also in Matthew s and Mark s parallel passages; and see ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.15.43|AUTODETECT|” Mark 15:43) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.21.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.21.12|AUTODETECT|” John 21:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.5.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.5.13|AUTODETECT|” Acts 5:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.32|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.32|AUTODETECT|” 7:32) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ; Romans, I and II Corinthians, Philippians, and Jude.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 Verse 42) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.18.7|AUTODETECT|” ��, sec. per. s. imperat. of ��, to sit, sit down (cf. 1:79), to live (21:35), to be enthroned 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.18.7|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 18:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 25 2 8 0 0 Verse 43) ��, first per. s. 2nd aor. subjunct. (after �� ) of ��, to set, establish, put, place; and here: to make.) Some of the Words Used in Verse 46) Form here used Relation to) Basic Form Meaning of) Form here used Footnote) Reference ) �� (��)) sec. per. pl. pres. imperat. of �� ) Beware (of) ) on 12:1 ) (�) �� dat. pl. of �� in long, flowing robes on 15:22 ) �� acc. pl. of �� formal salutations on 11:43 ) �� acc. pl. of �� chief seats on 11:43 ) �� acc. pl. of �� places of honor on 14:7, 8 ) (�) �� dat. pl. of �� at the banquets on 14:12 ) ) Verse 47) ��, dat. s. of �� (�� plus ��), that which is put forward to make wrong conduct appear right, a show, pretext.) ��, acc. s. neut. adj. in comparative degree of �� (over and above), modifies ��; hence, a heavier sentence, implying more severe punishment.) Summary of Chapter 20) On Monday of Passion Week Jesus had cleansed the temple. And now, probably on Tuesday morning though Luke is very indefinite Jesus entered it once more. While he was teaching the people, or immediately afterward, his opponents chief priests, scribes, elders angered by the things Jesus had been doing, especially by the temple cleansing, addressed him as follows, Tell us by what authority you are doing these things, or who it is that gave you this authority. In return, Jesus asks them, John s baptism, was it from heaven or from men? This question embarrassed Christ s opponents. They realized that the very One whom they were trying to destroy had been enthusiastically acclaimed by John.

So, if they now answered from heaven, the rejoinder would be, Why, then, did you not believe him? If they answered from men, they feared that the people might stone them. So they answered, We do not know. Jesus told them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I am doing these things (verses 1 8).) In order to expose these wicked leaders and at the same time to warn them, Jesus told the parable of The Wicked Sharecroppers (or Tenants). These men not only refused to give the owner his due but even, with increasing cruelty, maltreated the servants who had been sent to them to fetch the portion of the harvest he had a right to demand. Finally they did not shrink from killing the owner s son, with dire consequences for themselves.

Christ s enemies understood that when Jesus mentioned those wicked tenants he was referring, among others, to them. They wanted to arrest him, but were afraid of the crowd (verses 9 19).) They then try to catch him in his words, his teaching. After a flattering introduction they ask him, Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or is it not? Jesus answers, What is due to Caesar render to Caesar, and what is due to God render to God (verses 20 26).) The Sadducees, who rejected the doctrine of bodily resurrection, in order to expose that doctrine to ridicule now ask Jesus this question (in summary): One by one marrying and then dying, seven brothers successively married the same wife; in the resurrection whose wife will she be? Jesus answers, Those who are accounted worthy to attain & to the resurrection & neither marry nor are given in marriage. He adds that when Moses called God the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob this implied that God was still their God and would therefore not suffer their bodies to remain in their graves but would raise them gloriously (verses 27 40).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.110.0|AUTODETECT|” Jesus now asks them a question, namely, How can people say that the Christ is [merely] the son of David, since in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.110.0|AUTODETECT|” Psalms 110) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 David calls him Lord? Implication: the Son of David is David s Lord; hence, is really the Son of God, whom they should worship as such (verses 41 44).) 1 29 2 8 0 0 Having just now attacked the doctrine of the scribes, Jesus next exposes their corrupt practice. His criticism is not directed against every scribe but against the group in general. He brands them as being ostentatious, greedy, and hypocritical. He states, They devour widows houses and for a show offer lengthy prayers. He announces that those who know God s law but disobey it will receive a heavier sentence (verses 45 47).) ) ) ) ) 517 Or: the gospel.) 518 Literally: that they did not know whence.) 522) For slight variations between the three Gospel accounts of this parable see N.T.C. on Mark, pp. 171, 172.) For the explanation of the parable see especially the following:) M. Hengel, Das Gleichnis von den Weing�rtnern Mc 12, 1 12 im Lichte der Zenonpapyri und der rabbinischen Gleichnisse, ZNW 59 (1968), pp. 9 31.) J.

D. M. Derret, Fresh Light on the Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers, RIDA, 3rd series 10 (1963), pp. 11 41.) N. Geldenhuys, op. cit., p. 500.) S. F. H.

J. Berkelbach van der Sprenkel, op. cit., p. 338.) W. J. Harrington, op. cit., p. 231.) A. St�ger, op. cit., Vol. II, pp. 126, 127.) E.

E. Ellis, op. cit., pp. 232, 233.) 519 Or: tenants; literally workers of the soil. ) 520 Other translations: thrashed him, beat him, beat him unmercifully.) 521 Or: began to talk the matter over with one another.) N.T.C. W. Hendriksen, New Testament Commentary) 523 The expression builders for scribes or law-doctors is not unusual in Jewish literature. See S.BK., Vol. I, pp. 875 f.) 524 See the following: F.

F. Bruce, The Book of Acts (N.I.C.), pp. 99, 100; G. H. Whitaker, The Chief Cornerstone, Exp, Eighth Series (1921), pp. 470 472; and E. G. Selwyn, The First Epistle of St.

Peter, London, 1946, pp. 286 ff.) 525 Notes on Greek words, phrases, and constructions in 20:1 19 begin on this page.) Gram. N.T. A. T. Robertson, Grammar of the Greek New Testament in the Light of Historical Research) 526 Or: likeness.) 527 Or: to take advantage of him.) 528 Literally: a footstool for your feet.) 529 Neither, on the other hand, is it necessary to accept the theory according to which the sequence of the questions as reported in the synoptic accounts was influenced by the traditional structure of the Passover eve liturgy. For that theory see D.

Among other things he points out that uncritical references to Jewish sources, such as the Talmud (Jer. and Bab.), are of little value because they are not impartial, pp. 8, 9. He also repeatedly emphasizes the importance of the priesthood for the Sadducean party, since a significant proportion of the Sadducean party consisted of priestly families, p. 61. Very vividly he portrays what happened to the Sadducees after the Fall of Jerusalem, a.d. 70, and what accounted for the rapid dissolution of this party.) No less than twenty-five pages (pp. 16 40) are devoted to a thorough investigation of the derivation of the name Sadducees. After discussing several theories advanced by others, Mulder finally reaches the conclusion that the word is actually a nickname the Jews were constantly changing names into nicknames indicating that these Zadokites had departed from the way of righteousness, had gone aside from it, so that now they should be thought of as only half-righteous. As their opponents, including the Pharisees, saw it, they had become compromisers, the kind of people who were willing to do almost anything for money and prestige.) This well-documented Dutch work merits translation into English.) 532 Levirate is from the Latin levir (for devir; cf. Greek ��, a husband s brother; hence, brother-in-law.) 533 Read the very interesting and detailed discussion of this point in S.BK., Vol.

IV, pp. 452 465.) 534 Or: to attract attention.) 535 Fifty Years in the Church of Rome, New York, Chicago, Toronto, 1886, pp. 41 48.) 536 Notes on Greek words, phrases, and constructions in 20:20 47 begin on page 912.) A.V. Authorized Version (King James))

New Testament Commentary (Baker)

William Hendriksen (1900–1982) was a Dutch-American Reformed theologian and professor at Calvin Theological Seminary. His New Testament Commentary series, later completed by Simon J. Kistemaker, covers the entire New Testament and is one of the most highly regarded Reformed commentary sets of the …

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MAT MRK LUK JHN ACT ROM 1CO 2CO GAL EPH PHP COL 1TH 2TH 1TI 2TI TIT PHM HEB JAS 1PE 2PE 1JN 2JN 3JN JUD REV

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