36

And he spoke also a parable to them; "No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old one; otherwise, both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken from the 37 new agreeth not with the old. And no man putteth new wine into old skin-bottles; otherwise the new wine will burst the skin-bottles, and be spilled, and the skin-bottles will be de38 stroyed. But new wine must be put into new 39 skin-bottles, and both will be preserved. No No man also, having drank old wine, immediately desireth new: for he saith, The old is better."

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAPTER V. 1. How astonishing was the power of Jesus! Peter and his companions had laboured all the night in vain; but at the word of Christ he would once more let down his net. He no sooner did so than it was filled. He was sensible that the draught of fishes was miraculous; and acknowledged his own sinfulness, confessed that he was unworthy of the favour bestowed, or to be admitted to enjoy the presence of the Lord Jesus. Thus may we be found obeying the word of the Saviour, and his blessing will secure some success, and be a pledge of future. From what Peter and the rest had seen of the power of the Lord, they were ready to forsake all and follow him; and so ought we; and then we may hope to enjoy the benefit of his instruction and example, and finally be admitted to his heavenly kingdom.

question; and here that the Pharisees asked it. It is probable that some of both asked it.

CHAP. VI. 1. After the first day, &c. I have followed Doddridge, Newsome, and others in this version; yet I am not satisfied. Some good mss. omit the unusual term of the text, and it may be an early interpolation. It is however of no great moment. o 3

read what David did, when both he himself was hungry and they who were with him; How he 4 went into the house of God, and took and ate the presence-bread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat, but for the priests alone?" And he said to them, "The Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath." And it came to pass on another sabbath also, e that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was withered. And the scribes and Pharisees watched 7 him, whether he would work a cure on the sabbath, that they might find an accusation against him. But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man that had the withered hand, “Rise up, and stand forth in the midst." And he arose and stood forth. Then said Jesus to them, "I 9 will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill?" And looking round about upon them 10 all, he said to the man, "Stretch forth thy hand." hand." And he did so: and his hand was restored as the other. And they were filled 11 with madness; and communed one with another what they should do to Jesus.

And it came to pass in those days, that he 12 went forth to a mountain to pray, and continued all night in a house of prayer. And when it 18 was day, he called to him his disciples; and

2. While we read the miracles of healing the leper and restoring one sick of the palsy, and the remarkable language our Lord em ployed, we are taught to whom we should apply for spiritual relief. Though we go to Jesus doubting his willingness to help us, saying as the leper, "Lord if thou wilt, thou canst make us clean; " he will forgive our doubts and kindly answer our faith in his power, "I will be ye clean." Though unable to do any thing spiritually good, and acceptable, and involved in sin, guilt and misery, let us rejoice that Jesus had, and still has, power to forgive us and save us. He came to seek and save; to call sinners to repentance, as the good physician to heal them, and as a kind friend to receive them and indulge them with his love for ever. What a glorious and all-sufficient Saviour is the Lord Jesus. Let us put our trust in him.

2-5. Why do ye that, &c. Comp. Matt. xii. 2-8. and notes. 6-11. Right hand was withered, &c. See Matt. xii. 9, and Mark iii. 1–5. 12. In a house of prayer. "In an oratory of God," a place set apart for prayer. Comp. Acts xvi. 13. I think the common version does not give the real sense of the text. See Campbell's excellent note.

14. Philip and Bartholomew. It is almost certain that the latter Apostle 104

The apostles chosen.

mas;

LUKE

from them he chose twelve, whom he named 14 apostles; (Simon, (whom he had named Peter also,) and Andrew his brother; James and John; 15 Philip and Bartholomew; Matthew and ThoJames the son of Alpheus, and Simon 16 called the Zealous; And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, who also became a 17 traitor.) And he came down with them, and stood in the plain; and there was a company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the sea-coast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear him, and 18 to be cured of their diseases; And those that were vexed by unclean spirits: and they were 19 cured. And the whole multitude sought to touch him for power went from him, and cured all.

20

And he raised his eyes on his disciples, and said, "Happy are ye poor: for your's is the 21 kingdom of God. Happy are ye that hunger now; for ye shall be filled. Happy are ye that 22 weep now for ye shall laugh. ye shall laugh. Happy are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from them, and shall reproach and defame you, for the sake of the Son of man. 23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy for behold, your reward shall be great in heaven; for in like manner did their fathers to the pro24 phets. But alas for you that are rich! for ye 25 have received your consolation. Alas for you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Alas for you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and 26. weep. Alas for you, when men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers of the false prophets.

"For if ye love those who love you, what thanks 32 have ye? for sinners also love those who love them. And if ye do good to those who do good 33 to you, what thanks have ye? for sinners also do the same. And if ye lend to those from 34 whom ye hope to receive, what thanks have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much in return. But love ye your enemies; 35 and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward will be great, and ye will be the sons of the most High: for he is kind to the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye 36 therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: 37 condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: Give, and 38 it shall be given to you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall be given into your lap. For with the same measure that ye deal out it shall be measured to you again."

And he spoke a parable to them, "Can the 39 blind lead the blind? will they not both fall into the ditch? The disciple is not above his 40

was, Nathaniel; and that Bartholomew was his patronymic name, as it signifies the son of Tholomew." See John i. 43–51.

16. And Judas the brother, &c. He is called Lebbeus; whose surname was Thaddeus, by the latter of which he is mentioned, Mark iii. 18. We here learn that he was the son of Alpheus, and is the author of the short spistle, Jude...... Pearce, after Usher, contends that Thaddeus and Judas are only one name as variously pronounced. The former being the Syriac or Chaldee, and the latter the Greek way of writing it.

17–19. - Stood in the plain, &c. This and other particulars satisfy my mind that what follows, though, containing many similar sentiments, was not the sermon on the mount, given in the fifth, sixth, and seventh chapters of Matthew. The time, place, and circumstances are all different; and the address and Language are are different too.

22. Separate you, &c. Cut you off from being members of their synagogues. John ix. 34. Defame you, Call you Nazarenes and Christians,

James ii. 7. Acts xxiv. 5.; for these were names of reproach in the mouths of their enemies.

24-26. Alas for you, &c. Pearce admits that these verses were not delivered in the discourse on the mount; and supposes that they have been inserted here from some other discourses of our Lord. I admit that this may sometimes have occurred, as the Evangelists do not follow the exact order of time and things; but 1 think these verses show that this was not the sermon on the mount.

notes.

27-31. Love your enemies, &c. Comp. Matt. v. 44, and vii. 12, and 32-38. What thanks have ye? What thanks do ye deserve? Ye are entitled to no peculiar mark of favour. In this paragraph we have many sentiments different from what Matthew has related; and, so in the next, 40. Every finished, &c. Or perfected, having been fully instructed; one that has attained to a full knowledge of the gospel-shall be as his teacher,

teacher: but every finished disciple shall be as 41 his teacher, And why beholdest thou the splinter that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest 42 not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the splinter which is in thine eye; when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first take the beam out of thine own eye, and then will thou see clearly to pull out the splinter 43 which is in thy brother's eye. For no good tree bringeth forth corrupt fruit; nor doth a corrupt 44 tree bring forth good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit: for from thorns men do not gather figs, nor from a bramble bush do 45 they cut grapes. A good man, out of the good treasure of his heart, bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man, out of the evil treasure of his heart, bringeth forth that which is evil for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

Centurion commended.

founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and 49 doeth not, is like a man, who, without a foundation, built a house upon the earth; against which the stream dashed vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great."

CHAPTER. VII.

A. D. 31. Christ healeth the Centurion's servant; raiseth the widow's son at Nain; answereth John's messengers; upbraideth the Jews and forgives a penitent woman.

Now when Jesus had ended all his sayings in 1 the hearing of the people, he entered into Capernaum. And the servant of a certain cen- 2 turion, who was dear to him, was sick, and ready to die. And having heard of Jesus, he 3. sent to him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and recover his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they intreated 4 him earnestly, saying, "He is worthy to whom thou wilt do this: For he loveth our nation, 5 and he himself hath built us our synagogue." Then Jesus went with them. And when he was 6 now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, to say, "Master, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldst enter under my roof: Wherefore neither 7 thought I myself worthy to come to thee: but command by word, and my servant will be. cured. For I also, who am a man placed under 8

approves, and in which our happiness in some degree consists. The poor, the hungry, the persecuted, are often happier in the peace of their own minds, and in their hopes, than the rich, the full, the joyous, who seem to be so to others. Alas, how oft do riches prove a snare ; and fulness heget satiety, while mirth and pleasure are only preparing for sorrow and misery. When we possess the means, O how delight

towards one another. When hungry we are allowed to eat; and when sick to seek relief; nor can it be any violation of the sanctity of that day to minister aid to men, when it is in our power. It is proper to do good on the sabbath. So Christ did, who is Lord of the sabbath. While then' we sacredly regard the sabbath, and spend it in boly duties, let us never refrain from works of mercy.

2. We learn what is the temper and conduct which our Lord

both in his sufferings and persecutions, and in sharing with him in his glory: 41, 42. And why beholdest, &c. See Matt. vii. 3-5, and notes. 48, 44. For no good tree; &c. Comp. Matt. vii. 16-18.; the 45th verse with Matt. xii. 35.

hand open to relieve the necessities of friends or enemies! How honourable to the christian, when by patience under injuries, by the exercise of mercy to persecutors, and by liberality to all, he resembles his heavenly father. Then may he consider himself like the man whose house is built on a rock; and, however vehemently the stream may dash against it, it will abide unshaken. Such shall be the steadfastness of his faith and hope.

A widow's son raised.

authority, have soldiers under me, and I say to one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, 9 Do this, and he doeth it." When Jesus heard these words, he wondered at him; and turned about, and said to the multitude that followed him, "I say to you, I have not found 10 so great faith, even in Israel." And they that were sent, returned to the house, and found the servant well that had been sick.

11

And it came to pass on the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and a great mul12 titude. Now when he drew near to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow and many people of the city were with 13 her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said to her, " Weep 14 not." And he came and touched the bier: (and they that bore him stood still.) And he said, 15" Young man, I say to thee, Arise." Then he that had been dead sat up, and began to speak. 16. And he delivered him to his mother. And all were struck with fear: and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet is risen up among us;" and, "God hath visited his people." 17 And this report of Jesus went forth through all Judea, and through all the country round

about.

18 And the disciples of John told him of all 19 these things. And John called to him two of his disciples, and sent them to Jesus, saying, "Art thou he that cometh? or do we look for 20 another?" And when the men came to him, they said, John the Baptist hath sent us to thee, saying, "Art thou he that cometh? or do

him; while Matthew has related the reflections which our Lord made on this instance of a gentile believing, Matt. viii. 11-13, of which we see nothing here. See Matt, and notes.

11. A city called Nain. A town, two miles south of Mount Tabor, and not far from Endor, according to Eusebius.

12. A dead man carried out, &c. The Jews always buried their dead without the cities, except those of the family of David.—— Many people. Josephus informs us, that it was ordained, "that whoever met a corps, should attend it and join in the lamentation." This was one of the traditions, which they regarded as a part of the law.

14. Young man, &c. It has been noticed, that in the 12th verse and this, four circumstances are mentioned, more calculated to excite compassion, than

Character of the Baptist.

we look for another?" (Now in the same hour 21 he had cured many of diseases and grevious maladies and of evil spirits; and to many that were blind he had kindly given sight.) Then Jesus 22 answered and said to them, answered and said to them, "Go and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; that the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor glad tidings are preached. And happy is he, whosoever shall not offend 23 because of me."

And when the messengers of John had de- 24 parted, he said to the multitudes concerning John, "What went ye out into the desert to behold? A reed shaken with the wind? But 25 what went ye out to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they who are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in palaces. But what went ye out to see? A prophet? Yea, 26 I say to you, and much more than a prophet. This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I 27 send my messenger before thy face, who shall prepare thy way before thee.' For I say to 28 you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he." And all the people that heard 29 John, even the publicans, accounted God just, having received baptism from him. But the 30 Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God in regard to themselves, not having been baptized by him.

"To what then shall I liken the men of this 31 generation? and to what are they like? They 32 are like to children sitting in the market-place and calling one to another, and saying, 'We have played to you on the pipe, and ye have

the most laboured composition. The person dead was a son, an only son, his mother a widow, and he in the prime of his days.

16. God hath visited, &c. In the manner he did their fathers, showing mercy and favour to them. Comp. Ch. i. 68. The report of this miracle spread in all directions.

19-23. Art thou he that, &c. See Matt. xi. 3, and notes. 24-28. And when the, &c. Comp. Matt. xi. 7-11. I consider the two following verses as the language of our Lord,and not as the remark of Luke. -God just. By confessing the justice of his threatenings against them for their sins; and his mercy in calling them to repentance; but the scribes and Pharisees, by treating John with neglect, and refusing to repent, or to submit to his baptism, so far 'rejected the counsels of God in regard to themselves.'

36

Now one of the Pharisees asked Jesus to eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, 37 and placed himself at table. And, behold, a woman in the city, who had been a sinner, when she knew that Jesus was at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, 38 And stood behind at his feet weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears; and she wiped them with the hair of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the 39 ointment. But when the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he spoke within himself, saying, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him for she is a sinner.” 40 Then Jesus spoke and said to him, "Simon, I have somewhat to say to thee. And he saith, 41 "Teacher, say. on." "There was a certain

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAPTER VII. 1. How unwearied was our Lord in doing good! He had no sooner heard one request and oured the centurion's servant than he hasted to another place, where he knew that his kindness and power were to be displayed. He entered Nain, and met the bier, on which the corps of the only son of a widow was laid; and unsolicited he restored him to life. Compassion, tenderness and sympathy moved his heart, and prompted him to this display of divine power. How affecting was the scene! A disconsolate widow bereaved of her only son! What heart-rending sighs and groans, and what distressing anticipations did she experience while following the remains of her son to his long home. But what astonishment, what indescribable emotions must she have felt, when this son was again given to her! Believer, thou hast lost a son, a child, a friend; and if they sleep in Jesus he will restore them to thee. They as well as thyself shall live; and ye shall meet to part no more.

31-38. To what shall I liken, &c. Comp. Matt. xi. 16-19.

37.

A woman in the city, &c. Either of Nain or Capernaum; the former is the last-mentioned place. This is clearly a different incident from that related Matt. xxvi 7, &c. Mark xiv. 3. and John xii. 3. The place, time, and circumstances, are all different.- —A sinner. It is probable that she had been heathen, a gentile sinner; for the touch of a Jew, however sinful, would not have been objected to, as it is ver. 39. Nor was this woman Mary Magdalene. See note, Ch. viii. 2.

VII.

pardoned and vindicated. creditor who had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And 42 as they had nothing wherewith to pay, he freely forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him more?" Simon answered 43 and said, "I suppose that he, to whom he forgave more." And he said to him, "Thou hast rightly judged." And he turned to the 44 woman, and said to Simon, "Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss : 45 but this woman, since the time she came in, hath not ceased to kiss my feet. Thou didst 46 not anoint my head with oil: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Where- 47 fore I say to thee, Her sins, which are many, have been forgiven; therefore she hath loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the› same loveth little. Then he said to her, "Thy 48 sins are forgiven.” sins are forgiven." And those that were at 49 meat with him began to say within themselves,. "Who is this that forgiveth sins also?" And 50 he said to the woman, "Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace."

2. While Jesus satisfied the inquiries of John, and bore testimony to his character, we see him performing in the house of Simon that office to which he was peculiarly appointed. Here was a lost sheep, and the shepherd was ready to bring it to the fold. Here was a penitent and Jesus did not reject, but receive her, and vindicate his own conduct in so doing. How delightful must have been the assu rance of pardon to a soul bowed down and humbled in the dust under a sense of sin; Our hearts upbraid us with many and aggravated offences; but we hear the tidings of pardon; yea, and though our debts are far more than five hundred pence, we hear of pardon for them all in the mercy of God through the blood of the Saviour. Lee us rejoice and embrace it, that we may enjoy solid and lasting peace; whatever may be the reflections which the self-righteous and proud may make. Let us love much since so much is forgiven; and never be ashamed to show it.