Notes on Luke 5:17-28

Luke 5:17

Pharisees. A sect of Jewish laymen who were zealous for keeping the Mosaic Law in excessive detail. Their name might derive from a word meaning divide or separate, pointing to their desire to keep themselves from those not serious about God's Law. teachers of the law. Also called scribes (5:21). They taught, interpreted, and applied the law of Moses to life in Israel. Together with the Pharisees the teachers had come to see Jesus's ministry.

Luke 5:18

These men came in faith (v. 20), believing what Luke made clear—the Lord's power was with Jesus to heal (v. 17).

Luke 5:19

housetop. In that day, the roofs of houses were often accessible by an open stairway on the outside of the structure. The roof was made up of three layers. The bottom layer of wood beams, a layer of mud and foliage, topped with several inches of clay. tiles. Though some homes at the time used tiles, Luke probably describes the pieces of clay in terms of their function.

Luke 5:20

faith. This was seen both in the sinful man as well as his friends (see 7:9, 50; 8:25, 40, 50; 17:5, 6, 19; 18:42). sins are forgiven. This is the true healing that Jesus gives, and the healing that all other physical healings point to (see 4:18-19; Isa. 58:6).

Luke 5:21

blasphemies. Direct sacrilegious action or speech against God. It was a serious charge, which was punishable by death (Lev. 24:10-16, 23). Ironically, this charge would send Jesus to the cross, though his accusers were the real blasphemers (Luke 22:63-71). forgive. Forgiveness was not something even a priest could grant. On the Day of Atonement, the high priest, speaking on God's behalf, announced forgiveness (Lev. 4:22–5:16; 16:15-16). However, Jesus had spoken on his own behalf by his own authority. God alone. The leaders were right that only God can forgive sin (Exod. 34:6-7; Ps. 103:3; Isa. 43:25; Mic. 7:18). But they did know Jesus was God's Son (1:32, 35; 3:22).

Luke 5:22-24

Jesus challenged the offended leaders with a question of his own. It would be very easy to say someone is forgiven because others cannot disprove it. However, it's very difficult to say someone is healed. The truthfulness of the claim is immediately verifiable by those who see the sick person. Thus, Jesus proves he has authority to forgive by healing the paralyzed man. Son of Man. A favorite title of Jesus for himself. It had several uses in the Old Testament. It could refer to person (Ps. 8:4) or a prophet (Ezek. 2:1; 3:3; 4:1). However, the most relevant reference was Daniel's vision of a glorious being who reigned with authority (Dan. 7:13-14). In all likelihood, Jesus saw himself the Son of Man of Daniel's vision and used that title to reveal his authority (21:27, 36; 22:69).

Luke 5:27

tax collector. See note on 3:12. Levi. Also named Matthew (6:15; Matt. 9:9). One who would become an apostle and author of the Gospel that bears his name. Follow me. Phrase used by Jesus to call people to be his disciples (5:11; 9:23, 49, 57, 59, 61; 18:22, 28). This is essential Christianity, not a second level of maturity (see 5:32).

Luke 5:28

Levi had likely heard and seen Jesus's ministry because being called to follow him (vv. 15, 26). His committed response was similar to other disciples (v. 11) and indicative of basic discipleship (see 14:33; Matt. 19:27; Mark 10:28).

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