Luke 12–24:: A Pentecostal Commentary

By Dr. Matthew N. O. Sadiku

Every serious student of the Bible desires to understand the text, discover the biblical principles, and apply the truths to his/her life. This commentary is designed to help students, pastors, and Bible teachers understand the gospel of Luke in a simple manner. Working from the popular New International Version (NIV), the author provides helpful commentary on the text verse-by-verse.
This verse-by-verse commentary is different from others in two respects. First, it is brief while some commentaries are unnecessarily wordy and verbose. Second, it is Pentecostal in outlook. This implies that we generally adhere to the doctrine of biblical inerrancy and adopt a literalist approach to the interpretation of the Bible.
The Gospel of Luke along with Acts forms a two-volume history. The author of Luke wrote this gospel for the purpose of touching many hearts. Luke is the most pluralistic of the gospels, making it tailor-made for the modern world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing
• Release date: Jul 19, 2016
• ISBN: 9781490774398

Dr. Matthew N. O. Sadiku

Matthew N. O. Sadiku is a professor emeritus at Prairie View A & M University, Prairie View, Texas. He is a man of many talents with a broad experience in writing, publishing, education, theology, counseling, and engineering. He is the author of over 1,000 professional articles and over 100 books including Secrets of Successful Marriages, Enemies of Your Marriage, and commentaries on all the books of the New Testament Bible. His books are used worldwide, and some of them have been translated into Korean, Chinese, Italian, French, Portuguese, and Spanish. Janet O. Sadiku studied nursing science from 1975 to 1980 at the University of Ife, now known as Obafemi Awolowo University. She has worked as a nurse, educator, and church minister in Nigeria, United Kingdom, and Canada. She is presently retired with her husband in West Palm Beach, FL.

Book preview

LUKE 12-24:

A Pentecostal Commentary

Dr. Matthew N. O. Sadiku

©

Copyright 2016 Dr. Matthew N. O. Sadiku.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the written prior permission of the author.

Unless otherwise stated, scripture quotations are from the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible, used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

Scripture quotations marked KJV are from the King James Version of the Bible.

Scripture quotations marked NKJV are from the New King James Version.

Scripture quotations marked TLB are from The Living Bible.

Scripture quotations marked RSV are from the Revised Standard Version.

ISBN

: 978-1-4907-7438-1 (sc)

ISBN

: 978-1-4907-7440-4 (hc)

ISBN

: 978-1-4907-7439-8 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2016909977

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CONTENTS

Preface

Abbreviations

1. Warnings Against Hypocrisy (12:1-12)

2. The Problem of Materialism (12:13-34)

3. Waiting for the Lord (12:35-48)

4. The Lord’s Warning – Part 1 (12:49-59)

5. The Lord’s Warning – Part 2 (13:1-17)

6. The Kingdom of God (13:18-35)

7. Dinner With a Pharisee (14:1-24)

8. The Cost of Discipleship (14:25-35)

9. Parables of the Lost – Part 1 (15:1-10)

10. Parables of the Lost – Part 2 (15:11-32)

11. Parable of the Shrewd Manager (16:1- 18)

12. The Rich Man and Lazarus (16:19-31)

13. Teaching About Service (17:1-19)

14. The Coming of the Kingdom (17:20-37)

15. Parables About Prayer (18:1-14)

16. Faith and the Kingdom (18:15-30)

17. Facing Death (18:31-43)

18. The Call of Zacchaeus (19:1-10)

19. Being Faithful to the End (19:11-27)

20. Jesus Enters Jerusalem (19:28-48)

21. Conflict With Leaders (20:1-19)

22. Attempts to Trap Jesus (20:20-21:4)

23. End-Time Events – Part 1 (21:5-19)

24. End-Time Events – Part 2 (21:20-38)

25. Final Hours with the Disciples – Part 1 (22:1-23)

26. Final Hours with the Disciples – Part 2 (22:24-46)

27. The Arrest and Trials of Jesus (22:47-71)

28. Pilate’s Dilemma (23:1-12)

29. Jesus Before Pilate Again (23:13-25)

30. The Crucifixion (23:26-43)

31. The Death and Burial of Jesus (23:44-56)

32. The Resurrection of Jesus (24:1-12)

33. The Emmaus Appearance (24:13-35)

34. Jesus Appears to the Disciples (24:36-53)

Selected Bibliography

To

My daughters Motunrayo, Ann, and Joyce

Other books by the author

Secrets of Successful Marriages

How to Discover God’s Will for Your Life

Wisdom: Your Key to Success

Choosing the Best: Living for What Really Matters

Matthew 1-15: A Pentecostal Commentary

Matthew 16-28: A Pentecostal Commentary

Mark: A Pentecostal Commentary

Luke 1-11: A Pentecostal Commentary

John 1-11: A Pentecostal Commentary

John 12-21: A Pentecostal Commentary

Romans: A Pentecostal Commentary

1 Corinthians: A Pentecostal Commentary

2 Corinthians: A Pentecostal Commentary

Ephesians: A Pentecostal Commentary

Galatians: A Pentecostal Commentary

Philippians and Titus: A Pentecostal Commentary

Colossians and Philemon: A Pentecostal Commentary

1 & 2 Thessalonians: A Pentecostal Commentary

1 & 2 Timothy: A Pentecostal Commentary

1 & 2 Peter: A Pentecostal Commentary

Hebrews: A Pentecostal Commentary

James and Jude: A Pentecostal Commentary

1-3 John: A Pentecostal Commentary

Revelation: A Pentecostal Commentary

PREFACE

Earnest Christians are hungry for information that makes their Bible come alive. The Christian life can be described as getting to know God better each day. Every Christian should regularly—dailyread the Word of God. We should find time for quiet or personal devotions. The reason we have so many bad days is that we do not spend time with God. We must spend time with God if we want His blessings on our lives and desire to hear from Him.

For over 20 years I have used commentaries in my devotions. The blessings derived from the commentaries are overwhelming. I am writing this commentary to share some of those blessings and lessons I have learned over the years.

This commentary provides verse-by-verse exposition and application on gospel of Luke. It is different from others in two respects. First, it is brief while some commentaries are unnecessarily wordy and verbose. This commentary does not delve into critical and exegetical details. Therefore, the limits of this commentary forbid that we consider all the views concerning any issue, but an attempt will be made to provide a brief, sound, yet scholarly view.

Second, the commentary is Pentecostal in outlook. This implies that we generally adhere to the doctrine of biblical inerrancy and adopt a literalist approach to the interpretation of the Bible. Pentecostal doctrines include speaking in tongues, gifts of the Holy Spirit, signs and wonders, divine inspiration, divine healing, to mention but a few. The early church was basically Pentecostal in nature, i.e. it exercised considerable freedom in using the gifts of the Holy Spirit in her life and worship. Although this book is written from a Pentecostal perspective, I draw ideas from scholars from all denominations and hope that the book serves all Christians.

The task of writing a commentary on a verse is similar to what the Amplified Bible does to the verse. If the verse in a regular version is regarded as 100%, the Amplified Bible typically amplifies it 150%, while the commentary typically amplifies it 500%. Thus, the commentary helps you understand the verse clearly.

It is not easy to write a commentary on any book in the Bible. In order to provide a readable text, this commentary is based on the New International Version (NIV) translation. The commentary is for laymen, pastors, teachers, and all students of the Word. It is designed to enrich your quiet time or personal study by making the commentary clear and simple. With your Bible in one hand and this commentary in the other, you will be able to unpack the deep truths of God’s Word. It is my prayer that this commentary brings you both delight and insight in understanding the Word of God.

I owe a great deal to many scholars whose commentaries on Luke I have consulted. It is my pleasure and honor to thank Dr. Darlington Ndubuike and Fela Meshioye for reviewing the manuscript. I owe special thanks to my wife for her support and prayer.

ABBREVIATIONS

Chapter 1

WARNINGS AGAINST HYPOCRISY

Luke 12:1-12

The Yeast of the Pharisees

Verses 1-3: Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. ² There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. ³ What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.

1 Jesus was still arguing with the Pharisees and the teachers of the law. When an immense crowd of people, in tens of thousands, had gathered, so that they were stepping on one another trying to get close to Him, Jesus began to speak first to His disciples. He warned, Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. Jesus compared the Pharisees’ hypocrisy to yeast or leaven due to its negative impact on others. The influence of the Pharisees’ example prompted Jesus to warn His disciples not to follow them.

"The word hypocrite comes from a Greek word that means ‘an actor,’ ‘one who plays a part.’ There are hypocrites in every walk of life, people who try to impress others in order to hide their real selves. In the Christian life, a hypocrite is somebody who tries to appear more spiritual than he or she really is."¹ The Pharisees pretended to be good when they were not.

2 Such hypocrisy could not be hidden indefinitely. Hypocrites do not succeed in their deception forever. God will uncover whatever is hidden. As the writer of Hebrews says, Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account (Hebrews 4:13). Jesus said, There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. Jesus will expose all that is concealed when He returns for judgment (Matthew 16:27).

3 Hypocrisy will not work because what is said in the dark or in private is clearly visible to God who sees in the dark. No darkness is thick enough to hide evil men from his eyes (Job 34:22, TLB). Jesus said, What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs. What the Pharisees did in the dark would be ultimately exposed by His light.

The Fear of Man

Verses 4-7: "I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. ⁵ But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. ⁶ Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. ⁷ Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

4 Hypocrites preoccupy themselves with what others think. They are afraid of men. Jesus called His disciples friends to express His closeness with them. He said we should not be afraid of humans, who can only kill the body and after that can do no more. When it comes to choosing between fearing man and fearing God, we had better fear God (Acts 4:19). When it comes to a choice of allegiance, we must identity with Christ. Even in the face of death, we need not fear the enemy.

5 Jesus went ahead and told us who to fear. He said, But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Jesus’ teaching here reveals there is hell, as opposed to what some teach. Hell is the place of ultimate destruction by fire of both body and soul. God is the one who has authority to cast into hell. He is the Fear of Isaac (Genesis 31:42), whom we should fear.

6 Sparrows were so plentiful then that five of them were sold for two pennies back then. They were probably the cheapest kind of food available in the market. Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. This demonstrates that God knows all things. As insignificant as sparrows may seem, God knows each one of them and cares for their daily existence. He does not neglect the most insignificant part of His creation.

7 Even the very hairs of our head are all numbered. Scientists claim that an average person has at least 100,000 hairs. God knows the number of hairs on the head of everyone. He knows much more about us than we know about ourselves. Because of this, we have nothing to be afraid of. We are worth more than many sparrows. If God takes good care of sparrows, why will He not care for you and me?

The Unpardonable Sin

Verses 8-10: "I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God. ⁹ But whoever disowns me before others will be disowned before the angels of God. ¹⁰ And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.

8 Jesus continued, I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God. Jesus’ statement basically underscored an earthly challenge with a heavenly reward. To acknowledge Jesus is to confess Jesus as Lord. This shows in our self-denial and submission to His control as our Master. Acknowledging Jesus may also demand our full allegiance to Him.

9 This verse and the previous one present a balanced reciprocity. But whoever disowns me before others will be disowned before the angels of God. To disown Jesus is to deny Him before others. A sure way to miss out on heaven is to disown Jesus. Those who disown Him will face denial by Jesus in heaven. They will hear Him say on the judgment day, I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers! (Matthew 7:23). It is only fair for Jesus to disown us when we disown Him, but that is frightening.

10 Having discussed the one to fear, the Father, and the one to confess, the Son, the Lord introduced the one to hear, the Holy Spirit.² And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. Son of Man is the title Jesus often used to refer to Himself. Blaspheming the Holy One is to blatantly ignore or reject His testimony about Jesus. It is attributing the mighty miracles of Jesus to the power of Satan. Since Jesus is no longer on earth performing miracles, the sin cannot be committed.

The Holy Spirit will Teach

Verses 11,12: When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, ¹² for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.

11 The threats in verses 9 and 10 are balanced by a promise in verses 11 and 12. Jesus wanted His disciples to face the reality of what would happen to them as a result of their honoring Him. They must stand for Him in a hostile world. The possibility of their being persecuted, flogged and even killed was real. They would be brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities. But they should not worry about how they would defend themselves or what they would say. The same thing applies to us today.

12 There is nothing to fear in persecution. The Holy Spirit would be their helper as believers (John 14:15-26). Jesus assured His disciples that the Holy Spirit that would dwell in them would have answers for their accusers. The Spirit would be there to teach them at that time what they should say. Their message would be His message. He would be their source of strength and wisdom.

NOTES

1. Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Compassionate: Luke 1-13 (Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook, 1988), p. 159.

2. John MacArthur, The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: Luke 11-17 (Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 2013), p. 121.

Chapter 2

THE PROBLEM OF MATERIALISM

Luke 12:13-34

The Rich Fool

Verses 13-21: Someone in the crowd said to him, Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me. ¹⁴ Jesus replied, Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you? ¹⁵ Then he said to them, Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions. ¹⁶ And he told them this parable: The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. ¹⁷ He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ ¹⁸ Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. ¹⁹ And I’ll say to myself, You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.’ ²⁰ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ ²¹ This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God."

13 While Jesus was still speaking, someone in the crowd interrupted and said to Him, Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me. Calling Jesus teacher shows that the man acknowledged Him to be a respected rabbi who could settle the conflict between him and his brother. He asked Jesus to help secure his own share of the inheritance received by both brothers from their father. He was apparently expecting Jesus to rule in his favor.

14 Jesus replied, Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you? He used the informal man to address the man. He refused to settle the dispute. He declined to judge between the two brothers. He did not come to settle issues about money or matters relating to earthly possessions. The man lacked a clear understanding of Jesus’ purpose and mission. But Jesus was clear about His calling.

15 Jesus seized that opportunity to warn the crowd against the danger of greed. He said to them, Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions. Because of greed and selfish ambition, the two brothers could not peaceably divide the inheritance.

Jesus cautioned the rest of the crowd to watch out so that they too were not consumed by covetousness, which is an unsatiable thirst for getting more and more. Life is more than mere accumulation of material goods. This is the exact opposite of what present-day society says. Advertisers spend millions of dollars to entice people to think that if they buy more and more products, they will be happier, more fulfilled, and more comfortable.¹

16 To buttress His point on the foolishness of seeking fulfillment in possessing material things, He told them this parable: The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. This parable is unique to Luke.