Verses 1–5
The Twelve Apostles Chosen SUMMARY OF LUKE 6: The Son of Man Lord of the Sabbath. The Man with the Withered Hand Healed. Accused of Sabbath-Breaking. The Apostles Chosen. Blessings and Woes. Returning Good for Evil. Evil and Good Fruit. The Wise and Foolish Builders.
On the second sabbath after the first. The common text, the "second-first" in the Greek, is referred by Godet to "second-first" Sunday of the year. The "first" first Sabbath was the first Sabbath of the civil year; the "second" first was the first sabbath of the religious year. It came in the spring.
Plucked. For notes on the controversy caused by the Lord's disciples plucking the ears of wheat on the Sabbath, see Mt 12:1-14. Compare also Mr 2:23-28 3:1-5.
Ears of corn. Of wheat or barley.
Verses 6–11
It came to pass also on another sabbath. For notes on the healing of the withered hand on the Sabbath, see Mt 12:1-15 Mr 3:1-5.
Verse 12
Went out into a mountain to pray. Preparatory to calling the apostles. Our Lord always prepared for any great crisis by prayer.
Verses 13–16
He called [unto him] his disciples. After the night of prayer. Out of these twelve were chosen. For notes on the call of the Apostles see Mt 10:1-5. These are four lists of the twelve: that here: Mt 10:2-4 Mr 3:16-19 Ac 1:13. They differ slightly because some of the apostles had two different names: for example, Matthew is also called Levi, and Simon is called Peter.
Verses 17–19
Came down with them, and stood in the plain. We now come to Luke's report of the Sermon on the Mount, given much more fully in Mt 5:1-7:29, on which see notes. Luke only states that the sermon was preceded by the healing of the diseased in the vast multitudes which had assembled from all parts of the country.
Verses 20–23
Blessed. These beatitudes are given more fully in Mt 5:3-12, which see notes. Luke says "kingdom of God"; Matthew, "of heaven", showing that the two are the same.
Verse 24
Woe unto you that are rich! Matthew omits these woes. Woe to all whose heart is set upon their riches and who take their delight and consolation in them. The woe rests upon all who are engaged in the greedy chase after wealth, or make it their great good. See Mr 10:24 1Ti 6:9,10,17.
Verse 25
Woe unto you that are full! Because, satisfied, they do not hunger after righteousness (Mt 5:6). Such shall hunger when stripped of all that is earthly.
Woe unto you that laugh now! Give themselves to merriment, seeking fun and enjoyment instead of preparation.
Verse 26
When all men shall speak well of you! Those who seek to be universally popular. Whoever does his duty will meet those who oppose him. Christ was reviled and slandered. These four woes are addressed to four classes: (1) Those who worship wealth; (2) those satisfied with their present life; (3) those who live for present enjoyment; (4) those whose aim is human praise and adulation.
Verse 27
Love your enemies. These precepts are found in Matthew's report in their connection.
See PNT Mt 5:44.
Verse 28
Bless then that curse you.
See PNT Mt 5:44.
Verse 29
Offer also the other.
See PNT Mt 5:39.
Taketh away thy cloke.
See PNT Mt 5:40.
Verse 30
Give to every man that asketh of thee.
See PNT Mt 5:42.
Verse 31
Do ye also to then likewise.
See PNT Mt 7:12.
Verse 32
If ye love them which love you, etc.
See the note on "Mt 5:44".
Verse 33
If ye do good, etc.
See PNT Mt 5:44.
Verse 34
If ye lend, etc.
See PNT Mt 5:42.
Verse 35
Love ye your enemies.
See PNT Mt 5:44.
Ye shall be the children of the Highest.
See PNT Mt 5:45.
Verse 36
Lu 6:36
Be ye therefore merciful, etc.
See PNT Mt 5:48.
Verse 37
Judge not. See notes on Mt 7:1-2.
Verse 38
Give into your bosom. The loose garment of a Jew was belted at the waist, and in its capacious bosom grain, or other articles, were carried.
Verse 39
Can the blind lead the blind?
See notes on "Mt 15:14".
Verse 40
The disciple is not above his master.
See PNT Mt 10:24.
Verses 41–42
The mote that is in thy brother's eye. See notes on Mt 7:3-5.
Verses 43–45
For a good tree. See notes on Mt 7:15-20.
Verses 46–47
Why call ye me, Lord, Lord? See notes on Mt 7:21-27.
Verses 48–49
Digged deep. Luke adds. This is often needful to reach the rock. We must dig deep, even to our heart, to its center, to build upon "the" Rock, Christ our Lord. The confession of faith in Christ must be believed with the heart (Ro 10:10), confessed with the mouth, in order that we may be built upon the Rock (Mt 16:18).