_CRITICAL NOTES_ Luke 13:1. THERE WERE PRESENT.—The phrase is a peculiar one, and might be translated, “then there came up” or “arrived,” perhaps to bring tidings of this outrage. WHOSE BLOOD.—The phrase is highly dramatic: the persons had been slain in the Temple, and their blood had been mingled w... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Luke 13:6. A CERTAIN MAN HAD A FIG-TREE.—This parable is peculiar to St. Luke, and tells of impending destruction because of long-continued abuse of God’s mercy. The fig-tree is the Jewish nation, the vineyard is the Church, the owner of the vineyard is God, and the vinedresser is C... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Luke 13:10. IN ONE OF THE SYNAGOGUES.—Time and place are indefinite; probably in Peræa. Luke 13:11 A SPIRIT OF INFIRMITY.—(Cf. Acts 16:6, “a spirit of Python”). _I.e._, an evil spirit (cf. Luke 5:16)) who had the power of producing bodily weakness. Luke 13:12. WHEN JESUS SAW HER.—... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Luke 13:19. LIKE A GRAIN OF MUSTARD SEED.—So small in size as to be a proverbial comparison among the Jews for anything exceedingly small. GARDEN.— Matthew 13:31 has “field.” A GREAT TREE.—Omit “great,” omitted in R.V. The plant in question sometimes grows as high as a man on horse... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Luke 13:22. WENT THROUGH CITIES, etc.—Not a direct journey. TO JERUSALEM.—The last journey through Peræa to Jerusalem. Luke 13:23. THEN SAID ONE.—Probably a Jew (see Luke 13:28); he can hardly have been a disciple. The question he asked was one frequently debated in Jewish schools,... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Luke 13:31. THE SAME DAY.—A better reading is, “In that very hour” (R.V.). PHARISEES, SAYING, etc.—We are certainly led to understand that these Pharisees had been sent by Herod to induce Jesus to leave his territory. If the intimation of Herod’s desire were a mere invention of the... [ Continue Reading ]