_CRITICAL NOTES_ Luke 5:1. TO HEAR THE WORD OF GOD.—“His preaching in the synagogues had excited so much attention that the people followed Him to the shore of the lake to hear Him” (_Speaker’s Commentary_). LAKE OF GENNESARET.—St. Luke alone uses the name. Luke 5:2. STANDING.—The technical word u... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Luke 5:12.—St. Matthew gives a distinct note of time and place when and where this miracle was wrought: it was after the Sermon on the Mount, and as Jesus came down from the mount, that the leper met him. FULL OF LEPROSY.—A term of medical accuracy describing the severity of the dis... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Luke 5:17.—The scene of this miracle was a house in Capernaum, either in a house belonging to his family (John 2:12) or in St. Peter’s house. PHARISEES AND DOCTORS OF THE LAW.—They had probably come to see and hear the prophet whose fame was now becoming widespread. There is no rea... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Luke 5:27. SAW.—Rather, “observed,” “beheld” (R.V.). LEVI.—The apostle and evangelist, St. Matthew (Matthew 9:9). Probably his original name was Levi, and the name Matthew or Matthias was given to him or assumed by him after he became an apostle. Matthew means “The gift of God.” TH... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Luke 5:33.—St. Luke here omits the remarkable fact, noted by St. Matthew and St. Mark, that disciples of John the Baptist joined with disciples of the Pharisees in putting this question. FAST OFTEN, ETC.—_I.e._ follow the ascetical example of their master. MAKE PRAYERS.—Rather, “ma... [ Continue Reading ]