Expositor's Greek Testament (Nicoll)

Luke 6:27

ὑμῖν λέγω : Lk. here uses the phrase with which Mt. introduces each dictum of Jesus in opposition to the dicta of the scribes. But of the many dicta of the Lord reported in Mt. he has preserved only one, that relating to the duty of loving (Matthew 5:44). The injunction to love enemies is much weakened in force by omission of the antithesis: love neighbours and hate enemies. As if to compensate Lk. gives the precept twice, (1) as a general head under which to collect sayings culled from the section of the discourse omitted (Matthew 5:17-42), (2) as a protest against limiting love to those who love us (Luke 6:35, cf. Luke 6:32). τοῖς ἀκούουσιν, to you who hear; a phrase by which the discourse is brought back to the actual audience from the rich and the false disciples apostrophised in the preceding verses. It is an editorial phrase. καλῶς ποιεῖτε, etc.: Lk., in contrast with Mt. (true text), enlarges here, as if to say: you must love in every conceivable case, even in connection with the most aggravated evil treatment. In the clause enjoining prayer for such as have done wrong Lk. substitutes ἐπηρεαζόντων (Luke 6:28) for Mt.'s διωκόντων = those who insult you, the people it is hardest to pray for. Persecution may be very fierce, at the prompting of conscience, yet respectful.

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Expositor's Greek Testament (Nicoll)

Luke 6:27

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