Parable of the sower.

CHAPTER VIII.

A. D. 31. Women minister to Christ; he delivers the parable of the sower, and of the candle ; rebuketh the winds, and cureth the demoniac, who had the legion,

1

And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and proclaiming the glad tidings of the king: dom of God: and the twelve were with him. 2 And certain women, who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities; Mary called Magdalene, 3 out of whom had gone seven demons; And Joannab the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susannah, and many others, who ministered to him of their substance.

And when a great multitude assembled and some out of every city came to him, he spoke 3 by a parable; "A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some seed fell by the way-side; and it was trodden down, and the 6 fowls of the air devoured it. And some fell upon a rock ; and as soon as it had sprung up, it withered away, because it wanted moisture. 7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns 8 grew up with it, and choked it. And some fell on good ground, and grew up, and yielded fruit a hundred-fold." And as he said these things, he cried out, "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.”

9

And his disciples asked him, saying, "What 10 may this parable be?" And he said, And he said, "Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others I speak in parables; so that seeing they may not see, and 11 hearing they may not understand. Now the

usual ceremonies at the reception of guests. To bring water, to give the kiss of peace, and to anoint the head, were common. See Matt. vi. 17.; xxvi. 49.

48. Then he said, &c. Our Lord had shown that he knew the thoughts of Simon's heart, and as a prophet he might declare the pardon of this woman as a penitent; but he now assures her of the fact, "Thy sins are forgiven." 50. Thy faith hath, &c. Some still thinking that Jesus assumed a prerogative which did not belong to him, he thus addressed the woman.

CHAP. VI. 2. Certain women, &c. These attended our Lord from motives of love and gratitude for the blessings which he had bestowed. A few of the most distinguished Luke mentions.-Mary, called Magdalene. That is, Mary, a native of Magdala, see note, Matt. xv. 39.- -Out of whom. From this it appears that Mary had not been, as some have believed, a prostifute; but is mentioned as one of those unhappy beings, supposed to be possessed with demons, and to whose influence various infirmities and diseases were ascribed. Seven may signify many, a certain for an uncertain number. Our Lord had cured her; and from what is said, she was a woman of property and honour, and is mentioned before Joannah, the wife of Chuza, who must have

The parable explained.

parable is this: The seed is the word of God. And those seeds by the way-side are they that 12 hear; but then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. And those on 13 the rock are they, who, when they have heard, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, but for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell 14 among thorns are they, who, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with the cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring not fruit to perfection. But that on the good 15 ground are they, who, having heard the word, keep it in an honest and good heart, and bring forth fruit with perseverance.

"No man, when he hath lighted a lamp, cover- 16 eth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a couch; but setteth it on a stand, that they who enter in may see the light. may see the light. For nothing is hidden which 17 shall not be made manifest; nor any thing secret which shall not be known and come abroad. Take heed, therefore, how ye hear: for whoso- 18 ever hath much to him shall be given; and whosoever hath little, from him shall be taken even that which he indeed bath."

And his mother and his brethren came to him, 19 but could not gain access to him because of the multitude. And it was told him by some, who 20 said, "Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee." And he answered 21 and said to them, "My mother and my brethren are those that hear the word of God and do it."

Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he 22

been a person of rank. She showed our Lord every mark of respect, in his life, at his death, and after it. It was probably at her expence the spices were prepared to embalm him; and to her he first appeared after his resurrection. See note, Ch. vii. 37.

5-8. A sower went, &c. See Matt. xiii. 2, &c. Mark iv. 3, &c.
10. Seeing they may not, &c. See note, Mark iv. 12, &c.

12. Those seeds by the way-side. I have supplied seeds to remove all ambiguity; for it must be to the seeds which fell there, to which the article refers; and so in what follows.- -Are they, &c. That is, represent or signify those who hear, &c.

15. With perseverance. In vindication of this sense of υπομενη the learned reader may consult Campbell's excellent note and Schleus. 16-18. No man, when, &c. These verses are given in a different order by Matthew, and, as I think, are clearly more proper. Comp. Matt. v. 15. ; x. 26. ; xiii. 12.

19-21. And his mother, &c. Comp. Matt. xii. 46–50, and notes there. 22-25. Now it came to pass, &c. This is related by Matt. xviii. 21, &o.

before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was immediately 48 cured. And he said to her, "Take courage, Daughter: thy faith hath made thee well; go in peace."

49

While he was yet speaking, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, "Thy daughter is dead; trouble 50 not the Teacher." But when Jesus heard it, he spoke to the ruler, saying, "Fear not: only 51 believe, and she shall be made well." And when he came to the house, he suffered none to enter in, but Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the child. 52 And all wept, and lamented her: but he said, "Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth." 53 And they derided him, knowing that she was 54 dead. And he sent all out of the house, and took her by the hand, and spoke aloud, saying, 55 "Child, arise." And her spirit came again, and she forthwith arose and he commanded that 56 food should be given her. And her parents were astonished: but he charged them to tell 'no man what had deen done.

CHAPTER IX.

A. D. 32. Christ sendeth his Apostles to preach; Herod desires to see him; he feedeth five thousand; foretelleth his passion; his transfiguration, || and various miracles wrought.

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAPTER VIII. 1. We are taught both by the precepts and example of our Lord to be diligent in our calling; and especially to guard against those things which diminish or destroy the imfluence of the Gospel. This is the word or doctrine of our Lord's spiritual kingdom; and how necessary the caution to take heed how we hear it?" We should be concerned to understand it, and to feel its sanctifiying power on our minds. If we are inattentive, or if we suffer the cares and pleasures of life to occupy our hearts, while perusing or attending to this word, it will yield no fruit to perfection. We see how the cares of the world, or the inconstancy of our hearts, in connexion with the snares of the devil, render useless that truth which is in itself more valuable than gold, and which our Lord preached through every city and village. By this alone can we learn the way of acceptance, pardon, peace and happiness; and on this account the word of the kingdom may be justly called, glad tidings.' To these tidings may we listen; and may we cordially receive and embrace them.

CHAP. IX. 1–6. His twelve disciples, &c. See notes, Matt. x. Ì—18.

Mark vi. 7-11.

7-9 Now Herod, &c. He was tetrarch of Galilee, and Matthew has

The apostles sent forth.

Now Jesus called his twelve disciples together, 1 and gave them power and authority over all de

mons, and to cure diseases. And he sent them 2 forth, to preach the kingdom of God, and to cure the sick. And he said to them, "Take no- 3 thing for your journey, neither staves, nor bag, nor bread, nor money, nor have two coats apiece. And into whatsoever house ye enter, there abide, 4 and thence depart. And whosoever will not 5 receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony unto them." And they departed, and went 6 through the towns, preaching glad tidings, and healing every where.

Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that 7 had been done by him: and he was perplexed, because it was said by some, that John was risen from the dead; And by some, that Elijah had 8 appeared; and by others, that one of the old prophets was risen again. And Herod said, "John I 9 have beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things?" And he desired to see Jesus.

And the apostles returned, and told Jesus all 10 that they had done. And he took them, and withdrew privately to a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. And when the 11 multitude knew it, they followed him and he received them, and spoke to them concerning

2. When we reflect on the miracles of our Lord, on the nature, number and circumstances of them, we cannot but confess that they testified who and whence he was, and justified that confidence, respect and obedience which he claimed. "If ye believe not me, yet believe me for the work's sake, said he to the Jews; and many on this ground did believe. Many who knew the miracle of raising Lazarus believed on him; and many whom he had miraculously cured. Some of these ever discovered an attachment, and displayed a gratitude, which neither time nor sufferings could abate. They devoted their property to supply the wants of their Lord, and followed him wheresoever he went. And how can a man do otherwise who has found pardon for his sins, health for his soul, and who enjoys the hope of endless life and felicity, in and by Jesus! May his unspeakable love to us constrain us to humble and thankful, cheerful and persevering obedience; and may we endure hardships as good soldiers of Christ, that we may hereafter receive the crown of life, and enjoy for ever his presence and the unfading glories of his kingdom.

given us a full account of his treatment of John, and the cause of it. Matt. xiv. 1-12. Mark vi. 14-29.

10. Told Jesus all, &c. Comp. verse 6, and Mark vi. 30.

the kingdom of God, and cured those that 12 had need of cure. And when the day was far spent, the twelve came near, and said to him, "Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get provision: for we are here in a 13 desert place." But he said to them, "Give ye them food to eat." And they said, "We have no more than five loaves and two fishes; unless we should go and buy food for all this people." 14 For they were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, "Make them place themselves on the ground by fifties in a com15 pany." And they did so, and made them all 16 place themselves. Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and broke, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude. 17 And they all ate, and were filled and there was taken up of the fragments twelve large baskets full.

18

And it came to pass, as he was apart praying, his disciples only being with him, that he asked them, saying, "Whom say the multitudes 19 that I am?" They answered and said, “John the Baptist; but some say, Elijah; and others, that one of the old prophets is risen again." 20 And he said to them, "But whom say ye that I am?" Then Peter answered and said, "The 21 Christ of God." And he strictly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing; 22 Saying, "The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised 23 the third day. And he said to them all, "If any man desire to come after me, let him deny him24 self, and take his cross, and follow me.

For

Jesus transfigured.

whosoever desireth to save his life shall lose it: but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man pro- 25 fited, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? For whosoever shall be 26 ashamed of me, and of my words, of him the Son of man shall be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in that of the Father, and of the holy angels. But I tell you 27 truly, There are some of those who stand here, who shall not taste of death, until they have seen the kingdom of God."

t

And it came to pass about eight days after 28 these words, that he took Peter and John and James, and went up a mountain to pray. And, 29 while he prayed, the appearance of his countenance was changed, and his raiment was white and glistering. And, lo, there talked with him 30 two men, who were Moses and Elijah: Who 31 appeared in glory, and spoke of his decease which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. But Peter, and those that were with him, were 32 heavy with sleep and when they awoke, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him. And as they were departing from 33 him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three booths: one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah :" not knowing what he said. And while 34 he thus spoke, a cloud came and surrounded them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud. And there came a voice out of the 35 cloud, saying, "This is my beloved Son: hear him." And when the voice was past, Jesus 36 was found alone. And they were silent, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen.

12-17.

The twelve came near, &c. See notes, Matt. xiv. 14-22. 18. Apart praying, &c. Luke has not given this inquiry in the order which both the preceding Evangelists have observed, nor has he related the circumstances. Comp. Matt. xvi. 13, &c. Mark viii. 27, &c.

19, 20. John the Baptist, &c. See notes, Matt. xvi. 14—20.- Whom say ye that I am? Jesus did not ask their opinion respecting himself; but whom they declared him to the multitude to be. Did they preach him as the Christ? See note, Matt. xvi. 16.

22. The son of man, &c. See Matt. xvi. 21.

23. Take up his cross. The common text has daily; but it is wanting, Matt. x. 36.; xvi. 24. Mark viii. 34, and in many mss. Griesbach retains it as probable; but I have omitted the words, as adding nothing to the sentiment."

P 3

24-26. Desireth to save, &c. Comp. Matt. x. 33-39. 28-36. About eight days, &c. See Matt. xvii. 1, &c.; Mark ix. 2, &c. Matthew says six days after. Luke does not speak positively, saying about eight days after.

31. Appeared in glory, &c. In the bright light, called the Shechinah, which then appeared on the mount. See 2 Peter i. 17.

33. Not knowing, &c. He was confused by the appearance of Moses and Elijah, and the conversation which he heard, that he did not consider what he said.

34. And they feared, &c. I conceive that this signifies Peter, James, and John feared, or were struck with awe, when they saw Moses and Elijah enter the cloud of glory.

112

A demoniac cùred.

37

And it came to pass that, on the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, 38 a great multitude met him. And, behold, a man of the multitude cried out, saying, "Teacher, I beseech thee, look upon my son: for 39 he is mine only child. And, lo, a spirit taketh him, and he suddenly crieth out; and it convulseth him so that he foameth again, and 40 bruising him hardly departeth from him. And I besought thy disciples to cast it out; and 41 they could not." And Jesus answered and said, "O unbelieving and perverse race, how long shall I be with you, and endure you? 42 Bring thy son hither." And as he was now coming near, the demon dashed him on the ground and convulsed him. Then Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and cured the child, 43 and delivered him to his father. And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But while all wondered at all things which 44 Jesus did, he said to his disciples, "Mark diligently these words, The Son of man is about to be delivered up into the hands of men." 45 But they understood not this matter, and it was hidden from them, so that they did not perceive it: and they feared to ask him of this matter.

36.

Told no man. The three Apostles were charged not to make this known till after the resurrection. See Matt. xvii. 9, Mark ix. 9.

39. And, lo a spirit taketh, &c. Matthew tells us that he was a lunatic Ch. xvii. 15.; and Mark, that he had a dumb spirit, Ch. ix. 16, &c. Comparing these accounts and the language used in describing the same complaint, there is reason to think that a demoniac was a person affected with some grievous disorder, the nature of which was then unknown, and which, at that period, could not be cured. The symptoms are all those of a person subject to epileptic fits.

44. Mark diligently, &c. I have followed the Geneva version here as giving the sense of the idiom more clearly than the literal version. Campbell has also adopted it.

48. This little child, &c. To receive a child in his name, must mean to receive it as belonging to him; for of such is his kingdom. They form a part of his flock; and those disciples who are unambitious and humble as children, shall be accounted greatest.

49. Master, we, &c. See Matt. xii. 30, and Mark ix. 38-40, and notes. 51. Received up, yc. Into heaven: which assumption was to be pre

Mild spirit of Christ.

|| shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great."

Then John spoke and said, "Master, we saw 49 one casting out demons in thy name, and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us." And Jesus said to him, "Forbid him not: for 50 he that is not against us is for us."

Now it came to pass, when the days were 51 fulfilled that he should be received up, that he stedfastly resolved to go to Jerusalem; And 52 sent messengers before him: and they went, and entered into a town of the Samaritans, to make ready for him: But they did not 53 receive him, because he was going up to Jerusalem. And when his disciples, James and John, 54 saw this, they said, "Master, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elijah did?" But he 55 turned, and rebuked them, and said, “Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is come, not to destroy 56 men's lives, but to save them." Then they went to another town.

And it came to pass, as they were going on 57 the way, that a certain man said to him, "Master, I will follow thee wheresoever thou goest." And Jesus said to him, "The foxes have holes, 58 and the birds of the air have roosts; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head." And he said to another, "Follow me." But 59 he said, "Master, suffer me first to go and bury my father." And Jesus said to him, "Let the 60

ceded by his crucifixion. When the days were fulfilled,' must signify when he had completed the time appointed for his personal ministry, and had suffered and risen again, he should then be received up. Resolved to go, &c, Greek, 'set his face,' which is a Hebrew idiom to denote a firm and fixed resolution. See Sept. 2 Kings xii. 17. Jerem. xxi. 10. Ezek. xiv. 8. In the 53rd verse, his face was as though,' is a like Hebrew idiom, for he or for person. Comp. Greek, 2 Sam. xvii. 11, and 2 Chron. xxxii. 2.

53. Because he was, &c. Comp. John iv. 9. The Samaritans were more than usually unkind to the Jews, when they were going up to Jerusalem to any of the feasts, because they contended, that they ought to be kept at their temple on Mount Gerizim.

54-56. James and John saw this, &c. They were greatly provoked, and desired to punish severely this conduct of the Samaritans. See 1 Kings i. 10, &c. The answer of our Lord shows that he did not approve of their temper. Though the latter clause of the 55th, and the first of the 56th verse be wanting in mss. and some versions; yet I conceive the internal evidence in their favour is considerable; for if we close at "rebuked them," we have no hint in what manner he did this. For the sentiment comp. John iii. 17 & xii. 47.