Lukechapter 21
38 verses · Luke · about AD 62 · The Gospels
But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you will know that her desolation is near.
Introduction
Luke, The Gospels, Luke Overview.
Luke wrote this for Theophilus and for Greek-speaking churches that would hear of Jerusalem's fall, or had already heard of it. The chapter belongs to the last days before the arrest, when Jesus still taught openly in the temple. A small scene and a long discourse stand side by side here, and they are placed together on purpose. Listen for the difference between an event close at hand and one whose day is given to no one. Listen also for the repeated call to stay awake. The chapter prepares a disciple to keep faith through great upheaval.
Context
- Who
- A Greek reader who would live to hear reports of the Jewish war
- What
- A widow's gift in the temple, followed by the last public teaching Jesus gives in Luke, on the fall of Jerusalem and the coming of the Son of Man.
- Where
- The temple courts in Jerusalem, where Jesus taught by day, and the Mount of Olives, where he spent the nights.
- When
- The last week before the crucifixion, about AD 30 or 33, looking ahead to the Roman siege of AD 70.
- Why
- To prepare disciples to stay faithful and watchful through persecution, the city's destruction and the wait for his return.
Historical context
The widow's two coins were the smallest currency in circulation in Judea. The collection chests stood in the temple court, so the size of a gift was audible as well as visible, which is exactly the contrast Luke draws with the wealthy putting in their gifts.
Show the rest of the historical context, 4 more paragraphs
The admiring remark about the temple mentions its votive offerings as well as its stones. Josephus describes the gifts that hung in the sanctuary, including a great golden vine over the entrance, and the enormous foundation blocks of the platform, some of which are still visible today.
Luke's version of the warning is strikingly concrete about the siege: when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, know that its desolation has come near. Rome did precisely that in AD 70, building a wall of circumvallation around the city, and Josephus, who was present, describes the famine and slaughter that followed.
The instruction to flee to the mountains and not to enter the city assumes the roads were still open early in the conflict, as they were. Eusebius records that the Jerusalem church left for Pella across the Jordan before the siege closed.
The phrase about Jerusalem being trampled by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled has been read in various ways and is worth leaving as the text leaves it, a stated limit, without a date attached.
Significance
For Luke's readers this chapter separated two things they were prone to confuse: the fall of the city, which was near and specific, and the coming of the Son of Man, which was neither.
Show the rest of the significance, 1 more paragraph
The instruction in the middle is what they needed most. You will be handed over to synagogues and prisons and brought before kings and governors, and this will be your opportunity to bear witness. That is not survival advice. It is a job description, and the book of Acts is Luke's account of them doing it.
The heads below are this chapter's scenes. The numbered points under each are its verses.
A Poor Widow Gives All Her Living
Luke 21:1-4
saw the rich putting their gifts: Jesus says the widow's two small copper coins are more than all the others, since she has put in all she had to live on. The scene follows 20:47, where Jesus charges the scribes with robbing widows.
Luke 21:1
“We learn, for one thing, from these verses — how keenly our Lord Jesus Christ observes the things that are done upon earth. We read that "He looked up and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. And He saw also a certain poor widow casting in two mites." We might well suppose that our Lord's mind at this season would have been wholly occupied with the things immediately before Him. His betrayal, His unjust judgment, His cross, His passion, His death — were all close at hand — and He knew it.”
2 more voices on this verseWhat preachers and commentators have said about this verse, in their own words.
Luke 21:1
“And he looked up,.... As Christ sat over against the treasury, looking upon the ground, he lift up his eyes; for the treasury was not in an high place, or above Christ, who was right against it. The Syriac, Arabic, and Persic versions leave out this clause. And saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury; See Gill on Mar 12:41.”
Luke 21:1
“While [Jesus] stood in the temple, he also gave the verdict of which we are speaking. In the following verses, you have: "Jesus spoke these words in the treasury while teaching in the temple. And no one seized him." What is the treasury? It is the contribution of the faithful, the bank of the poor, and the refuge of the needy.”
Ambrose of Milan · written before 397 · Letters to Laymen 84patristic
two small copper coins: Adam Clarke takes the Greek word for poor to mean miserably poor, and her poverty heightens the act. Mark adds that the two coins made one quadrans. Leo the Great drew from it that God weighs the steadfastness of souls in the scale of His justice.
Luke 21:2
“A certain poor widow - A widow miserably poor; this is the proper import of πενιχραν, and her being miserably poor heightened the merit of the action. Two mites - Which Mark says, Mar 12:42, make a farthing or quadrans, the fourth part of an As, or penny, as we term it.”
Adam Clarke · Commentary on the Bible (1810-1826)evangelical
1 more voice on this verse
Luke 21:2
“Although the spite of some people does not grow gentle with any kindness, nevertheless the works of mercy are not fruitless, and kindness never loses what is offered to the ungrateful. May no one, dearly beloved, make themselves strangers to good works. Let no one claim that his poverty scarcely sufficed for himself and could not help another. What is offered from a little is great, and in the scale of divine justice, the quantity of gifts is not measured but the steadfastness of souls.”
Leo the Great · written before 461 · SERMON 20.3.1patristic
By any count of coins the claim sounds false. Jamieson, Fausset and Brown read more as more in proportion to her means, which they call God's standard, citing 2 Corinthians 8:12. John Gill agrees, and Cyril of Alexandria saw her poverty made fruitful to her.
Luke 21:3
“And he said--"to His disciples," whom He "called to Him" (Mr 12:43), to teach from it a great future lesson. more than . . . all--in proportion to her means, which is God's standard (2Co 8:12).”
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871)reformed
The verse gives the reason for the verdict of verse 3. Bede says God weighs the store from which a gift is taken, since He has respect to the heart. Jamieson, Fausset and Brown draw the rule that a gift is measured by what it costs the giver.
Luke 21:4
“For whatever we offer with an honest heart is well pleasing to God, who hath respect unto the heart, not the substance, nor does He weigh the amount of that which is given in sacrifice, but of that from which it is taken; as it follows, For all these have cast in of their abundance, but she all that she had.”
Bede · written before 735 · Catena Aurea by Aquinaspatristic
Not One Stone: Wars, Betrayal, and Testimony
Luke 21:5-6
adorned with beautiful stones: As disciples remarked on the temple's beautiful stones and consecrated gifts, Jesus answered that not one stone will be left on another. In AD 70 the legions of Titus pulled down the temple Herod had rebuilt, stone by stone.
Luke 21:5
“And as some spake of the temple,.... These were the disciples; Mark says, one of them; but it seems there were more than one; one might begin the discourse, and others join him: how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts; See Gill on Mat 24:1. he said; what follows. This was as he went out of the temple.”
3 more voices on this verse
Luke 21:5
“Goodly stones - Beautiful stones. Either referring to the large, square, and well-finished stones of which the eastern wall was built, or to the precious stones which might have been used in decorating the temple itself. See the notes at Mar 13:1. Gifts - This word properly denotes anything devoted or dedicated to God. Anciently warriors dedicated to their gods the spoils of war - the shields, and helmets, and armor, and garments of those slain in battle. These were suspended in the temples.”
Luke 21:5
“And gifts - Which persons delivered from imminent dangers had, in accomplishment of their vows, hung on the walls and pillars. The marble of the temple was so white, that it appeared like a mountain of snow at a distance.”
John Wesley · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament (1755)evangelical
Luke 21:5
“These words were a striking prophecy. An English mind can hardly conceive how strange and startling they must have sounded to Jewish ears. They were spoken of a building which every Israelite regarded with almost idolatrous veneration. They were spoken of a building which contained the ark, the holy of holies, and the symbolic furniture formed on a pattern given by God Himself. They were spoken of a building associated with most of the principal names in Jewish history; with David, Solomon, Hezekiah, Josiah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezra, and Nehemiah.”
not one stone will be left on another: Jesus answers the praise of the temple's stones with a sentence on those same stones. John Gill notes that the Syriac and Ethiopic versions read the opening as a question. They ask whether these are the things they gaze at with delight.
Luke 21:6
“As for these things which ye behold,.... Some, as the Syriac and Ethiopic versions, read these words by way of interrogation; "are these the things which ye behold?" do ye look upon these with wonder and delight? the days will come; and they are hastening on; a little while, a few years more: in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down; See Gill on Mat 24:2.”
Luke 21:7-8
The disciples ask when these things will happen and what will be the sign, as if the temple's fall and a final sign come together. The discourse goes on to separate them.
Luke 21:7
“Matthew adds a third question, that both the time of the destruction of the temple, and the sign of His coming, and the end of the world, might be inquired into by the disciples. But our Lord being asked when the destruction of the temple should be, and what the sign of His coming, instructs them as to the signs, but does not mind to inform them as to the time. It follows, Take heed that ye be not deceived.”
Ambrose of Milan · written before 397 · Catena Aurea by Aquinaspatristic
1 more voice on this verse
Luke 21:7
“And they asked him,.... That is, his disciples, when they were come to the Mount of Olives, and as he sat upon that, Mat 24:3 saying, master, but when shall these things be? when the temple shall be destroyed; and one stone shall not be left upon another; and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass? which shows that this refers to the destruction of the temple, and so the signs following; See Gill on Mat 24:3.”
The first word of the answer to verse 7 is a warning, placed before any sign is named. John Wesley reads the claims in verse 8 as the words of the deceivers themselves, who take the Lord's name and announce the time.
Luke 21:8
“Many shall come in my name - Usurping my name: calling themselves the Messiah. See Mat 24:5. Concerning this prediction of the destruction of Jerusalem, and its literal accomplishment, see the notes on Matthew 24:1-42 (note).”
Adam Clarke · Commentary on the Bible (1810-1826)evangelical
1 more voice on this verse
Luke 21:8
“I am the Christ; and the time is near - When I will deliver you from all your enemies. They are the words of the seducers.”
John Wesley · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament (1755)evangelical
Luke 21:9-11
hear of wars and rebellions: When you hear of wars and rebellions, do not be alarmed, for the end is not imminent. Wars, earthquakes, famines and signs from heaven come before the end, so no single one marks it. Readers divide between an early fulfillment in the first century and a final one still future.
Luke 21:9
“But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions,.... Or seditions and tumults; "wars" may design the wars of the Romans, against the Jews; and the "commotions", or seditions, the internal troubles among themselves: be not terrified; as if the destruction of the nation, city, and temple, would be at once: for these things must first come to pass, but the end is not by and by; or "immediately". The Syriac, Arabic, and Persic versions leave out this last word, and read, as in See Gill on Mat 24:6.”
1 more voice on this verse
Luke 21:9
“But of the heavenly words none are greater witnesses than we, upon whom the ends of the world have come. What wars and what rumours of wars have we received!”
Ambrose of Milan · written before 397 · Catena Aurea by Aquinaspatristic
Matthew Henry hears in the verse the four sorts of judgment the Old Testament prophets so often threatened. John Charles Ryle sees a partial fulfilment in the Roman capture of Jerusalem, with a more complete one still to come before the second advent.
Luke 21:10
“The final tribulation is preceded by many tribulations, and through the frequent evils that come before, the perpetual evils that will follow are indicated. And therefore after wars and seditions the end does not come immediately, because many evils must run before, so that they may be able to announce evil without end. But since so many signs of disturbance have been mentioned, we ought to touch briefly upon the consideration of each one, because it is necessary that we suffer some things from heaven, some from earth, some from the elements, some from men.”
Gregory the Dialogist · written before 604 · Forty Gospel Homilies, Homily 35patristic
2 more voices on this verse
Luke 21:10
“These words no doubt received a partial fulfillment in the days when Jerusalem was captured by the Romans, and the Jews were led into captivity. It was a season of unparalleled desolation to Judea, and the countries round about Judea. The last days of the Jewish dispensation, were wound up by a struggle which for bloodshed, misery, and tribulation, has never been equaled since the world began. But the words before us have yet to receive a more complete accomplishment. They describe the time which shall immediately precede the second coming of Jesus Christ.”
Luke 21:10
“God has various ways of punishing a provoking people. The four sorts of judgments which the Old-Testament prophets so often speak of are threatened by the New-Testament prophets too; for, though spiritual judgments are more commonly inflicted in gospel times, yet God makes use of temporal judgments also.”
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible (1707-1721)puritan
fearful sights and great signs from heaven: Verse 11 carries the list of verse 10 from war among nations to earthquake, famine and plague, and then to the sky. Ambrose of Milan read these calamities as coming before the ruin of the world. Verse 9 has already told them the end will wait.
Luke 21:11
“The ruin of the world then is preceded by certain of the world's calamities, such as famine, pestilence, and persecution.”
Ambrose of Milan · written before 397 · Catena Aurea by Aquinaspatristic
Luke 21:12-15
But before all this: Before all this, they will seize you and persecute you, as Acts records of Peter and John and of Paul before Felix, Festus and Agrippa. Jesus promises speech and wisdom none can resist, as Stephen found at Acts 6:10.
Luke 21:12
“Jesus gives them clear and evident signs of the time when the consummation of the world draws near. He says that there will be wars, turmoil, famines and epidemics everywhere. There will be terrors from heaven and great signs. As another Evangelist says, "All the stars shall fall, and the heaven be rolled up like a scroll, and its powers will be shaken."In the middle of this, the Savior places what refers to the capture of Jerusalem. He mixes the accounts together in both parts of the narrative.”
Cyril of Alexandria · written before 444 · Commentary on Luke, Homily 139patristic
4 more voices on this verse
Luke 21:12
“Synagogues - Or, assemblies, etc. See these all explained on Mar 13:9 (note).”
Adam Clarke · Commentary on the Bible (1810-1826)evangelical
Luke 21:12
“But because all these things come not from the injustice of the one striking but from the merit of the world that suffers, the deeds of wicked men are set forth first when it is said: "But before all these things they will lay their hands upon you and persecute you, and deliver you to synagogues, leading you before kings and governors for my name's sake."”
Gregory the Dialogist · written before 604 · Forty Gospel Homilies, Homily 35patristic
Luke 21:12
“And therefore in this passage He forbids men "to meditate before what they answer" when brought before tribunals, even as once He suggested to Balaam the message which he had not thought of, nay, contrary to what he had thought; and promised "a mouth" to Moses, when he pleaded in excuse the slowness of his speech, and that wisdom which, by Isaiah, He showed to be irresistible: "One shall say, I am the Lord's, and shall call himself by the name of Jacob, and another shall subscribe himself by the name of lsrµl.”
Tertullian · written before 220 · Against Marcion Book IVpatristic
Luke 21:12
“There are also other wars which the Christian wages, the struggles of different lusts, and the conflicts of the will; and domestic foes are far more dangerous than foreign.”
Ambrose of Milan · written before 397 · Catena Aurea by Aquinaspatristic
your opportunity to serve as witnesses: The trials of verse 12 become a stage for testimony. Cyril of Alexandria notes that the Greek phrase can carry the sense of martyrdom, the witness sealed in suffering. Adam Clarke reads it as proof to the persecutors that the disciples believed what they taught and were no impostors.
Luke 21:13
“And it shall turn to you for a testimony. By this means they would have an opportunity of leaving their testimony for Christ before kings and rulers; and what they should meet with from them, would be a means of strengthening and confirming them in the truths of the Gospel; and be a proof and evidence to them of the certainty of the above things Christ had said should be accomplished; as well as be for a testimony against the rulers and governors, Jews, and Gentiles, before whom they should be convened; see Mat 10:18.”
2 more voices on this verse
Luke 21:13
“It follows, And it shall turn to you for a testimony. In the Greek it is εἰς μαρτύριον, that is, for the glory of martyrdom.”
Cyril of Alexandria · written before 444 · Catena Aurea by Aquinaspatristic
Luke 21:13
“It shall turn to you for a testimony - That is, it shall turn out on your part for a testimony to them (your persecutors) that you are thoroughly persuaded of the truth of what you teach, and that you are no impostors.”
Adam Clarke · Commentary on the Bible (1810-1826)evangelical
make up your mind not to worry beforehand: The command rests on the promise of verse 15. Matthew Henry says that witnesses given a mouth by Christ leave their adversaries silenced and confused. Cyprian, writing to strengthen those facing martyrdom, held that the Lord is greater to protect than the devil to assault.
Luke 21:14
“That injuries and penalties of persecutions are not to be feared by us, because greater is the Lord to protect than the devil to assault. John, in his epistle, proves this, saying: "Greater is He who is in you than he that is in the world." Also in the cxviith Psalm: "I will not fear what man can do unto me; the Lord is my helper." And again: "These in chariots, and those in horses; bat we will glory in the name of the Lord our God.”
Cyprian · written before 258 · Treatise XI. Exhortation to Martyrdom, Addressed to Fortunatus.patristic
1 more voice on this verse
Luke 21:14
“Thirdly, When Christ gives to his witnesses a mouth and wisdom, they are enabled to say that both for him and themselves which all their adversaries are not able to gainsay or resist, so that they are silenced, and put to confusion.”
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible (1707-1721)puritan
I will give you speech and wisdom: Adam Clarke takes the Greek word for mouth to mean ready utterance, joined to the wisdom to know what to say. Ambrose of Milan set this beside texts where the Father and the Spirit speak, holding that the voice of the Trinity is one.
Luke 21:15
“I will give you a mouth and wisdom - Στομα, a mouth, must appear plain to every person to be used here for a ready utterance, or eloquence in speaking. They shall have an abundance of wisdom to know what to say; and they shall have an irresistible eloquence to say what they ought.”
Adam Clarke · Commentary on the Bible (1810-1826)evangelical
1 more voice on this verse
Luke 21:15
“Now in one place Christ speaks in His disciples, as here; in another, the Father; (Mat. 16:17) in another the Spirit of the Father speaketh. (Mat. 10:20.) These do not differ but agree together, In that one speaketh, three speak, for the voice of the Trinity is one.”
Ambrose of Milan · written before 397 · Catena Aurea by Aquinaspatristic
Luke 21:16-19
betrayed even by parents: Jesus warns that some of them will be put to death, a cost the church paid from Stephen on. Verse 19 names what is kept: By your patient endurance you will gain your souls.
Luke 21:16
“And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren,.... See Gill on Mat 10:21. and kinsfolks, and friends. The Syriac, Persic, and Ethiopic versions add, "your", to each of these relations, as your parents, &c. and some of you shall they cause to be put to death; as Stephen was stoned to death, and James, the brother of John, Herod killed with the sword, Act 7:58 and indeed all of them were put to death, except John, before the destruction of Jerusalem.”
1 more voice on this verse
Luke 21:16
“Now, what plea is wiser and more irresistible than the simple and open" confession made in a martyr's cause, who "prevails with God"-which is what "Israel" means? Now, one cannot wonder that He forbade "premeditation," who actually Himself received from the Father the ability of uttering words in season: "The Lord hath given to me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season (to him that is weary); " except that Marcion introduces to us a Christ who is not subject to the Father.”
Tertullian · written before 220 · Against Marcion Book IVpatristic
hated by everyone because of My name: The hatred of verse 17 widens the betrayal of verse 16 from the family to the world. Cyprian gathered this verse with John 15, where Jesus says the world hated Him first. The cause named is His name.
Luke 21:17
“That it was before predicted, concerning the hatred of the Name, In the Gospel according to Luke: "And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake." Also according to John: "If the world hate you, know ye that it first hated me. If ye were of the world, the world would love what would be its own: but because ye are not of the world, and I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word which I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord.”
Cyprian · written before 258 · Treatise XII Three Books of Testimonies Against the Jewspatristic
not even a hair of your head will perish: The promise comes two verses after a warning of death. Gregory the Dialogist calls it a consolation drawn from the joy of the resurrection. Matthew Henry and Adam Clarke call it a proverb for complete security.
Luke 21:18
“But there shall not a hair of your head perish - A proverbial expression for, Ye shall not suffer any essential injury. Every genuine Christian shall escape when this desolation comes upon the Jewish state.”
Adam Clarke · Commentary on the Bible (1810-1826)evangelical
1 more voice on this verse
Luke 21:18
“It is a proverbial expression, denoting the greatest indemnity and security imaginable; it is frequently used both in the Old Testament and New, in that sense. Some think that it refers to the preservation of the lives of all the Christians that were among the Jews when they were cut off by the Romans; historians tell us that not one Christian perished in that desolation.”
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible (1707-1721)puritan
By your patient endurance you will gain your souls: The verse closes the warnings of persecution by naming endurance as the way through them. Adam Clarke and John Gill both note ancient versions that read the verb as a future promise, which the BSB follows. Matthew Henry reads patience as the soul's guard.
Luke 21:19
“But "by patience," says He, "ye shall yourselves be saved." Of this very patience the Psalm says, "The patient endurance of the just shall not perish for ever; " because it is said in another Psalm, "Precious (in the sight of the Lord) is the death of the just"-arising, no doubt, out of their patient endurance, so that Zechariah declares: "A crown shall be to them that endure.”
Tertullian · written before 220 · Against Marcion Book IVpatristic
3 more voices on this verse
Luke 21:19
“In your patience, possess ye your souls. By patiently bearing all afflictions, reproaches, indignities, and persecutions, enjoy yourselves; let nothing disturb or distress you; possess that peace and joy in your souls, which the world cannot take away; see Rom 5:3. The Vulgate Latin, Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions read, "ye shall possess": and the sense may be this; by patient continuance, or by perseverance in the ways of God, and the truths of Christ unto the end, ye shall be saved; shall find your lives, and enjoy your souls, as in Mat 10:22.”
Luke 21:19
“In your patience - Rather, your perseverance, your faithful continuance in my word and doctrine. Ye will preserve your souls. Ye shall escape the Roman sword, and not one of you shall perish in the destruction of Jerusalem. Instead of κτησασθε, possess, or preserve ye, I read κτησεσθε, ye shall preserve. This reading is supported by AB-B, five others; both the Syriac, all the Arabic, Ethiopic, Vulgate, all the Itala except two, Origen, Macarius, and Tertullian.”
Adam Clarke · Commentary on the Bible (1810-1826)evangelical
Luke 21:19
“Secondly, It is by patience, Christian patience, that we keep possession of our own souls. "In suffering times, set patience upon the guard for the preserving of your souls; by it keep your souls composed and in a good frame, and keep out all those impressions which would ruffle you and put you out of temper." Judgments Predicted.”
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible (1707-1721)puritan
Jerusalem Surrounded by Armies
Luke 21:20-22
Jerusalem surrounded by armies: When they see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, her desolation is near. Eusebius records that the Christians of Jerusalem fled to Pella when Cestius Gallus withdrew in AD 66. Many read this as judgment on the city within that generation, and others hold a fuller sense still future.
Luke 21:20
“For the Jews thought that the abomination of desolation took place when the Romans, in mockery of a Jewish observance, cast a pig's head into the temple. Now mystically, the abomination of desolation is the coming of Antichrist, for with ill-omened sacrilege he pollutes the innermost recesses of the heart, sitting as it is literally in the temple, that he may claim to himself the throne of divine power.”
Ambrose of Milan · written before 397 · Catena Aurea by Aquinaspatristic
1 more voice on this verse
Luke 21:20
“The subject of the verses before us, is the capturing of the city of Jerusalem by the Romans. It was fit and right that this great event, which wound up the Old Testament dispensation — should be especially described by our Lord's mouth. It was fitting that the last days of that holy city, which had been the seat of God's presence for so many centuries — should receive a special notice in the greatest prophecy which was ever delivered to the Church. We should mark in this passage — our Lord Jesus Christ's perfect knowledge.”
let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains: The command follows from the sign of verse 20. Eusebius of Caesarea says the Lord foresaw famine in the besieged city and warned His disciples against seeking refuge within its walls. John Wesley adds that they were to leave before the gathering armies cut off their retreat.
Luke 21:21
“Now our Lord, foreseeing that there would be a famine in the city, warned His disciples in the siege that was coming, not to betake themselves to the city as a place of refuge, and under God's protection, but rather to depart from thence, and flee to the mountains.”
Eusebius of Caesarea · written before 339 · Catena Aurea by Aquinaspatristic
1 more voice on this verse
Luke 21:21
“Let them that are in the midst of it - Where Jerusalem stands (that is, they that are in Jerusalem) depart out of it, before their retreat is cut off by the uniting of the forces near the city, and let not them that are in the adjacent countries by any means enter into it.”
John Wesley · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament (1755)evangelical
these are the days of vengeance: The verse gives the ground for the flight of verse 21. John Gill reads the vengeance as God's judgment on the Jewish nation for rejecting the Messiah, citing Deuteronomy 28. John Charles Ryle, writing on verse 10, expects a more complete fulfilment still to come.
Luke 21:22
“For these be the days of vengeance,.... Of God's vengeance on the Jewish nation, for their rejection and crucifixion of the Messiah; that all things which are written may be fulfilled; as in Moses and the prophets; see Deu 28:20.”
Luke 21:23-24
pregnant and nursing mothers!: They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive into all the nations, as Josephus reports. The word until sets a limit on Jerusalem being trodden down by the Gentiles, and many read it as pointing to Israel's restoration.
Luke 21:23
“But woe unto them that are with-child,.... See Gill on Mat 24:19. For there shall be great distress in the land; of Judea.”
2 more voices on this verse
Luke 21:23
“Woe to those pregnant women, because they are heavy in body; they are too slow to escape danger. Woe to those for whom the yet unfelt pangs of future birth, by which every body is shaken, are the signs of future judgment, the beginnings of sorrows.”
Ambrose of Milan · written before 397 · Exposition of the Gospel of Luke 10.26patristic
Luke 21:23
"For then shall be tribulation such as was not since the beginning of the world, nor ever shall be"--language not unusual in the Old Testament for tremendous calamities, though of this it may perhaps be literally said, "And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved, but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened" (Mt 24:21, 22).
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871)reformed
until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled: The word until sets a limit on Jerusalem's ruin. John Wesley saw the verse fulfilled when Jews were barred from the city after its fall. Matthew Henry records Whitby's view that it looks ahead to the conversion of the Jews.
Luke 21:24
“For after He had declared that "Jerusalem was to be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles should be fulfilled," -meaning, of course, those which were to be chosen of God, and gathered in with the remnant of Israel-He then goes on to proclaim, against this world and dispensation (even as Joel had done, and Daniel, and all the prophets with one consent ), that "there should be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars, distress of nations with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring, men's hearts failing them for…”
Tertullian · written before 220 · On the Resurrection of the Fleshpatristic
3 more voices on this verse
Luke 21:24
“They shall fall by the edge of the sword - Those who perished in the siege are reckoned to be not less than eleven hundred thousand. See Mat 24:22. And shall be led away captive - To the number of ninety-seven thousand. See Josephus, War, b. vi. c. ix. s. 2, 3, and on Mat 24:31 (note). Trodden down of the Gentiles - Judea was so completely subjugated that the very land itself was sold by Vespasian; the Gentiles possessing it, while the Jews were either nearly all killed or led away into captivity.”
Adam Clarke · Commentary on the Bible (1810-1826)evangelical
Luke 21:24
“So terribly was this prophecy fulfilled! And Jerusalem shall be trodden by the Gentiles - That is, inhabited. The land was sold, and no Jew suffered even to come within sight of Jerusalem.”
John Wesley · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament (1755)evangelical
Luke 21:24
“Others understand it of what is yet to come; so Dr. Whitby. Jerusalem shall be possessed by the Gentiles, of one sort or other, for the most part, till the time come when the nations that yet remain infidels shall embrace the Christian faith, when the kingdoms of this world shall become Christ's kingdoms, and then all the Jews shall be converted.”
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible (1707-1721)puritan
Signs in the Heavens; Watch and Pray
Luke 21:25-26
signs in the sun: Some take the signs as the language the prophets use for the fall of a nation, as at Isaiah 13:10 and 34:4. Others read them as a literal disturbance of creation before the Lord returns.
Luke 21:25
“The subject of this portion of our Lord's great prophecy, is His own second coming to judge the world. The strong expressions of the passage appear inapplicable to any event less important than this. To confine the words before us, to the taking of Jerusalem by the Romans, in an unnatural straining of Scripture language. We see, firstly, in this passage — how terrible will be the circumstances accompanying the second coming of Christ. Our Lord tells us that "there will be signs in the sun, moon and stars.”
1 more voice on this verse
Luke 21:25
“The sea and the waves roaring - Figuratively pointing out the immense Roman armies by which Judea was to be overrun and destroyed.”
Adam Clarke · Commentary on the Bible (1810-1826)evangelical
Men will faint from fear and anxiety: The fear answers the signs of verse 25. Adam Clarke renders the Greek as men fainting away through fear, and with John Gill he takes the earth here as the land of Judea. Matthew Henry describes people sinking under present evil while still trembling for worse.
Luke 21:26
“Men's hearts failing them for fear,.... Of what these signs in the heaven, earth, and sea portend: and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth; on the land of Judea: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken; See Gill on Mat 24:29.”
2 more voices on this verse
Luke 21:26
“Men’s hearts failing them for fear - Or, Men fainting away through fear, (Αποψυχοντων), being ready to die. Coming on the earth - Or, Coming upon this land, οικουμενῃ. See this translation of the word vindicated in the note on Luk 2:1 (note).”
Adam Clarke · Commentary on the Bible (1810-1826)evangelical
Luke 21:26
“Thus those are killed all the day long by whom Christ's apostles were so ( Rom. viii. 36 ), that is, they are all the day long in fear of being killed; sinking under that which lies upon them, and yet still trembling for fear of worse, and looking after those things which are coming upon the world.”
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible (1707-1721)puritan
Luke 21:27-28
the Son of Man coming: in a cloud with power and great glory comes from Daniel 7:13-14, and Jesus says it again at 22:69. Where men faint in verse 26, disciples are told, lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.
Luke 21:27
“You see him in the clouds. I certainly do not think that Christ will come in the darkness of mist and the chill of rain. The clouds are visible and surely cover the heaven in foggy cold. How has he set his tabernacle in the sun if his coming brings the rain? Some clouds suitably cover the radiance of the heavenly mystery. Some clouds grow moist with the dew of spiritual grace. Consider the cloud in the Old Testament.”
Ambrose of Milan · written before 397 · Exposition of the Gospel of Luke 10.41-43patristic
1 more voice on this verse
Luke 21:27
“Then the unbelieving Jews shall be confined, when it is too late, that Jesus was the Messiah; those that would not see him coming in the power of his grace to save them shall be made to see him coming in the power of his wrath to destroy them; those that would not have him to reign over them shall have him to triumph over them. It was an earnest of his second coming.”
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible (1707-1721)puritan
lift up your heads: Where men faint in verse 26, disciples stand up. Gregory the Dialogist reads the turn as moving from warning for the reprobate to consolation for the elect. Charles Spurgeon regarded the fall of Jerusalem as the beginning of the end.
Luke 21:28
But because these things have been said against the reprobate, the words soon turn to the consolation of the elect. For it is added: "But when these things begin to come to pass, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near."
Gregory the Dialogist · written before 604 · Forty Gospel Homilies, Homily 1patristic
2 more voices on this verse
Luke 21:28
“I have already said that I conceive our Lord Jesus Christ to have regarded the destruction of Jerusalem as "the beginning of the end." Although some 1800 years have rolled away since that terrible event, we, with Him, may make but small account of the interval and regard it all as one dispensation of passing away. That beautiful city was the very crown of the entire earth because God had dwelt there.”
Charles Spurgeon · written before 1892 · The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, Sermon No. 2496: “Joyful Anticipation of the Second Advent” (lightly modernized text, CCEL edition)Particular Baptist
Luke 21:28
“What this was intended to mean, interpreters are not agreed. But as before Christ came to destroy Jerusalem, some appalling portents were seen in the air, so before His personal appearing it is likely that something analogous will be witnessed, though of what nature it is vain to conjecture.”
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871)reformed
Luke 21:29-31
The leaves of the fig tree and all the trees show that summer is near. In the same way, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. The disciples are to read the season from the signs already given, and no day is named.
Luke 21:29
“Behold the fig tree and all the trees - Christ spake this in the spring, just before the passover; when all the trees were budding on the Mount of Olives, where they then were.”
John Wesley · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament (1755)evangelical
2 more voices on this verse
Luke 21:29
“The fig tree therefore has a double meaning: when the wild is tamed or when sins abound. Like the believer's faith that shriveled up before it will flower, so also sinners will glory through the grace of their transgressions. On the one hand is the fruit of faith, and on the other the lewdness of unbelief. The gardening of the Evangelist as farmer produces the fruit of the fig tree for me. We must not despair if sinners cover themselves with the leaves of the fig tree as with a garment of deceit, so that they may veil their conscience.”
Ambrose of Milan · written before 397 · Exposition of the Gospel of Luke 45patristic
Luke 21:29
“When we see a nation filling up the measure of their iniquity, we may conclude that their ruin is nigh; when we see the ruin of persecuting powers hastening on, we may thence infer that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand, that when the opposition given to it is removed it shall gain ground.”
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible (1707-1721)puritan
know that summer is near: Leaves on a fig tree tell anyone the season. John Gill stresses that the sign is plain enough to read without direction from others. Gregory the Dialogist applies the figure boldly, reasoning that as fruit shows summer near, so the fall of the world shows the kingdom at hand.
Luke 21:30
“When they now shoot forth,.... Their buds, branches, and leaves; the Vulgate Latin adds, "of themselves": ye see and know of your own selves; without any hint, or direction from others, the case is so plain and obvious; the Syriac and Arabic versions read, "of them"; the trees, by their putting forth their buds and leaves; the Persic and Ethiopic versions leave out the clause "of yourselves"; and none of the Oriental versions lead the word see: the summer is now nigh at hand: see Mat 24:32.”
know that the kingdom of God is near: The words these things tie the parable back to the signs from verse 8 onward. John Wesley and Adam Clarke read the nearness as the fall of the Jewish state making way for the spread of the gospel.
Luke 21:31
“So likewise when ye see these things come to pass,.... The signs before mentioned, in Luk 21:8. Know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand: a more visible and glorious display of the kingdom of the Messiah, in the destruction of his enemies, the Jews; see Mar 9:1.”
3 more voices on this verse
Luke 21:31
“For he who wars for God, dearest brethren, ought to acknowledge himself as one who, placed in the heavenly camp, already hopes for divine things, so that we may have no trembling at the storms and whirlwinds of the world, and no disturbance, since the Lord had foretold that these would come.”
Cyprian · written before 258 · Treatise VII On the Mortalitypatristic
Luke 21:31
“The kingdom of God is nigh at hand - After the destruction of the Jewish state, the doctrine of Christ crucified shall be preached every where, and every where prevail.”
Adam Clarke · Commentary on the Bible (1810-1826)evangelical
Luke 21:31
“The kingdom of God is nigh - The destruction of the Jewish city, temple, and religion, to make way for the advancement of my kingdom.”
John Wesley · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament (1755)evangelical
Luke 21:32-33
this generation will not pass away: The clause this generation will not pass away is among the most argued here. Some read generation as those then living, fulfilled in AD 70. Some read the Greek genea as this race, Israel, and others as the generation that sees the signs of verses 25 to 27.
Luke 21:32
All these things are confirmed with great certainty when the sentence is added which says: "Amen I say to you, this generation shall not pass away until all things come to pass. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away."
Gregory the Dialogist · written before 604 · Forty Gospel Homilies, Homily 1patristic
1 more voice on this verse
Luke 21:32
“Verily I say unto you, this generation,.... See Gill on Mat 24:34. See Gill on Mat 24:35. All the Oriental versions read here as there, "all these things"; before related.”
My words will never pass away: The saying sets the endurance of Christ's words against the passing of the whole creation. It stands as the guarantee of verse 32. Tertullian held that the whole passage, from the disciples' question to the fig tree, fits the Son of Man in every point.
Luke 21:33
“LAST Lord's-Day morning I preached upon the perpetuity of the Law of God, [Sermon #1660, Volume 28— The Perpetuity of the Law of God] basing my remarks upon our Lord's words, "For verily I say unto you, Till Heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the Law till all is fulfilled." Tonight, I am not going to speak of the Law, but of the Gospel. And, by the term, "the Gospel," I mean the summary of all that our Lord Jesus Christ spoke when He was here below.”
Charles Spurgeon · written before 1892 · The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, Sermon No. 2636: “The Perpetuity of the Gospel” (lightly modernized text, CCEL edition)Particular Baptist
4 more voices on this verse
Luke 21:33
"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." For nothing in the nature of corporeal things is more enduring than heaven and earth, and nothing in nature passes as quickly as speech. For words, as long as they are incomplete, are not words; but when they have been completed, they no longer exist at all, because they cannot be completed except by passing away. Therefore he says: "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away."
Gregory the Dialogist · written before 604 · Forty Gospel Homilies, Homily 1patristic
Luke 21:33
“For because He had foretold that there should be commotions, and wars, and changes, both of the elements and in other things, lest any one might suspect that Christianity itself also would perish, He adds, Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away: as if He said, Though all things should be shaken, yet shall my faith fail not. Whereby He implies that He sets the Church before the whole creation. The creation shall suffer change, but the Church of the faithful and the words of the Gospel shall abide for ever.”
Theophylact of Ohrid · written before 1107 · Catena Aurea by Aquinaspatristic
Luke 21:33
“Since the beneficent Deity had premised that these things must needs come to pass, although so terrible and dreadful, as they had been predicted by the law and the prophets, therefore He did not destroy the law and the prophets, when He affirmed that what had been foretold therein must be certainly fulfilled. He further declares, "that heaven and earth shall not pass away till all things be fulfilled." What things, pray, are these? Are they the things which the Creator made? Then the elements will tractably endure the accomplishment of their Maker's dispensation.”
Tertullian · written before 220 · Against Marcion Book IVpatristic
Luke 21:33
“But by the heaven which shall pass away we must understand not the æthereal or the starry heaven, but the air from which the birds are named "of heaven." But if the earth shall pass away, how does Ecclesiastes say, The earth standeth for ever? (Ecc. 1:4.) Plainly then the heaven and earth in the fashion which they now have shall pass away, but in essence subsist eternally.”
Bede · written before 735 · Catena Aurea by Aquinaspatristic
Luke 21:34-36
But watch yourselves: , or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life. The danger is ordinary distraction, and no date is set. So keep watch at all times, and pray that you may have the strength to escape all that is about to happen.
Luke 21:34
“These verses form the practical conclusion of our Lord Jesus Christ's great prophetic discourse. They supply a striking answer to those who condemn the study of unfulfilled prophecy, as speculative and unprofitable. It would be difficult to find a passage more practical, direct, plain, and heart-searching than that which is now before our eyes. Let us learn from these verses — the spiritual danger to which even the holiest believers are exposed in this world. Our Lord says to His disciples, "Watch out!”
3 more voices on this verse
Luke 21:34
“The former is the snare of those that are given to their pleasures: this is the snare of the men of business, that will be rich. We have need to guard on both hands, not only lest at the time when death comes, but lest at any time our hearts should be thus overcharged. Our caution against sin, and our care of our own souls, must be constant.”
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible (1707-1721)puritan
Luke 21:34
“Take heed to yourselves - See our Lord’s parable, relative to this matter, explained, Mar 13:34 (note). Be overcharged - Literally, be made heavy, as is generally the case with those who have eaten or drank too much. Take heed that ye be not rendered secure by an improper use of lawful things: do not make this earth your portion: expect its dissolution, and prepare to meet your God.”
Adam Clarke · Commentary on the Bible (1810-1826)evangelical
Luke 21:34
“Then surely there is reason to warn even strong Christians against the very grossest sins. Neither are we wise, if we think ourselves out of the reach of any sin: and so that day - Of judgment or of death, come upon you, even you that are not of this world-Unawares.”
John Wesley · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament (1755)evangelical
all who dwell on the face of all the earth: The snare of verse 34 spares no one. Adam Clarke and John Gill take the phrase as the whole land of Judea, where the judgment fell on Galilee as well as Jerusalem. Theophylact of Ohrid reads that day as coming secretly, like a net over those careless of themselves.
Luke 21:35
“For as a snare shall it come,.... In which a bird is suddenly taken, and cannot get out again; the Persic version renders it, "as lightning and the splendour of the sun"; which break out at once, and enlighten the whole earth; so the destruction of the Jewish nation should be sudden and unavoidable, and universal; for it should come on all them that dwell upon the face of the whole earth: or land of Judea; and so it was, for not only Jerusalem, but all Judea, and Galilee, suffered in this desolation.”
1 more voice on this verse
Luke 21:35
“The face of the whole earth - Or, of this whole land. The land of Judea, on which these heavy judgments were to fall. See Luk 21:25; see also Luk 2:1.”
Adam Clarke · Commentary on the Bible (1810-1826)evangelical
So keep watch at all times: John Wesley calls this the general conclusion of the discourse. Adam Clarke joins at all times to both watching and praying. Tertullian reads standing before the Son of Man as standing at the resurrection, after all these things are done.
Luke 21:36
"Watch ye, therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all those things, and to stand before the Son of man; " that is, no doubt, at the resurrection, after all these things have been previously transacted.
Tertullian · written before 220 · On the Resurrection of the Fleshpatristic
2 more voices on this verse
Luke 21:36
“Watch ye therefore, and pray always - Perhaps we should connect ες παντι καιρῳ, continually, with αγρυπνειτε, watch, as it appears to be the most natural order. Indeed the word continually belongs equally to both watch and pray; and no man is safe, at any time, who does not attend to this advice as literally as possible. That shall come to pass - That is, the tribulations which are on their way to overwhelm and destroy the Jewish people. These are sufficiently stated in the preceding verses.”
Adam Clarke · Commentary on the Bible (1810-1826)evangelical
Luke 21:36
“Watch ye therefore - This is the general conclusion of all that precedes. That ye may be counted worthy - This word sometimes signifies an honour conferred on a person, as when the apostles are said to be counted worthy to suffer shame for Christ, Acts v, 41.”
John Wesley · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament (1755)evangelical
Luke 21:37-38
Jesus taught at the temple: Every day Jesus taught at the temple, but every evening He went out to spend the night on the Mount of Olives. His last week keeps this pattern, and His agony on that slope follows at 22:39-44. The people still came early in the morning to hear Him.
Luke 21:37
“The crowd of the Jews and their ruler stood up against the glory of Christ and argued with the Lord of all. Anyone may perceive that those Jews prepared their snare against their own souls, because they dug for themselves pitfalls of destruction.…It then says that by day he taught in the temple but lodged during the nights on the mountain called the Mount of Olives. Clearly what he taught were things that surpass the legal service. The time had come when the shadow must be changed into the reality.”
Cyril of Alexandria · written before 444 · Commentary on Luke, Homily 140patristic
2 more voices on this verse
Luke 21:37
“See the notes at Mat 21:17. Came early in the morning - He returned early from the Mount of Olives, and taught in the temple. Our Saviour did not waste his mornings in idleness or sleep. He rose early and repaired to the temple. The people, also, flocked to the sanctuary to hear him. This example is at once an encouragement to early rising and to the early worship of God.”
Luke 21:37
“Now by day - In the day time, he was teaching in the temple - This shows how our Lord employed his time after coming to Jerusalem: but it is not said, he was this day in the temple, and next morning the people came.”
John Wesley · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament (1755)evangelical
early in the morning all the people would come: Verse 38 closes the chapter on the crowd's eagerness. Adam Clarke pictures Jesus returning early from the Mount of Olives to meet them. Matthew Henry valued the taste of plain people for good preaching above the opinion of the learned and those in authority.
Luke 21:38
“The people came early - He returned early from the mount of Olives, and the people came early in the morning to the temple to hear his teaching. For practical observations on the awful subject of this chapter, see Matthew 24 at the end.”
Adam Clarke · Commentary on the Bible (1810-1826)evangelical
2 more voices on this verse
Luke 21:38
“Fit hours for an audience there also were. "Early in the morning" must they resort to Him, who (having said by Isaiah, "The Lord giveth me the tongue of the learned") added, "He hath appointed me the morning, and hath also given me an ear to hear.”
Tertullian · written before 220 · Against Marcion Book IVpatristic
Luke 21:38
“Sometimes the taste and relish which serious, honest, plain people have of good preaching are more to be valued and judged by than the opinion of the witty and learned, and those in authority.”
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible (1707-1721)puritan
Keep studying
Sources for this chapter
The summary
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory; John Calvin, Commentaries; John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the New Testament and Matthew Henry, Complete Commentary.
The exposition
Adam Clarke, Commentary on the Bible; Albert Barnes, Notes, Explanatory and Practical, on the Gospels; Ambrose of Milan, Catena Aurea; Bede, Catena Aurea; Charles Spurgeon, The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, Sermon No. 2496; Cyprian; Cyril of Alexandria, Catena Aurea; Eusebius of Caesarea, Catena Aurea; Gregory the Dialogist; J. C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on the Gospels, Luke; J.C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on the Gospels: Luke; Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible; John Gill, Exposition of the New Testament; John Wesley, Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament; Leo the Great, Sermon 20; Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible; Tertullian and Theophylact of Ohrid, Commentary on Luke.