Luk 12:54-59 | RWP | e4.org | To the multitudes also ( κα τοις οχλοις ). After the strong and stirring words just before with flash and force Jesus turns finally in this series of discourses to the multitudes again as in verse . There are similar sayings to these verses in ; . There is a good deal of difference in phraseology whether that is due to difference of source or different use of the same source (Q or Logia) we do not know. Not all the old MSS. give , . In Matthew the Pharisees and Sadducees were asking for a sign from heaven as they often did. These signs of the weather, "a shower" ( ομβρος , ) due to clouds in the west, "a hot wave" ( καυσων , verse 55) due to a south wind ( νοτον ) blowing, "fair weather" ( ευδια , ) when the sky is red, are appealed to today. They have a more or less general application due to atmospheric and climatic conditions.

‏ Luke 12:54-59

To the multitudes also ( κα τοις οχλοις ). After the strong and stirring words just before with flash and force Jesus turns finally in this series of discourses to the multitudes again as in verse 15. There are similar sayings to these verses 54-59 in Mt 16:1f; 5:25f. There is a good deal of difference in phraseology whether that is due to difference of source or different use of the same source (Q or Logia) we do not know. Not all the old MSS. give Mt 16:2, 3. In Matthew the Pharisees and Sadducees were asking for a sign from heaven as they often did. These signs of the weather, "a shower" ( ομβρος, Lu 12:54) due to clouds in the west, "a hot wave" ( καυσων, verse 55) due to a south wind ( νοτον ) blowing, "fair weather" ( ευδια, Mt 16:2) when the sky is red, are appealed to today. They have a more or less general application due to atmospheric and climatic conditions.

To interpret this time ( τον καιρον τουτον δοκιμαζειν ). To test δοκιμαζειν as spiritual chemists. No wonder that Jesus here calls them "hypocrites" because of their blindness when looking at and hearing him. So it is today with those who are willfully blind to the steps of God among men. This ignorance of the signs of the times is colossal.

Even of yourselves ( κα αφ' εαυτων ). Without the presence and teaching of Jesus they had light enough to tell what is right ( το δικαιον ) and so without excuse as Paul argued in Ro 1-3.

Give diligence to be quit of him ( δος εργασιαν απηλλαχθα απ' αυτου ). Second aorist active imperative δος from διδωμ. Απηλλαχθα, perfect passive infinitive of απαλλασσω an old verb common, but only twice in the N.T. (here and Ac 19:12). Used here in a legal sense and the tense emphasizes a state of completion, to be rid of him for good.

Hale thee ( κατασυρη ). Drag down forcibly, old verb, only here in the N.T.

To the officer ( τω πρακτορ ). The doer, the proctor, the exactor of fines, the executor of punishment. Old word, only here in the N.T.

Till thou have paid ( εως αποδωις ). Second aorist active subjunctive of αποδιδωμ, to pay back in full.

The last mite ( το εσχατον λεπτον ). From λεπω, to peel off the bark. Very small brass coin, one-eighth of an ounce. In the N.T. only here and Lu 21:2; Mr 12:42 (the poor widow's mite) which see.