What does Luke 11:49 mean?

Explanation

The verse Luke 11:49, "Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute", is part of a passage where Jesus is denouncing the religious leaders of His time for their hypocrisy and negligence regarding God's message and messengers.

This specific verse reflects Jesus' words as He speaks with divine authority, identifying Himself with God's wisdom.

Jesus foretells that God will send prophets and apostles who will speak the truth, but they will face extreme opposition to the point of being killed and persecuted.

The literal meaning indicates a grim reality for God's messengers, while the deeper meaning underscores the resistance to the divine message throughout human history and the cost of being faithful to God's call.

Historical Context

Luke 11:49 is found within the Gospel of Luke, which was written around AD 80-110.

The author of Luke is traditionally believed to be Luke, a companion of the apostle Paul.

At the time of writing, early Christians were facing persecution, and the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70 was still a fresh memory.

This context of persecution resonates with the message in the verse, reflecting the audience's experience and validating the truth of Jesus’ predictions.

Culturally, prophets and apostles had significant roles in Jewish society as conveyors of God's words and will but were often met with resistance or outright hostility.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse speaks to the concept of prophetic rejection which is a consistent theme in both the Old and New Testaments.

From a Christian perspective, it highlights Christ’s role as a prophet and validates His authority as the embodiment of the wisdom of God.

It also foreshadows the suffering that Jesus and His followers would endure, reflecting the ongoing struggle between God's will and human sinfulness.

Different traditions within Christianity may interpret the verse to underscore the validity of the apostolic tradition or to encourage steadfastness in the face of opposition to Christian teachings.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Luke 11:49 can be applied to contemporary life by serving as a reminder for individuals to remain resolute in their faith, even when facing opposition or persecution.

It encourages believers to hold firm to their convictions and to act with courage when proclaiming their faith.

It also provides comfort by acknowledging that hardship and rejection are often parts of a faithful life and that they have been anticipated and understood within the broader narrative of redemption.

Cross-References

• Matthew 23:34: "Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:"
• Luke 11:47-48: "Woe unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them.

Truly ye bear witness that ye allow the deeds of your fathers: for they indeed killed them, and ye build their sepulchres."

• Acts 7:52: "Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:"

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the phrase "wisdom of God" translates to "σοφία τοῦ Θεοῦ" (sophia tou Theou), where "σοφία" (sophia) signifies wisdom and "Θεοῦ" (Theou) represents God.

The idea of personified wisdom (sophia) may draw connections to wisdom literature in the Hebrew Scriptures, such as Proverbs, where wisdom is described as an attribute of God.

The word "apostles" (ἀποστόλους, apostolous) refers specifically to those who are sent out with a mission or message.

The words "slay" (ἀποκτενοῦσιν) and "persecute" (διώξουσιν) highlight the severity of the opposition they will face.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparison to other ancient myths and religious interpretations, prophecy and the opposition to prophets are not unique to Judeo-Christian traditions.

Ancient cultures often featured oracular figures, like the Oracle of Delphi in Greek mythology, who spoke for the gods but could be met with skepticism or hostility when their messages were unfavorable.

The archetype of a persecuted truth-teller challenges the status quo across various cultures, signifying the universal tension between prophetic wisdom and societal resistance.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific standpoint, this verse does not present direct intersections with scientific findings or theories but instead deals with the social and philosophical implications of religious belief.

Issues such as the psychological and societal effects of persecution and the role of belief in group dynamics can be explored through social science fields such as psychology, sociology, and anthropology.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians offer differing insights on Luke 11:49.

Some emphasize Jesus' identification with wisdom as a claim to his divine nature and authority. Others focus on the historical fulfillment of Jesus' prediction about the persecution of apostles and early Christians, seeing it as a testament to the reliability of the Gospel's message.

Commentators may also draw attention to the role this verse plays in encouraging endurance and faithfulness among believers, as it connects personal suffering with the suffering of the prophets and apostles who came before.