What does Luke 13:23 mean?

Explanation

Luke 13:23 presents a question posed by someone in the crowd following Jesus: "Lord, are there few that be saved?" This individual is asking about the number of people who will ultimately be granted salvation.

Jesus's response, which unfolds in the subsequent verses, does not offer a direct numerical answer.

Instead, He emphasizes the importance of striving to enter through the "narrow gate" because many will attempt to enter and will not be able to (Luke 13:24).

Jesus's answer suggests that the focus should not be on the quantity of the saved but on the quality of individual commitment and effort towards achieving salvation.

It is an invitation for self-reflection and a warning that not everyone who considers themselves a believer will necessarily be saved. The deeper meaning behind the verse speaks to the challenging nature of genuine discipleship and the need for personal dedication to the path that Jesus lays out.

Historical Context

During the time when this passage was written, Jewish culture was steeped in the idea of a chosen people and the promise of a messianic deliverance.

Many Jews held the belief that, as descendants of Abraham, they were guaranteed a place in the coming kingdom of God.

However, Jesus often challenged this assurance with a focus on personal repentance and righteousness.

The historical context of Luke 13:23 also lies in the mission and teachings of Jesus as He traveled and taught in Judea and the surrounding regions.

The concept of salvation was central to Jesus's teachings, but He consistently pointed to a more spiritual understanding rather than the nationalistic or ethnic salvation that some of his contemporaries may have envisioned.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, the verse raises questions about predestination, free will, and the criteria for salvation. Various Christian denominations have different interpretations:

• Calvinism might stress God's sovereignty and the idea of predestination, suggesting that the number of the saved is predetermined by God.
• Arminianism would emphasize human free will and personal responsibility in achieving salvation.
• Catholicism could highlight the role of the church, sacraments, and good works alongside faith in achieving salvation.
• The verse also suggests a universalist challenge, prompting a discussion on the scope of God's mercy and the possibility that salvation could be more inclusive than some might think.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of Luke 13:23 are as follows:

• Personal Reflection: Individuals are encouraged to assess their spiritual journey and consider if they are actively seeking to enter through the "narrow gate."
• Prioritization: Believers are reminded to prioritize their spiritual life and not to be complacent, assuming that salvation is guaranteed without effort.
• Inclusivity: As Jesus did not quantify the saved, this can be a call for inclusivity in the Christian community, leaving judgment to God.

Cross-References

• Matthew 7:13-14: "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."
• Matthew 22:14: "For many are called, but few are chosen."
• Matthew 19:25-26: "When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible."

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek language from Luke 13:23 are:

• σωθῆναι (sōthênai): Translated as "be saved," this word is in the infinitive form and implies being preserved or delivered, particularly in a spiritual or eternal sense.
• ὀλίγοι (oligoi): This word means "few" and indicates a small number or quantity.

Understanding these terms in the original language helps to clarify Jesus's focus on the process of salvation rather than the numerical count of the saved.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparatively, in other ancient religions, the concept of salvation is often linked to works, rituals, or adherence to specific laws. In many polytheistic cultures, such as those in Greco-Roman society, the path to favor or an afterlife was through appeasing the gods.

The Hebrew Bible also emphasizes covenant and obedience to the law as central to the relationship with God.

In contrast, Jesus Christ's teachings place a significant emphasis on faith, repentance, and the transformative aspect of following Him.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the discussion of salvation in Luke 13:23 is inherently metaphysical and does not intersect directly with scientific inquiry. Science typically does not deal with concepts like salvation, which are outside empirical observation and measurement.

The verse is rooted in faith and spirituality, areas that are often considered distinct from the realm of science.

Commentaries

Many Bible scholars and theologians have provided commentary on Luke 13:23:

• Matthew Henry emphasizes that many who seek to be saved at the last moment will be unable to, advocating for diligent and early seeking of salvation.
• John Calvin speaks to the narrowness of the way to life, indicating that people must strive against the difficulties of the flesh to seek salvation.
• William Barclay suggests the questioner might have expected Jesus to confirm that only Jews would be saved, but Jesus's response implies a challenge to such limited thinking.

Commentators tend to agree that Jesus is teaching an important lesson about the necessity for personal commitment and the challenging nature of the path to salvation.