What does Luke 17:23 mean?

Explanation

Luke 17:23 is a part of a larger discourse where Jesus is addressing questions about the coming of the Kingdom of God.

The verse captures a warning from Jesus to His followers not to be led astray by false claims or people purporting to have found the Messiah or to have knowledge of His coming in another place.

This verse reflects Jesus' concern for the susceptibility of His followers to deception and the various false prophets that might arise claiming insider knowledge about the end times.

On a deeper level, it highlights the importance of discernment and faithfulness to the teachings of Jesus rather than being carried away by sensational claims or movements.

Historical Context

During the time when Jesus was preaching, there were various messianic expectations among the Jewish people, many of whom were eagerly awaiting a deliverer.

False messiahs and prophets were not uncommon in this period of history, and there was a high level of anticipation and anxiety about the coming of God's Kingdom.

Jesus was aware of these expectations and the susceptibility of people to be led astray by misleading signs or false prophets claiming authority or clairvoyance regarding the eschaton (the end of the world).

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, the verse emphasizes the unpredictability of the "coming of the Son of Man." Various interpretations exist about this concept.

Some believe it refers to the literal second coming of Christ, while others interpret it more metaphorically, suggesting that the Kingdom of God emerges unexpectedly within human history or individual experiences.

The warning against following false signs or prophets is seen by many as a call to remain grounded in the teachings of Christ and to seek a deep, personal relationship with God rather than being swayed by external phenomena.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse advises believers to be cautious of those who claim to have an exclusive revelation or insight into divine matters, particularly those pertaining to the eschaton.

It encourages individuals to test every teaching against the word of God and to trust in the established understanding of scripture.

In daily life, this becomes a call to discernment, critical thinking, and a grounded faith that does not chase after every new spiritual fad or purported revelation.

Cross-References

• Matthew 24:23-26: "Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not."
• 1 John 4:1: "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."
• 2 Thessalonians 2:3: "Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;"

Language Study

The key phrase in Luke 17:23 is "go not after them, nor follow them." In the Greek text, the word for "go" is "πορεύεσθε" (poreuesthe), which means "to proceed" or "to travel." The word for "follow" is "διώκετε" (diokete), meaning "to pursue" or "to run after." These words in the original language carry the sense of a deliberate movement towards something, thereby emphasizing the intentional action that Jesus advises against.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the cultural context of ancient Judea, many groups and individuals claimed prophetic authority or messianic identity.

Comparatively, other ancient cultures also had their own expectations of saviors and deliverers, such as the Persian concept of the Saoshyant or the Greek and Roman myths of heroic figures who deliver their people in times of great need.

Each of these figures had their own apocalyptic overtones.

In religious interpretation, Jesus stands out as one whose return is awaited more in terms of a final judgment and the establishment of a just and everlasting dominion.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the verse does not directly intersect with empirical or scientific study as it deals with matters of faith and spiritual discernment.

However, it does engage indirectly with psychology and the human propensity to follow crowd behaviors or the influence of charismatic individuals.

Modern studies in psychology and sociology can shed light on why individuals might be drawn to false prophets or claims of apocalyptic events and how communities might protect themselves against such phenomena.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer various interpretations of Luke 17:23.

Some state that the passage is a clear admonition to be wary of eschatological deception.

Others see it as part of a complex apocalyptic discourse that needs to be interpreted in the light of the whole biblical narrative.

Commentaries often note the tension between the already-and-not-yet aspects of the Kingdom of God; the Kingdom is already present in Jesus' ministry, but its full manifestation is yet to come.

Many commentaries also stress the importance of living with an anticipation of God's Kingdom that is informed by scripture and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, rather than by spectacular signs or wonders.