What does Luke 22:35 mean?
Explanation
Luke 22:35 is a verse where Jesus is reminding His apostles of a previous instruction He gave to them. When He initially sent them out to preach and heal, He instructed them to take nothing for the journey, no purse, no bag, no sandals (Luke 10:4).
In this verse, He is asking them to reflect on that experience, specifically whether they lacked anything when they depended solely on the hospitality and generosity of those to whom they ministered. The apostles respond that they lacked nothing, indicating that their needs had been met.
The deeper meaning here can be interpreted as Jesus emphasizing the importance of trust in God’s provision.
The apostles’ mission was successful, not because they had material security, but because they relied on God and the goodwill of the people.
This is a lesson in faith and the testing of the disciples’ reliance on divine support.
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Historical Context
The Book of Luke was written in a Greco-Roman cultural context.
At the time, traveling philosophers and religious teachers often relied on the hospitality of others.
Jesus’ instructions to His disciples echoed common practices while also reinforcing their dependence on God.
This particular verse is set during the Last Supper, a pivotal moment just before Jesus' betrayal and crucifixion.
It is a time when Jesus is preparing His disciples for the challenges they will face when He is no longer with them physically.
Theological Insights
Different theological viewpoints can extract varied understandings from this verse. For example:
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Providence: This passage is seen as an affirmation of God’s providence, demonstrating that God will provide for His servants in the course of their ministry.
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Apostolic Ministry: Some interpret this as a lesson specific to the apostolic era.
It may indicate the unique circumstances of the early church and the special protection and provision given to the first messengers of the gospel.
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Faith and Works: From a faith versus works perspective, this verse might be cited to show that faith is paramount, and that God’s work does not rely on human plans and resources.
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Stewardship: There's also the perspective of stewardship, understanding the importance of using resources wisely and relying on community support within Christian service.
Practical Applications
Luke 22:35 encourages practical applications in modern life such as:
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Trust in God: Individuals might be inspired to trust more fully in God’s provision during times of personal trials or when embarking on new ventures, especially those related to service and ministry.
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Community and Hospitality: The passage can encourage the practice of hospitality within communities, as well as the willingness to accept help when offered.
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Simplicity: It might suggest a lifestyle of simplicity and a focus on spiritual rather than material wealth.
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Missionary Work: Missionaries and ministers might see this as a call to focus on their work and message rather than their material preparations and supports.
Cross-References
- Luke 10:4: Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.
- Matthew 6:25-34: Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on...
- Philippians 4:19: But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
- Hebrews 13:5: Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have...
Language Study
The key words in this verse in the original Greek language include:
- πήρα (pēra, often translated as "purse"): refers to a traveler’s bag for carrying provisions or money.
- πήραν (pēran, "scrip” or “bag"): could mean a beggar's bag or a food pouch.
- ὑποδήματα (hypodēmata, "shoes"): usually signifies footwear but can also imply preparation, based on the cultural practice of removing shoes before entering a home.
Studying the original language nuances helps us understand that Jesus’ questions to His disciples were not just about physical provisions, but also about their preparedness, support, and reliance on hospitality.
Cultural and Religious Comparisons
In comparing this verse to other ancient cultures and religions:
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Ancient Greek philosophers, such as the Cynics, often embraced poverty and travelled without possessions to teach simplicity and virtue.
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Buddhism values detachment from material possessions, and Buddhist monks rely on alms and the generosity of others for their daily necessities.
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Jewish culture held strong traditions of hospitality, and it was common to offer support to travelers and the itinerant poor, which Jesus' disciples would have benefited from.
Scientific Perspectives
Modern psychology supports the idea that material security is not the only source of fulfillment.
Studies on happiness and well-being often find that relationships and a sense of purpose play a significant role, which aligns with the disciples finding their needs met through the support of others and their mission.
Furthermore, the stress-response theory in psychology might shed light on the disciples' experience. The absence of material support could have forged stronger interpersonal bonds and heightened their resilience and adaptability.
Commentaries
Noted biblical scholars and theologians offer various interpretations of Luke 22:35:
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John Calvin suggests that this verse is stressing the difference between the earlier mission and the future one, highlighting a change in circumstances that would require a different approach.
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William Barclay highlights the essential teaching that the disciples, and by extension modern Christians, should not fixate on material provisions but should have faith in God's provision.
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Matthew Henry takes it as a testimony to the truth of Christianity; the disciples were provided for in a miraculous manner, which authenticated their mission.
Each commentary brings a slightly different focus, but together they reinforce the verse's emphasis on faith and the challenges of Christian mission.