Luke 5

And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,

And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.

And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.

Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.

And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.

And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.

And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.

When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.

For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:

And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.

And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him.

And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities.

And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.

And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them.

And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him.

And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus.

And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.

And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?

But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts?

Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise up and walk?

But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house.

And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God.

And they were all amazed, and they glorified God, and were filled with fear, saying, We have seen strange things to day.

And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me.

And he left all, rose up, and followed him.

And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them.

But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?

And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.

I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink?

And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?

But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.

And he spake also a parable unto them; No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old.

And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish.

But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved.

No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better.

What does Luke 5:17 mean?

Explanation

Luke 5:17 describes an event where Jesus was teaching to a crowd that included Pharisees and teachers of the law (also known as scribes). These religious leaders had come from various regions, indicating that Jesus' reputation as a teacher and healer had spread.

The verse underscores that "the power of the Lord was present to heal them", suggesting that there was a divine authority behind the miraculous healings taking place.

This phrase could imply that the healing power was not only available for the physical ailments of the people but also for the spiritual enlightenment of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, who were often critical of Jesus' ministry.

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Historical Context

During the time of Jesus, Galilee, Judaea, and Jerusalem were all regions within the geographical area of ancient Palestine, under Roman occupation.

The Pharisees were a sect within Judaism known for their strict adherence to the Torah and traditions, while the doctors of the law (or scribes) were experts in the Mosaic Law and often held positions of authority in Jewish society.

Their gathering around Jesus signifies the spreading awareness of Jesus' teachings and miracles, prompting scrutiny from these influential groups.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this verse is seen as an affirmation of Jesus' divine authority to heal and teach.

The presence of Pharisees and teachers of the law highlights the tension between Jesus and the established religious order, illustrating a recurring theme in the Gospels of Jesus challenging the status quo.

Some view this verse as indicating that Jesus' power to heal is a manifestation of the kingdom of God.

Practical Applications

The practical lessons from this verse can be manifold. Believers are encouraged to approach their faith with humility and an openness to the transformative power of God, rather than clinging to rigid theological or doctrinal positions.

The verse also serves as a reminder of the importance of being receptive to spiritual teaching and healing, and implies that true authority comes from God.

Cross-References

Matthew 15:30-31: "And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus' feet; and he healed them: So that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel."
Mark 2:1-12: The story of Jesus healing a paralyzed man, which also includes the presence of Pharisees and teachers of the law.

Language Study

The phrase "doctors of the law" corresponds to the Greek "νομοδιδάσκαλοι" (nomodidaskaloi), which can be broken down into "nomos" (law) and "didaskalos" (teacher), depicting an expert in Jewish law.

The term "Pharisees" comes from the Greek "Φαρισαῖοι" (Pharisaioi), referring to a member of a Jewish sect known for strict observance of the law. The "power of the Lord" translates to "δύναμις Κυρίου" (dynamis Kyriou), with "dynamis" indicating might or power, and "Kyriou" denoting the Lord.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The Pharisees and doctors of the law in Jewish culture can be compared to religious scholars and jurists in other traditions, such as Islamic scholars (ulama) and Hindu Brahmins, who serve as interpreters and guardians of religious law.

Miraculous healings similar to those in the New Testament can be found in various religious traditions and mythologies, where deities or prophets possess the power to heal or perform wonders.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific perspectives tend to approach miraculous healings with skepticism, often seeking natural explanations for reported miracles or considering them as psychosomatic phenomena.

The concept of an external divine power intervening in the natural world contradicts the scientific method, which relies on empirical evidence and reproducibility.

However, some scientists acknowledge the potential psychological and physiological effects of faith and belief on an individual's health.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Luke 5:17 highlight several aspects of the verse.

Many emphasize the recognition of Jesus' authority and the significance of healing as a sign of God's kingdom.

Others focus on the inclusion of Pharisees and teachers from all towns, suggesting a broad impact of Jesus' ministry.

Still, some scholars reflect on the irony that those who had come to scrutinize Jesus (the Pharisees and teachers) were in spiritual need of the healing that was available to them.

Commentators often use this verse to discuss Jesus' relationship with the Jewish leaders and the contrasts between Jesus' approach to the law and that of the religious establishment.

Luke 5

Luke 5

What does Luke 5:17 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Luke 5:17 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?