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 5:18 mean?

Explanation

The verse Luke 5:18 recounts an event in which a paralysed man, often referred to as "the paralytic," was brought to Jesus for healing. This man's condition left him bedridden, and the friends or relatives who brought him believed that Jesus had the power to heal him.

The phrase "taken with a palsy" indicates that the man was suffering from some sort of paralysis, which at the time of the gospels would have been understood as a debilitating condition with no known cure.

The description of the man being brought "in a bed" suggests that he was being carried on some sort of mat or stretcher, which was common for the transport of the sick or disabled.

The friends’ determination to bring the man directly to Jesus emphasizes their faith in his healing power.

Additionally, their perseverance is highlighted by their search for a way to present the man before Jesus, suggesting that there may have been obstacles to gaining access to him, possibly due to large crowds.

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Historical Context

The Gospel of Luke is believed to have been written around 80-110 AD and is attributed to Luke the Evangelist, who was not one of the twelve apostles but was a companion of the Apostle Paul.

Culture during this time was influenced by Roman occupation of Judea and the surrounding regions, as well as by Jewish religious customs and laws.

Illnesses were often attributed to sin or spiritual issues, and miracles performed by holy figures were seen as signs of divine favor or authority.

The act of healing the paralytic would have been especially symbolic as physical ailments were sometimes seen as external manifestations of internal spiritual or moral failings.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this account showcases Jesus' authority over physical infirmities, representing not only his power to heal the body but also to forgive sins, as seen in subsequent verses.

This story is used to illustrate the concept that Jesus' miracles had both a literal and spiritual significance.

Different denominations may focus on various aspects, such as the importance of faith (demonstrated by the friends), the authority of Jesus, or the controversial nature of Jesus' actions in the eyes of the religious authorities of his time.

Practical Applications

A practical application of this verse in modern life could encompass the importance of community and support systems.

The paralytic's friends demonstrated their care and faith by going to great lengths to help him receive healing.

Today, individuals can take inspiration from this, showing persistence and compassion in supporting others through difficult times, and encouraging them to seek help and healing, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual.

The verse also challenges individuals to reflect on how obstacles can be overcome through creative problem-solving and determination.

Cross-References

Related verses provide additional context and insight:

Mark 2:3-4: "[And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.

And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.]"

Matthew 9:2: "[And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.]"

Language Study

The word "palsy" is a translation of the Greek word "παραλυτικός" (paralytikos), which refers to a person who is paralyzed or suffering from some form of paralysis.

The translated concept of "sick of the palsy" reflects a medical understanding of the time, dealing with a lack of ability to move or control certain muscles.

The original Greek text provides a stark image of the man's helplessness and the hope that Jesus represents.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The healing miracles of Jesus have parallels in other religious and mythological narratives where gods or demigods perform acts of healing.

These stories commonly serve to demonstrate the divine character's compassion and power.

In many ancient cultures, gods were appealed to for healing since medicine was rudimentary and often intertwined with religious practice.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, various forms of paralysis today are understood to have numerous potential causes, such as neurological damage, stroke, or spinal cord injury.

Modern medicine treats such conditions differently than in the first century, with physical therapy, medications, and surgery.

While faith and hope can play significant roles in psychological well-being and recovery, medical intervention is the primary means of addressing paralysis in contemporary healthcare.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators have provided various insights into this verse.

Some emphasize the compassion and boldness of the friends, noting that their actions speak to a faith that was both communal and action-oriented.

Others focus on the significance of the setting and the challenges faced, such as the crowded house and subsequent decision to lower the paralytic through the roof, which is detailed in the parallel accounts in Matthew and Mark.

The act of healing is often discussed as a sign that points to Jesus's divine authority, and the tensions this miracle would have caused with the religious leaders of the time who were wary of Jesus's growing influence and unconventional teachings.

Luke 5

Luke 5

What does Luke 5:18 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 5:18 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?