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 5:27 mean?

Explanation

Luke 5:27 tells the story of Jesus witnessing Levi, a tax collector, at his place of work and calling him to be a disciple.

The term "publican" refers to Levi's occupation as a tax collector for the Roman authorities, a job that was often associated with corruption and exploitation, making tax collectors disliked and distrusted by the Jewish populace.

Sitting "at the receipt of custom" means that he was in the tax booth, collecting duties on goods.

Jesus's invitation, "Follow me," is a direct call to leave his current way of life and adopt a new identity as one of Jesus's followers.

The fact that Jesus chose someone of Levi's social status signifies an inclusive approach, reaching out to individuals who are marginalized or considered sinners by mainstream society.

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Historical Context

At the time this verse was written, tax collectors were vilified by Jewish society as they were seen as traitors working for the occupying Roman Empire.

They were known to collect more than the required tax to line their own pockets.

Publicans were thus considered unclean along with sinners, and were often outcasts within their own communities.

The fact that Jesus sought out Levi, a publican, for discipleship is reflective of his mission to reach out to those who were on the fringes of society and offer them redemption and a place in the kingdom of God.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Jesus calling Levi to follow him is significant for several reasons.

It illustrates the grace of God and the idea that salvation is available to all, regardless of one's past actions or societal status.

It also reflects the theme of repentance and transformation that is central to the Gospel message.

In the broader narrative of the New Testament, this event highlights Jesus's mission to call sinners to repentance and to inaugurate a new covenant between God and humanity.

Practical Applications

The call of Levi encourages individuals to consider how they might respond to personal calls for change or commitment in their own lives.

The verse serves as a reminder that no one is beyond redemption and underscores the importance of inclusivity and forgiveness.

It may inspire believers to extend grace towards those who are marginalized or judged by society, and to remember that genuine transformation is possible with faith and commitment.

Cross-References

Matthew 9:9: "And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me.

And he arose, and followed him."

Mark 2:14: "And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me.

And he arose and followed him."

Luke 19:2-10: The story of Zacchaeus, another tax collector who was called by Jesus and whose life was transformed.
Matthew 11:19: "The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners.

But wisdom is justified of her children."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word for "publican" is τελώνης (telōnēs), which specifically designates a tax-collector, a gatherer of tolls or tariffs.

The term is often associated with negative connotations due to the practices of tax collectors during the time.

The command "Follow me" in Greek is "Ἀκολούθει μοι" (akolouthei moi), which is not just a request to physically follow Jesus but an invitation to a committed discipleship and a change of life.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient cultures, varying degrees of social outcasts existed, much like tax collectors in Jewish society.

However, the Judaic principle of repentance and transformation is presented in Luke 5:27 uniquely, marking the Christian idea of God's grace being extended to even the most despised members of society.

This contrasts with some ancient myths where the gods often favored the elite or heroic figures rather than the disreputable or marginalized individuals.

Scientific Perspectives

The scientific community does not typically provide direct commentary on historical or theological content.

However, the concept of transformation as seen in Levi's calling may resonate with psychological understandings of personal change and growth.

Psychological studies acknowledge the possibility of significant life changes when individuals encounter new ideologies or role models, paralleling the transformation Levi experiences upon meeting Jesus.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and commentators offer insights into Luke 5:27:

John Gill: He notes the significance of Jesus calling Levi from his tax booth, a place of ill repute, stressing the mercy and grace of Jesus in calling a sinner to repentance.
Matthew Henry: In his commentary, Henry emphasizes the radical change in Levi's life, as he leaves his lucrative occupation to follow Jesus, highlighting the cost of discipleship.
William Barclay: Barclay points out the inclusivity of Jesus's ministry, shown in his willingness to call a tax collector, and illustrates the social scandal it would have caused at the time.
**Joel B.

Green**: In his commentary on the Gospel of Luke, Green interprets the event as an example of the upside-down nature of the kingdom of God, in which societal norms are subverted and grace is extended to the marginalized.

Luke 5

Luke 5

What does Luke 5:27 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 5:27 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?