Luke 18:28
Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Πέτρος
Peter
G4074
Πέτρος
Peter
Strong's:
G4074
Word #:
4 of 11
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
ἀφηκαμεν
have left
G863
ἀφηκαμεν
have left
Strong's:
G863
Word #:
7 of 11
to send forth, in various applications (as follow)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Mark 10:28Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.Philippians 3:7But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.Matthew 19:27Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?Luke 5:11And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.
Historical Context
In first-century Palestine, fishermen like Peter owned their equipment and had established businesses—leaving 'all' meant genuine economic sacrifice. Unlike itinerant rabbis who expected students to eventually return to trades, Jesus demanded permanent, irrevocable commitment. The twelve's abandonment anticipated the church's later missional lifestyle.
Questions for Reflection
- What specific securities or comforts has following Christ required you to release, and how did that abandonment deepen your faith?
- How does Peter's question reveal both faith (we did leave all) and doubt (was it worth it)?
- In what ways might modern discipleship call for 'leaving all' that don't involve literal poverty?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Lo, we have left all, and followed thee (ἀφήκαμεν πάντα, aphēkamen panta)—Peter's declaration uses the aorist tense, emphasizing a definite past action of total abandonment. The Greek panta (all things) is comprehensive: boats, nets, tax booth, security, reputation. This follows Jesus's encounter with the rich ruler who couldn't leave his possessions, creating a stark contrast between wealth's grip and discipleship's freedom.
Peter speaks for all twelve, establishing the apostolic pattern of radical discipleship. His statement isn't boastful but questioning—the preceding discourse on the difficulty of salvation for the wealthy has unsettled him. Followed thee (ἠκολουθήσαμέν σοι, ēkolouthēsamen soi) uses the verb that became technical for discipleship, implying not just physical accompaniment but complete life-orientation. Jesus's response (verses 29-30) will validate this sacrifice while warning against mercenary motives.