Luke 5:28
And he left all, rose up, and followed him.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 6
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καταλιπὼν
he left
G2641
καταλιπὼν
he left
Strong's:
G2641
Word #:
2 of 6
to leave down, i.e., behind; by implication, to abandon, have remaining
ἀναστὰς
rose up
G450
ἀναστὰς
rose up
Strong's:
G450
Word #:
4 of 6
to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
Historical Context
Tax collectors wealthy Levi could afford to host great feast (v. 29). Leaving everything was costly sacrifice. Not merely changing jobs but abandoning entire lucrative career social network. Following Jesus meant uncertain itinerant life. No salary no security. Yet Levi did not hesitate. Grace produces willing obedience. Early church many left all to follow Christ. Monasticism sometimes misapplied this as work earning salvation. Reformation recovered that obedience is fruit not root of salvation.
Questions for Reflection
- What does leaving all following Jesus reveal about cost and priority of true discipleship?
- How does Levi immediate total obedience challenge halfhearted conditional commitment?
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Analysis & Commentary
He left all rose up followed him. Left kataipōn abandoned forsook. All panta everything complete renunciation. Rose anastas decisive action. Followed ēkolouthei continuous discipleship. Levi/Matthew left lucrative tax collection business. Immediate obedience. Total commitment. No looking back. Sold out for Christ. This pattern for true discipleship. Reformed theology emphasizes genuine conversion produces fruit visible life change. Faith without works dead. Levi faith demonstrated by radical obedience.