Luke 5:38
But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved.
Original Language Analysis
ἀλλὰ
But
G235
ἀλλὰ
But
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
1 of 10
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
νέον
new
G3501
νέον
new
Strong's:
G3501
Word #:
3 of 10
"new", i.e., (of persons) youthful, or (of things) fresh; figuratively, regenerate
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
4 of 10
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
καινοὺς
new
G2537
καινοὺς
new
Strong's:
G2537
Word #:
6 of 10
new (especially in freshness; while g3501 is properly so with respect to age
Cross References
2 Corinthians 5:17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.Ezekiel 36:26A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.Revelation 21:5And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.1 Timothy 4:8For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.Galatians 2:4And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:
Historical Context
Early church developed structures worship forms appropriate to gospel. Not rigid adherence to temple worship but new patterns. Apostles teaching fellowship breaking bread prayers Acts 2:42. Sunday worship not Saturday. Baptism not circumcision. Communion not Passover. Reformation challenged Roman structures not biblical. Sola scriptura principle allows reformation when structures hinder gospel. Modern church ongoing challenge keeping structures serving not hindering gospel mission. Must be willing to reform traditions that become obstacles.
Questions for Reflection
- Why must gospel have appropriate structures and what happens when structures hinder rather than serve?
- How can church distinguish between biblical essentials and cultural forms that can be adapted?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
New wine must be put into new bottles both preserved. Must dei necessary. New wine kainos new. New bottles askous kainous new wineskins. Both amphoteroi wine and skins. Preserved syntērountai maintained intact. Proper container essential. New covenant requires appropriate structures. Gospel demands suitable forms. Not that forms save but they facilitate or hinder. Church structures should serve gospel not hinder it. Reformed theology affirms biblical church government worship forms. Not indifferent but not salvific. Liberty in non-essentials unity in essentials charity in all.