Luke 20:39
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 20:39
39 Then certain of the scribes answering said, Master, thou hast well said.
Chapter Context
Luke 20 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of worship, covenant, redemption. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-47: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 20:39
39 Then certain of the scribes answering said, Master, thou hast well said.
Analysis
Then certain of the scribes answering said, Master, thou hast well said (Ἀποκριθέντες δέ τινες τῶν γραμματέων εἶπαν, Διδάσκαλε, καλῶς εἶπας, Apokrithentes de tines tōn grammateōn eipan, Didaskale, kalōs eipas)—After Jesus silenced the Sadducees' resurrection question (20:27-38), some grammateis (scribes), likely Pharisees who believed in resurrection, commend His answer. Kalōs (well, rightly, nobly) acknowledges theological correctness. This is rare approval from religious experts who mostly opposed Him.
Jesus had just demonstrated from Exodus 3:6 ('I am the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob') that patriarchs still live, since God is 'not a God of the dead, but of the living' (20:38). This validated Pharisaic theology against Sadducean denial. The scribes' response shows theological honesty—they acknowledge truth even from an opponent. Yet this approval is limited and self-serving: they're pleased Jesus refuted their rivals, not that they've embraced Him as Messiah.
Historical Context
Pharisees and Sadducees were theological opponents. Pharisees affirmed resurrection, angels, and spirits; Sadducees denied all three (Acts 23:8). Jesus's resurrection argument from the Pentateuch (which Sadducees accepted as most authoritative) was particularly devastating. The scribes' approval, however, didn't translate into following Jesus—they still participated in His arrest and trial.
Reflection
- How can we acknowledge theological truth intellectually without submitting to it personally?
- What does the scribes' selective approval teach about the danger of using Jesus for our own agenda while rejecting His lordship?
- When have you agreed with Jesus's teaching in theory but resisted its application to your life?