Luke 21:14
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Luke 21:14
14 Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:
Chapter Context
Luke 21 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of truth, faith, fellowship. 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 21-38: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. 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 21:14
14 Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:
Analysis
Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: Jesus gives practical instruction: thete oun en tais kardiais hymōn mē promeletān apologēthēnai (θέτε οὖν ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν μὴ προμελετᾶν ἀπολογηθῆναι, 'settle therefore in your hearts not to prepare beforehand to make a defense'). The verb thete (θέτε, 'settle/determine/resolve') indicates deliberate decision. The phrase en tais kardiais (ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις, 'in your hearts') locates this resolution in the inner person—a heart commitment, not mere intellectual agreement.
The command mē promeletān (μὴ προμελετᾶν, 'not to practice beforehand/rehearse in advance') prohibits pre-planned speeches. The verb apologeomai (ἀπολογέομαι, 'make a defense') means to present a legal defense. Jesus instructs disciples not to prepare elaborate arguments for anticipated trials. This isn't anti-intellectualism—Paul engaged in sophisticated apologetics. Rather, it's trust in divine enablement during crisis. In persecution's heat, human preparation proves inadequate; supernatural aid suffices. This command tests faith: will believers trust God's promise or rely on human cleverness?
Historical Context
This instruction addresses natural anxiety about persecution. Who wouldn't worry about defending themselves before hostile authorities? Standing before the Sanhedrin, Roman governors, or emperors would terrify anyone. Natural response is to rehearse speeches, prepare arguments, strategize responses. Jesus prohibits this not because preparation is wrong but because in persecution situations, God provides supernatural assistance (v. 15). Early Christians experienced this. Peter, uneducated and previously cowardly (denying Christ), spoke boldly before authorities (Acts 4:8-13), astonishing leaders with his courage. Stephen gave a powerful defense (Acts 7). Paul spoke fearlessly before governors and kings. Church history records martyrs whose testimony under torture amazed persecutors. Modern believers facing interrogation likewise report divine aid—words they didn't prepare, courage they didn't possess naturally.
Reflection
- Why does Jesus command believers not to prepare their defense in advance, and how does this test faith?
- What is the difference between legitimate theological preparation and the anxious rehearsal Jesus prohibits here?
- How should this command shape believers' approach to potential persecution or hostile confrontation?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Mark 13:11