Luke 21:15
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 21:15
15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.
Chapter Context
Luke 21 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of truth, obedience, worship. 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 provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. 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 21:15
15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.
Analysis
For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. Jesus explains why preparation is unnecessary: egō gar dōsō hymin stoma kai sophian (ἐγὼ γὰρ δώσω ὑμῖν στόμα καὶ σοφίαν, 'for I will give you mouth and wisdom'). The pronoun egō (ἐγώ, 'I') is emphatic—Jesus Himself, not human resources, supplies what's needed. He promises stoma (στόμα, 'mouth')—the ability to speak, eloquence, words—and sophian (σοφίαν, 'wisdom')—divine insight, understanding, discernment.
The result: hē ou dynēsontai antistēnai ē antilegein hapantes hoi antikeimenoi hymin (ᾗ οὐ δυνήσονται ἀντιστῆναι ἢ ἀντιλέγειν ἅπαντες οἱ ἀντικείμενοι ὑμῖν, 'which all who oppose you will not be able to withstand or contradict'). The double negation ou dynēsontai (οὐ δυνήσονται, 'will not be able') indicates impossibility. Adversaries cannot antistēnai (ἀντιστῆναι, 'resist/withstand') or antilegein (ἀντιλέγειν, 'speak against/contradict'). Divine wisdom is irrefutable. This doesn't guarantee acquittal—Stephen's accusers couldn't refute him, yet they stoned him (Acts 6:10, 7:54-60)—but it guarantees effective witness.
Historical Context
This promise was spectacularly fulfilled. Acts records that Stephen's opponents 'were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake' (Acts 6:10). Peter's Pentecost sermon convicted thousands (Acts 2:37-41). His defense before the Sanhedrin left leaders speechless, astonished that 'unlearned and ignorant men' displayed such boldness (Acts 4:13). Paul's reasoning persuaded some, confounded others (Acts 17:2-4, 18:4). Church fathers—Ignatius, Polycarp, Justin Martyr—gave testimonies that converted even some persecutors. Throughout history, martyrs' words under torture demonstrated supernatural courage and wisdom, fulfilling Jesus' promise. Modern testimonies from persecuted Christians worldwide confirm the same pattern: when human resources fail, divine provision suffices.
Reflection
- What does it mean that Jesus will give believers 'mouth and wisdom,' and how does this differ from natural eloquence?
- Why does Jesus promise that adversaries cannot refute or resist this divinely-given wisdom?
- How should this promise shape believers' confidence when facing hostile questioning or persecution?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Luke 12:12, 24:45, Proverbs 2:6, Jeremiah 1:9, Acts 2:4, 6:10