Luke 21:17
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 21:17
17 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.
Chapter Context
Luke 21 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of faith, creation, wisdom. 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 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 21:17
17 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.
Analysis
And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. Jesus warns His disciples of universal hostility—the phrase miseoumenoi hypo pantōn (μισούμενοι ὑπὸ πάντων, "hated by all") indicates comprehensive opposition, not isolated incidents. The present passive participle suggests ongoing, sustained hatred directed at believers. The qualifier dia to onoma mou (διὰ τὸ ὄνομά μου, "because of my name") specifies the cause: not personality conflicts or political views, but identification with Christ Himself.
The phrase "my name's sake" encompasses all that Jesus is—His person, teaching, authority, and saving work. To bear Christ's name is to bear His reproach (Hebrews 13:13). This hatred fulfills Jesus' earlier teaching: "If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you" (John 15:20). The world's hatred of disciples reflects its hatred of their Master. This persecution serves as authentication—genuine Christianity provokes opposition because it confronts human autonomy and exposes sin.
Historical Context
This warning came during the Olivet Discourse shortly before Jesus' crucifixion (AD 30-33). Within a generation, it was literally fulfilled. Christians faced Jewish persecution (Acts 7:54-60, 12:1-3), Roman persecution under Nero (AD 64-68), and ongoing martyrdom throughout the empire. The charge "Christian" itself became grounds for execution—Pliny's letter to Trajan (AD 112) describes executing those who refused to recant Christ. Early church fathers document systematic hatred: Tacitus called Christians "hated for their abominations," while Tertullian wrote, "If the Tiber floods or the Nile doesn't, the cry is 'Christians to the lions!'" This pattern continues globally wherever the gospel advances.
Reflection
- How does knowing that persecution authenticates genuine faith rather than discredits it change your perspective on suffering for Christ?
- In what subtle ways do you experience 'hatred' for Christ's name in contemporary culture, even if not facing physical persecution?
- How should the certainty of opposition for Christ's sake shape evangelistic methods and expectations for church growth?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Luke 6:22, Matthew 10:22, 24:9, Mark 13:13, John 15:19, 15:21