Luke 5:29
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 5:29
29 And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them.
Chapter Context
Luke 5 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, fellowship, creation. 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 21-39: 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 5:29
29 And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them.
Analysis
Levi made great feast in his own house and there was great company publicans others sat down. Levi made epoiēsen prepared. Great feast dochēn megalēn large banquet. Own house oikia personal residence. Great company ochlos polys large crowd. Publicans telōnōn tax collectors despised class. Others allōn likely sinners social outcasts. Sat down reclined at table intimate fellowship. Levi celebration of conversion. Used home resources to introduce friends to Jesus. Evangelistic feast. Jesus willing to fellowship with outcasts. Pharisees criticized (v. 30). Reformed theology affirms God grace reaches outcasts sinners. Church should welcome not exclude those society rejects.
Historical Context
Middle Eastern hospitality banquets extended affairs. Levi invitation to tax collector friends significant. They were his social network. New believer brings old friends to Jesus. Evangelism begins with relational connections. Jesus criticized for eating with sinners. Table fellowship signified acceptance. Pharisees separated Jesus incarnated grace. Early church included all classes slaves free Jews Greeks. Modern church sometimes more concerned respectability than reaching outcasts. Need to recover Jesus pattern.
Reflection
- What does Levi using his home and resources for evangelistic feast teach about discipleship?
- How does Jesus willingness to fellowship with tax collectors sinners challenge church attitudes toward outcasts?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Luke 15:1