Luke 5:32
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 5:32
32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Chapter Context
Luke 5 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of righteousness, salvation, love. 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 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 5:32
32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Analysis
Jesus declares His mission: 'I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.' The phrase 'I came' (Greek 'elēlytha,' ἐλήλυθα, perfect tense) indicates Jesus' consciousness of His incarnational purpose—He came from heaven on divine mission. His target audience is 'sinners'—those who recognize their condition and need repentance. The word 'call' (Greek 'kalesai,' καλέσαι) means to summon, invite—gospel call summons sinners to repent. Those considering themselves 'righteous' don't hear this call because they see no need. True righteousness comes through repentance and faith, not self-achieved moral performance.
Historical Context
The phrase 'I came' occurs repeatedly in Jesus' teaching, revealing His sense of divine mission (Mark 2:17, Luke 19:10, John 10:10). First-century Pharisees pursued righteousness through law observance, considering themselves God's favored ones based on their religious performance. Jesus' statement that He came for sinners, not the righteous, either meant
- He came for those who acknowledge sin, not those claiming righteousness, or
- ironically, since none are truly righteous (Romans 3:23), He came for all who recognize their need.
Either way, self-righteousness excludes from grace. Only those admitting sin receive forgiveness.
Reflection
- What does Jesus' declaration that He came 'to call sinners to repentance' teach about the gospel's target audience and message?
- How does Jesus' pattern of receiving sinners while opposing self-righteous Pharisees illustrate grace's paradox—available to all but received only by those admitting need?
Word Studies
- Righteous: δίκαιος (Dikaios) G1342 - Righteous, just
Cross-References
- Sin: Luke 15:10, 24:47, Acts 2:38, 3:19
- Righteousness: Luke 15:7
- Repentance: Acts 17:30, 20:21, 2 Peter 3:9
- Parallel theme: Luke 19:10, Acts 3:26