Luke 5:38
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 5:38
38 But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved.
Chapter Context
Luke 5 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of salvation, mercy, judgment. 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 5:38
38 But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved.
Analysis
New wine must be put into new bottles both preserved. Must dei necessary. New wine kainos new. New bottles askous kainous new wineskins. Both amphoteroi wine and skins. Preserved syntērountai maintained intact. Proper container essential. New covenant requires appropriate structures. Gospel demands suitable forms. Not that forms save but they facilitate or hinder. Church structures should serve gospel not hinder it. Reformed theology affirms biblical church government worship forms. Not indifferent but not salvific. Liberty in non-essentials unity in essentials charity in all.
Historical Context
Early church developed structures worship forms appropriate to gospel. Not rigid adherence to temple worship but new patterns. Apostles teaching fellowship breaking bread prayers Acts 2:42. Sunday worship not Saturday. Baptism not circumcision. Communion not Passover. Reformation challenged Roman structures not biblical. Sola scriptura principle allows reformation when structures hinder gospel. Modern church ongoing challenge keeping structures serving not hindering gospel mission. Must be willing to reform traditions that become obstacles.
Reflection
- Why must gospel have appropriate structures and what happens when structures hinder rather than serve?
- How can church distinguish between biblical essentials and cultural forms that can be adapted?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Ezekiel 36:26, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 2:4, 1 Timothy 4:8, Revelation 21:5