Luke 6:23
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 6:23
23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.
Chapter Context
Luke 6 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of covenant, truth, holiness. 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 21-49: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. 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 6:23
23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.
Analysis
Rejoice ye in that day leap for joy for behold your reward great in heaven for in like manner did fathers unto prophets. Rejoice charēte be glad. In that day en ekeinē tē hēmera time of persecution. Leap skirtēsate jump exult. For joy chalasis joy. Behold idou pay attention. Reward misthos wage. Great polys substantial. In heaven en ouranō eternal. For gar reason. Like manner kata ta auta similarly. Fathers pateres ancestors. Unto prophets prophētais messengers. Persecution is not punishment but path to blessing. Prophets suffered similarly. Company of faithful. Eternal reward outweighs temporal suffering. Reformed theology emphasizes future glory present suffering. Not prosperity gospel but suffering before glory. Yet joy in midst of suffering.
Historical Context
Context beatitudes blessings persecuted (v. 22). Paradoxical blessing in suffering. Prophets stoned killed (Hebrews 11:36-38). Following Jesus means entering prophetic line suffering faithful. Early church experienced this persecution from Jews Romans. Martyrs rejoiced counted worthy to suffer for name (Acts 5:41). Not masochism but perspective. Eternal weight glory far outweighs light affliction (2 Cor 4:17). Medieval church venerated martyrs. Reformation martyrs at stake sang hymns. Modern comfortable Christianity rarely faces this. But global church many suffer persecution prison death. Perspective of eternal reward enables joyful endurance.
Reflection
- How does command to rejoice leap for joy in persecution challenge natural response of despair?
- What role does eternal perspective play in enabling believers to endure suffering with joy?
Word Studies
- Prophet: προφήτης (Prophētēs) G4396 - Prophet
Cross-References
- Prophecy: Matthew 5:12
- Parallel theme: Acts 5:41, Revelation 2:26, 3:5, 3:12, 21:7