Luke 6:33
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 6:33
33 And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.
Chapter Context
Luke 6 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of holiness, discipleship, 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 21-49: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. 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 6:33
33 And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.
Analysis
If ye do good to them which do good to you what thank have ye for sinners also do even same. Do good agathopoiēte benefit help. To them which tous agathopoiountas those doing good. Same pattern as v. 32. Doing good to those who reciprocate is natural. No special credit. Even sinners do this. Golden Rule do unto others as they do unto you. Christian ethic is do unto others as you would have them do regardless their treatment. Unilateral not reciprocal. Grace not merit. Reformed theology emphasizes grace-based ethics. Treat others based on God grace to us not their treatment of us.
Historical Context
Good deeds to those who reciprocate is natural morality. Secular humanism can do this. Christian distinctiveness is unilateral love good deeds regardless response. Good Samaritan loved enemy despiser. Joseph forgave brothers who sold him. Stephen forgave those stoning him. Jesus forgave crucifiers. This is supernatural requires grace. Medieval church indulgences tried to earn merits. Reformation grace alone. Works are fruit of grace not earning favor. Modern church social justice without gospel can become mere humanism. Must be gospel-driven grace-enabled supern atural love.
Reflection
- How does command to do good unilaterally challenge natural reciprocal morality?
- What role does gospel grace play in enabling supernatural doing good to all?
Word Studies
- Grace: χάρις (Charis) G5485 - Grace, favor