Luke 7:34
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 7:34
34 The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!
Chapter Context
Luke 7 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of hope, love, 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 21-50: 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 7:34
34 The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!
Analysis
Jesus concludes: 'But wisdom is justified of all her children' (Greek 'edikaiosthe hē sophia apo pantōn tōn teknōn autēs'). True wisdom proves itself through its results ('children'). John's and Jesus's ministries, though different in method, produced genuine converts who vindicated divine wisdom. The verb 'justified' (edikaiōthē) means declared righteous, vindicated. Results authenticate method. Those who responded to either John or Jesus demonstrated wisdom's validation. Reformed theology recognizes that effective ministry manifests in transformed lives, not mere approval ratings. Paul wrote 'our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance' (1 Thessalonians 1:5). True fruitfulness vindicates God's methods.
Historical Context
The phrase echoes Proverbs personification of Wisdom calling to humanity. Wisdom's 'children' are those who respond to her call. Despite critics' complaints, both John and Jesus produced genuine disciples—repentant sinners, transformed lives, Spirit-filled believers. These results vindicated their ministries regardless of elite rejection. Early church similarly found validation not in Roman approval but in transformed pagans, martyrs' courage, and community love. Church growth under persecution demonstrated divine wisdom.
Reflection
- How do genuine conversions and transformed lives vindicate ministry methods despite criticism?
- What is the relationship between popularity and effectiveness in ministry?
- How should ministers measure success—by human approval or spiritual fruitfulness?