Luke 13

Luke 13:1

OF the Galileans] there is no mention made of this action in any other place of Scripture, nor much lesse plainely set down in any Author. Some believe that it was an onset described by Iosephus the Historian, upon the Samaritans gathered together and risen, upon the instant as they were going to offer sacrifice in Mount Garizim and that this name of Galileans is here improperly taken for any other people within the Land of Palestine, for Pilate had otherwise no power over Galile: see Luke 23:6. Others do refer it to some slaughter of some Galileans, come to some Feast in Ierusalem.

Luke 13:2

Suppose ye] these chances ought not to make you run into any manner of rash judgmnts, Ioh 9. 2.

Luke 13:3

I tell you nay] the use which you ought to make hereof is quite contrary, namely that you shold learne to tremble, and to bee the first to condemne your selves and to make use of Gods patience to repentance, for at the last either soone or late Gods judgment will finde out all impenitent sinners either in this life or in the life to come.

Luke 13:4

The Tower] this History is likewise no where else it is likely that it was some Tower of the walls of Ierusalem, upon the top of a high precipice, under which was the poole of Siloe.

Luke 13:6

Parable] the meaning of which is to shew Gods long suffering of the rebellious and redulous Iewes.

Luke 13:7

Three yeares] Some have thought that the Lord meant the last three yeares which were after his baptisme, employed in converting the Iewes by his preaching, for this was spoken in the beginning of the fourth yeare Cumbeth it] it is not onely fruitlesse it selfe, but also with its shadow, and by drawing unto it the moistnesse of the earth, it spoyleth other plants which are neere it.

Luke 13:10

In one] of the City, where he was at that time, for there were diverse places for sacred meetings in every City.

Luke 13:11

A spirit] namely an infirmity which did shr〈…〉 up her body, and made it crooked: Which infirmity proceeded not from any naturall cause, but from the operation of the devill.

Luke 13:14

With indignation] the Italian Being wreth] See upon, Matthew 12:10.

Luke 13:16

From this bond] namely from this sicknesse, wherewith the Devill held her as it were bound, and hindered her in her actions. See Iob 42 10.

Luke 13:24

Strive] Christ according to his wonted custome doth not answer directly to that curious and unprofitable question: but sheweth that indeed there are but few. From whence men ought to draw this use, namely to endeavour and strive to be of that little number Will seeke] thorow a blinde desire of attaining to eternall happinesse, not keeping the true way, nor using the constancy and endeavour which is required therein: See Iohn 7. 34. and 8. 21. and 13. 33. Romans 9:31.

Luke 13:25

When once] having spoken of the way, and of the endeavour, wherewith one must strive to come to life everlasting: he speaketh also of the time convenient for it, either in regard of Gods grace singularly presenting it selfe: or of his patience with men before their death, after which time the doore is shut. See Psalms 32:6. Isaiah 55:6 And yee] he speakes to the unbelieving Iewes, and all such as were like unto them.

Luke 13:31

Herod] whither the advice were true or false it is likely that they would make it serve for an instrument of their hatred and envie, to affright Christ, and make him goe further off. See Amos 7:12. Ioh. 7. 13.

Luke 13:32

That Fox] a pourtraicture of Herods fraudulent wit, See 2 Timothy 4:17 Jeast out] the meaning is, I doe not feare any just punishment from Herod, nor any man else, doing nothing but good by my miracles 〈◊〉 and as for unjust persecutions, I know when when and where they are provided for me by Gods immutable councell to which I willingly submit my selfe To day] that is to say, yet for a short time, after which, by my death at Ierusalem. I shall finish the course of my life, and accomplish the worke of my vocation. See Iohn 19. 8, 30.

Luke 13:33

Neverthelesse] though I tell you these things, yet I will not stay with you, for I am going to Ierusalem. Whither I shall come within these few dayes, and there shall be put to death, that being the Citie where the Prophets have continually suffered martyrdome.