And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.
Read it in contextGod's judgment and the law
Start reading at Luke 16:14 (Luke 16:14 to Luke 16:18).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Jesus confronts self-justification before people and affirms the seriousness of God's word and commands.
16:14And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.
16:15And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
16:16The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.
16:17And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.
16:18Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Luke, the physician and companion of Paul, is the author identified by early church tradition for both Luke and Acts. Biblical references: Colossians 4:14; Philemon 1:24. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. traditionally held
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Luke 16:1–16:31): Jesus teaches His disciples, then responds to the Pharisees who deride Him; the rich man and Lazarus are figures in His teaching, not listeners standing before Him. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Theophilus is the named recipient, already instructed in the matters Luke recounts. Wider readers also benefit, but identifying Theophilus as a particular official or assigning him a precise biography goes beyond the available evidence. Biblical references: Luke 1:3; Luke 1:4. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? God's judgment and the law. Read Luke 16:14 through Luke 16:18 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? Jesus confronts self-justification before people and affirms the seriousness of God's word and commands. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The account connects events with named rulers and begins before Jesus' birth, continuing through His resurrection and ascension. Those narrative dates do not themselves date composition. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative ranges through Judea and Galilee and gives sustained attention to the journey toward Jerusalem. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in God's judgment and the law (Luke 16:14 to Luke 16:18).
Start reading at Luke 16:14. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Luke presents Jesus as the Saviour and records His explanation that the Scriptures concern His suffering and glory. Keep this broad claim alongside the particular passages He and the narrator actually connect. See Luke 2:11, Luke 19:10, Luke 24:26, Luke 24:27. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Attend to repentance, mercy, prayer, and faithful response. Identify who is being addressed in a parable or rebuke before applying it to someone else. interpretation
Cited: Luke 16:14, Luke 16:18, Luke 2:11, Luke 19:10, Luke 24:26, Luke 24:27
Who wrote it, and how we know
Luke, the physician and companion of PaulFrom early tradition
What Scripture saysThe author writes in the first person to Theophilus and describes carefully investigating eyewitness accounts, but does not give his name. Luke 1:1Luke 1:3
Early traditionEarly testimony, including Irenaeus and the Muratorian fragment, names Luke, the physician and companion of Paul.
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Luke 16
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Connection to the wholeThe steward account leads to teaching on using possessions, faithfulness in what is entrusted, and the impossibility of serving God and mammon.
Connection to the wholeThe account warns against complacency in wealth and directs attention to hearing Moses and the prophets rather than demanding a further sign.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Luke
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
The opening addresses Theophilus and explains the purpose of giving an orderly account so he may know the certainty of what he has been taught. Read the narrative as it moves from preparation for Jesus' birth to His resurrection and the promised witness.
Connection to the wholeThe birth announcements and childhood accounts locate Jesus' coming within God's promises and the expectations expressed by faithful witnesses.
Connection to the wholeThe extended journey gathers teaching about repentance, prayer, possessions, mercy, and readiness as Jesus approaches His death.
Connection to the wholeJesus' death and resurrection are interpreted through Scripture, leading to the proclamation of repentance and remission of sins and the promise of power.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.