Sabbath confrontations
Luke 6:1–11FocusMercy and doing good
Connection to the wholeThe grainfield and healing disputes expose competing responses to human need and intensify opposition to Jesus.
interpretation Luke 6:15
KJVMatthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes,
Read it in context
The twelve and the multitude
Start reading at Luke 6:12 (Luke 6:12 to Luke 6:19).
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 chooses the twelve after prayer, then stands among disciples and crowds before delivering the teaching that follows.
- 6:12 And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
- 6:13 And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;
- 6:14 Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,
- 6:15 Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes,
- 6:16 And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.
- 6:17 And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases;
- 6:18 And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed.
- 6:19 And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.
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 6:1–6:49): Pharisees and scribes dispute Sabbath actions; Jesus appoints the twelve and teaches His disciples in the hearing of a large gathering. 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? The twelve and the multitude. Read Luke 6:12 through Luke 6:19 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Jesus chooses the twelve after prayer, then stands among disciples and crowds before delivering the teaching that follows. 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 The twelve and the multitude (Luke 6:12 to Luke 6:19). Start reading at Luke 6:12. 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 6:12, Luke 6:19, 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 Paul
From 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.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Related passages
- Matthew Luke 5:27
- Levi Matt 9:9
- Thomas John 11:16 John 20:24
- James Acts 15:13 Gal 1:19 Gal 2:9 Jas 1:1
- Alphaeus Matt 10:3 Mark 2:14 Mark 3:18 Acts 1:13
- Simon Matt 10:4 Mark 3:18
- Simon the Canaanite Acts 1:13
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Luke 6
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.
Luke 1:1 Luke 1:3 Luke 1:4 Luke 24:47
FocusApostles and the gathering hearers
Connection to the wholeJesus chooses the twelve after prayer, then stands among disciples and crowds before delivering the teaching that follows.
interpretation Blessing, love, and mercy
Luke 6:20–38FocusLife shaped by God's kindness
Connection to the wholeBlessings and woes lead into commands to love enemies, show mercy, and give, challenging ordinary patterns of reciprocity.
interpretation Fruit and foundations
Luke 6:39–49FocusThe reality of obedience
Connection to the wholeThe closing images distinguish sound guidance and good fruit from appearance, ending with the necessity of doing what Jesus says.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Luke
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.
Luke 1:1 Luke 1:3 Luke 1:4 Luke 24:47
The births and early years
Luke 1:1–2:52FocusPromise, praise, and preparation
Connection to the wholeThe birth announcements and childhood accounts locate Jesus' coming within God's promises and the expectations expressed by faithful witnesses.
interpretation The ministry prepared
Luke 3:1–4:13FocusJohn, baptism, and temptation
Connection to the wholeJohn's call to repentance, Jesus' baptism, the genealogy, and the temptation prepare the public ministry.
interpretation FocusAuthority, mercy, and recognition
Connection to the wholeTeaching and mighty works reveal Jesus' identity while He forms disciples and begins to explain His coming suffering.
interpretation The journey toward Jerusalem
Luke 9:51–19:27FocusFollowing Jesus on the way
Connection to the wholeThe extended journey gathers teaching about repentance, prayer, possessions, mercy, and readiness as Jesus approaches His death.
interpretation Jerusalem and the temple
Luke 19:28–21:38FocusVisitation, conflict, and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeThe entry and temple ministry bring confrontation and teaching about Jerusalem's distress and the need to watch.
interpretation Passion, resurrection, and commission
Luke 22:1–24:53FocusScripture fulfilled and witness prepared
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.