Luke 12:48 — Community Reflections

LUKE 12:48 — KING JAMES VERSION 0

“But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.”

Then Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem — the journey formula repeats, keeping the Jerusalem destination in view as the eschatological goal. The question someone asks — Lord, are only a few people going to be saved? — might be a theological question about the saved remnant, but Jesus' answer refuses speculation and demands personal decision.

Church Fathers on Luke 12:48

Our Lord here points to something still greater and more terrible, for the unfaithful steward shall not only be deprived of the grace he had, so that it should profit him nothing in escaping punishment, but the greatness of his dignity shall the rather become a cause of his condemnation. Hence it is said, And that servant who knew his lord’s will and did it not, shall be beaten with many stripes.
Theophylact · 11th century

For all things are not judged alike in all, but greater knowledge is an occasion of greater punishment. Therefore shall the Priest, committing the same sin with the people, suffer a far heavier penalty.
Chrysostom · 4th century

For the man of understanding who has given up his will to baser things will shamelessly implore pardon, because he has committed an inexcusable sin, departing as it were maliciously from the will of God, but the rude or unlearned man will more reasonably ask for pardon of the avenger. Hence it is added, But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes
Cyril of Alexandria · 5th century

Read all 7 entries in the readerCatena Aurea · St. Thomas Aquinas, tr. J. H. Newman · public domain

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

Publish a reflection on this verse

No reflections on this verse yet. Be the first to write one!