Luke 10:13 KJV

Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.

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Luke 10:13 Bible Commentary

Commentary on Luke 10:13

Verse: "Woe unto thee, Chorazin! Woe unto thee, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented sitting in sackcloth and ashes."

Introduction

The setting of this verse occurs during Jesus' mission to send out the seventy-two disciples to preach, heal, and announce the coming of the Kingdom of God. As they return, Jesus laments the cities where His miracles were performed but which did not repent. This commentary explores the profound implications of His statement on Chorazin and Bethsaida.

Analysis of the Text

Luke 10:13 presents a stern warning from Jesus, containing a pronouncement of "woe" to two cities, Chorazin and Bethsaida, which were recipients of His miraculous works, yet showed little signs of repentance. The pronouncement aligns with similar condemnations found in prophetic literature, signaling impending judgment based on unresponsiveness to divine revelation.

Context and Historical Background

Chorazin and Bethsaida: These cities are located near the Sea of Galilee, where a significant portion of Jesus’ ministry occurred.
Miraculous Works: The miracles attributed to Jesus during His ministry included healings, exorcisms, and the feeding of the multitudes—actions that were meant to signify the arrival of God’s Kingdom.
Contrast with Tyre and Sidon: Tyre and Sidon were historically regarded as cities of great wickedness (Ezekiel 26:1-21). Jesus compares their potential responses to the miracles He performed in Chorazin and Bethsaida.

Theological Reflections

This passage underscores the gravity of rejecting divine revelation. The public ministry of Jesus, marked by miraculous signs and teachings, has direct implications for those who witness it. The teachings suggest that when people are favored with divine acts and yet continue in their sin, their judgment is more severe.

Significance of Repentance

Jesus highlights that had Tyre and Sidon been granted such a revelation, they would have repented in a manner indicative of deep remorse—"sitting in sackcloth and ashes." This shows the importance of genuine repentance as a response to God’s initiatives in the world.

Insights from Public Domain Commentaries

Matthew Henry’s Commentary

Matthew Henry emphasizes the responsibility of those who witness Jesus’ works. He discusses how the privileges of being near Christ come with a higher expectation of repentance and transformation. He draws parallels between the miraculous events and the moral failure of the people, detailing that mere observation of miracles is insufficient for salvation.

Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible

Albert Barnes points out that the admonition directed towards Chorazin and Bethsaida is reflective of a broader truth—where much is given, much is expected. He explains that their failure to embrace the messages and miracles presented to them leads to severe consequences, indicating that divine patience has its limits.

Adam Clarke’s Commentary

Adam Clarke highlights the contrast between the unrepentant towns and those historically considered less deserving of grace. He interprets the "woe" not merely as a curse but as a lamentation over the lost potential for salvation. Clarke remarks on the deeper implications of witnessing the divine and the resultant obligation to respond appropriately.

Practical Applications

For pastors, students, theologians, and scholars, the lesson from Luke 10:13 prompts introspection regarding how we respond to God’s acts in our lives. The challenge lies in recognizing our privileges and the accompanying duty to act, as well as inspiring congregations to appreciate the seriousness of responding to God’s grace.

Evaluate Personal Responses: Reflect on personal experiences of God’s grace and how they have shaped one's personal faith journey.
Encourage Genuine Repentance: Foster environments of true repentance within church communities, acknowledging areas of unresponsiveness to God's call.
Preach the Urgency of Response: Use this verse to convey the urgency of a timely response to God's movements in the world today.

Conclusion

Luke 10:13 serves as a powerful reminder of the accountability that comes with receiving divine revelation. The woe declared over Chorazin and Bethsaida resonates through the ages, calling believers not only to witness God’s works but also to respond with heartfelt repentance and faithful obedience. As one contemplates the weight of this passage, let it inspire a longing for genuine transformation in light of the Gospel.

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