Bible Commentary on Luke 6:35

Verse Context: Luke 6:35 reads, "But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil."

This verse is a powerful exhortation from Christ, calling for a radical love that transcends the normal human inclination to love those who are amiable and kind in return. His encouragement to love one’s enemies is a hallmark of Christian ethics and underscores the nature of divine love.

Insights from Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry comments extensively on the nature of love prescribed in this verse. He notes that Jesus asks of His followers a profound expression of love, not merely a passive sentiment, but active engagement towards those who oppose or harm us. Henry emphasizes the following points:

• Unconditional Love: The call to love enemies signifies a higher moral standard. True Christian love is not contingent upon mutual affection but is given freely, reflecting God’s generosity.
• Doing Good: Jesus compels believers to demonstrate their love through actions. This requires the believer to participate in goodwill, showing kindness even to those who may wish us harm.
• Generosity without Expectation: The act of lending without hope for returns illustrates the selflessness principle in Christian doctrine. Such generosity reveals character that looks beyond personal gain.

Insights from Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes adds depth by analyzing the socio-religious context of Jesus’ statements. He outlines the implications of loving one’s enemies in the following ways:

• Reflection of Divine Nature: Barnes points out that acting in love towards adversaries aligns believers with God’s nature. As God Himself is gracious to the unthankful and wicked, His children are called to emulate this divine attribute.
• Recompense from God: The promise of a great reward from God is emphasized in Barnes' commentary. This reward, he argues, is not merely temporal but eternal, highlighting the spiritual ramifications of such behavior.
• Moral Superiority: By loving enemies, Christians demonstrate a moral high ground that distinguishes them from the world. This act of genuine affection can serve as a witness to the transformative power of Christ.

Insights from Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke provides a rich theological examination of this passage, focusing particularly on the relational dynamics and the expected outcomes of loving one’s enemies:

• Radical Acceptance: Clarke argues that Jesus' directives challenge cultural norms of retribution. He posits that the call to love enemies encourages believers to break down barriers and embrace even the most difficult relationships.
• Theological Implications: Clarke explains that loving one’s enemies invites the believer into the biblical narrative of redemption, wherein every act of love contributes towards the building of God’s Kingdom.
• Practical Application: Clarke encourages believers to actively look for opportunities to practice this love in daily life. Practical steps could include responding to insult with blessing, or actively seeking reconciliation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Luke 6:35 is a revolutionary mandate that challenges believers to rise above natural instincts. The unified insights of Henry, Barnes, and Clarke illuminate the text, showing that this call to love enemies is foundational to Christian ethics and reflective of the nature of God Himself. Believers are urged not only to understand this command intellectually but to embody it practically, fostering communities that reflect the transformative power of divine love.

This passage stands as a profound challenge for pastors, students, theologians, and Bible scholars alike to engage deeply with the implications of loving enemies. The commitment to this radical ethos is essential for true discipleship and witness in a world that often propagates division and hatred.