Luke 3:11 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And he answered them, "Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise."

NIV: John answered, "Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same."

NASB: And he would answer and say to them, 'The one who has two tunics is to share with the one who has none; and the one who has food is to do likewise.'

CSB: He replied to them, "The one who has two shirts must share with someone who has none, and the one who has food must do the same."

NLT: John replied, 'If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.'

KJV: He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.

NKJV: He answered and said to them, “He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise.”

John the Baptist preaches repentance. His underlying theme is that sincerity before God is required to escape judgment. That humble submission is demonstrated by acts corresponding to a repentant heart (Luke 3:1–6). Those who think doing good works, or being baptized, or being Jewish are enough to earn salvation are terribly mistaken (Luke 3:7–8). In this passage, John addresses what repentance from sin looks like, in practice, among different groups of people in his era.

The public has asked John "what then shall we do" (Luke 3:10) in response to his challenge. His answer encourages sacrificial love for one's neighbor (Mark 12:28–31). This is represented by caring for other people's basic needs—such as clothing and food—when we have enough for ourselves. The tunic in question was effectively an undergarment; this underscores the statement as a reference to fundamental human needs.

Luke 3:7–22 is a relatively brief explanation of John the Baptist's ministry. John's preaching calls on people to repent and turn from their sins. At the same time, he is careful to declare that he is not Christ—John is only a herald of the Messiah. Luke's account quickly summarizes this message, John's conflict with Herod the Tetrarch, and the baptism of Jesus. Parallel accounts are found in Matthew 3, Mark 1:1–11, and John 1:19–34.

The early part of Luke's gospel shifts back and forth between the histories of Jesus and John the Baptist. Chapter 3 starts with historical and prophetic context about John. It then depicts some of John's interactions with local religious leaders. Luke gives only a brief description of Jesus' baptism. He also touches on John's criticism of Herod the Tetrarch, which would eventually result in John's execution (Matthew 14:10–12). The chapter ends with a genealogy of Christ.

Chapters 1 and 2 provided early history for both John the Baptist and Jesus. Chapter 3 establishes John's preaching ministry and its connection to Jesus Christ. The chapter ends with a genealogy which some believe runs through Mary's side of the family. Chapter 4 transitions from Jesus' baptism into His public ministry, by describing His fasting in the wilderness and temptation by Satan.

Luke was a traveling companion of Paul (Acts 16:10) and a physician (Colossians 4:14). Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke writes his gospel as an historian, rather than as a first-hand eyewitness. His extensive writings also include the book of Acts (Acts 1:1–3). These are deliberately organized, carefully researched accounts of those events. The gospel of Luke focuses on the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Luke's Gentile perspective presents Christ as a Savior for all people, offering both forgiveness and direction to those who follow Him.

Accessed 11/21/2024 5:11:46 PM