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In this lesson:
Jesus continues His instruction ministry. Hypocrisy. Who should we fear? Study Tip: The Bible is a complex book, so it helps to study more than one translation. As you read, scroll back and forth between the "King James" text and the "New Living Translation." Also, check the "Margin Notes" and click on the links. |
By an unknown artist.
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The Gospel According to St. Luke
The King James Bible
The King James Bible
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Luke 12:1-12
Encouragement 1 In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2 For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. 3 Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops. 4 And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 5 But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. 6 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? 7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. 8 Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: 9 But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God. 10 And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven. 11 And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: 12 For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say. |
Margin notes:
"They trode one upon another." (12:1) - "They trampled each other." The crowd was so large they stepped on each other trying to get close to Jesus. "Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees." (12:1) - Jesus warned about the Pharisees several times (Matthew 16:6; 16:11-12). "Hypocrisy." (12:1) - Comes from the Greek word Hypokritos, meaning "actor." "That which ye have spoken in the ear in closets." (12:3) - "The things you whispered in ears in private." "Farthings." (12:6) - Coins of small value. "Not one of them is forgotten." (12:6) - Proof that God misses nothing. "Fear not." (12:7) - Because you can trust in God. "Ye are of more value." (12:7) - God loves and places great value on each of us. This is a great verse to read when having feelings of inferiority. "Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God." (12:8) - "Whoever honors Me in front of others will be honored by Me in front of the angels of God (on judgment day)." "Whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man." (12:10) - "Whoever speaks against me." "Blasphemeth." (12:10) - To blasphemy is to slander, insult (through words or actions), or to speak irreverently of God, His authority, or grandeur. The Old Testament named blasphemy as one of the worst sins, punishable by death (Leviticus 24:16). The New Testament calls blasphemy the unforgivable sin. Unforgivable, because the sinner will not ask for forgiveness. Blasphemy isn't just a one time mistake made in a time of spiritual uncertainty, it's an ongoing attitude of rebellion against God. It will never be forgiven because the sinner will never ask for forgiveness. Is this important to know? Jesus must think so, He reinforces this message in Matthew 12:31-32 and Mark 3:28-29. |
For Matthew's account of this same passage, see Matthew 10:26-33 (lesson 19).
New Living Translation
Luke 12:1-12
A Warning against Hypocrisy
1 Meanwhile, the crowds grew until thousands were milling about and stepping on each other. Jesus turned first to his disciples and warned them, "Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees-their hypocrisy.
2 The time is coming when everything that is covered up will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all.
3 Whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be shouted from the housetops for all to hear!
4 "Dear friends, don't be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot do any more to you after that.
5 But I'll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill you and then throw you into hell. Yes, he's the one to fear.
6 "What is the price of five sparrows-two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them.
7 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
8 "I tell you the truth, everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, the Son of Man will also acknowledge in the presence of God's angels.
9 But anyone who denies me here on earth will be denied before God's angels.
10 Anyone who speaks against the Son of Man can be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
11 "And when you are brought to trial in the synagogues and before rulers and authorities, don't worry about how to defend yourself or what to say,
12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said."
This second Bible text from the "New Living Translation" (Tyndale House, Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois) is a paraphrase and not an accurate word for word translation of the Bible. However, it is a helpful tool when read with the "King James Version."
A Warning against Hypocrisy
1 Meanwhile, the crowds grew until thousands were milling about and stepping on each other. Jesus turned first to his disciples and warned them, "Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees-their hypocrisy.
2 The time is coming when everything that is covered up will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all.
3 Whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be shouted from the housetops for all to hear!
4 "Dear friends, don't be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot do any more to you after that.
5 But I'll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill you and then throw you into hell. Yes, he's the one to fear.
6 "What is the price of five sparrows-two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them.
7 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
8 "I tell you the truth, everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, the Son of Man will also acknowledge in the presence of God's angels.
9 But anyone who denies me here on earth will be denied before God's angels.
10 Anyone who speaks against the Son of Man can be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
11 "And when you are brought to trial in the synagogues and before rulers and authorities, don't worry about how to defend yourself or what to say,
12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said."
This second Bible text from the "New Living Translation" (Tyndale House, Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois) is a paraphrase and not an accurate word for word translation of the Bible. However, it is a helpful tool when read with the "King James Version."
Key verses from this passage
"In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy." (12:1)
"And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him." (12:4-5)
"And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him." (12:4-5)
Today's Question:
1. Peter denied Christ (Matthew 26:69-75; Mark 14:66-72; Luke 22:55-62), will he "be denied before the angels of God?" (12:9)
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1. Peter denied Christ (Matthew 26:69-75; Mark 14:66-72; Luke 22:55-62), will he "be denied before the angels of God?" (12:9)
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Answer: (Do you agree?)
1. No, in verse 12:9, Jesus was not referring to Peter's moment of indecision when he denied Christ (Matthew 26:69-75; Mark 14:66-72; Luke 22:54-62). Jesus was talking about those who reject Him and live a sinful life.
Additional note: Christians can confess Christ by being good role models, sharing their faith with others, and helping those in need.
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Thanks to the writings and commentary of John Wesley and Adam Clarke. Also, "The Layman's Bible Study Notebook" by Irving Jensen published by Harvest House Publishing, Irvine, California; the "Life Change Series" published by NavPress Books, Colorado Springs, Colorado; the "Life Application Study Bible" published by Tyndale House Publishing, Carol Stream, Illinois; "The Quest Study Bible" published by The Zondervan Corporation, Grand Rapids, Michigan; "Robertson's New Testament Word Studies"; "The MacArthur Bible Commentary" by John MacArthur published by Thomas Nelson, Nashville, Tennessee; "Wisdom of the Bible" CD by Topics Entertainment, Inc., Renton, Washington for their inspiring pictures; "My utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers published by Barbour publishing, Inc., Uhrichsville, Ohio; The "Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge" by Reuben Archer Torrey; "Hope For Each Day" by Billy Graham published by J. Countryman, a division of Thomas Nelson, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee; "Easton's Bible Dictionary" by Matthew George Easton; "Unger's Bible Dictionary" by Merrill F. Unger, published by Moody Press, Chicago, Illinois; "Halley's Bible Handbook" by Henry H. Halley, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan; "The Living New Testament" published by Tyndale house; "The New Living Translation" published by Tyndale House; BibleGateway.com for all their wonderful links; and of course the "King James Bible". All were critical in putting these lessons together.
© 2026 evolke
© 2026 evolke