2. What does the bible mean?

The Principle: What does the passage mean covers three areas. To those who heard it first and lived at the time and in the culture. The meaning to those who have interpreted it over time (The NIV Application Commentaries call this the 'Bridging Context'). The meaning to us today. As you do this work, certain themes will rise to the surface and you will inevitably bring your questions from the "What does it say?" work. Very often there is a tricky verse or two that challenges you and the commentators so try not to skip over it. In this passage on Luke 12:35-48 it is the phrase 'cut to pieces' in v 46 that will cause listeners to sit up. Rightly so. We should all sit up.

Here is the second question and I am simply posting below what I have done in the study with some links and a bit of explanation that I hope is helpful.

This is the issue of context and meaning (people who have been to theological college call this exegesis which is a posh way of saying what did it mean at the time). Once you have worked the passage you can then see what the commentators think it is all about.

But how do you find a good commentary. There are a couple of good source books: John Glynn and for the OT Tremper Longman III (cool name!). Also this post is helpful for the Gospels and Acts and collects together some Pastors favorites- HERE

So how many should you read? It depends how much time you've got and you can over do it- there is mountains of material. For this talk, I have read 3 commentaries on Luke and one specialist book on the subject at hand by my NT tutor at college

Luke by Green

Luke by Gooding

Luke by Bock

The Parables of Jesus by Wenham

I will also surf for some more liberal interpretations and perspectives but these are often covered in any good commentary.

For Luke, I usually start with Gooding but it doesn't matter. He gets to the point. What you are trying to do is lay your understanding of the passages various meanings one perspective on top of another. There will very often be broad agreement and then some differences.

2. What does the bible mean?

Is there a common theme? Well , there are two slants

1. Watchfulness for his return
2. Faithful stewardship (spiritual and material)

Who is the audience? Green helpfully says it is like having a telephoto lens that zeros in on the disciples but the crowds are still in view.

What is the theme of watchfulness about?

It is eschatological and refers to the end times. The coming again of Jesus. His concern is that he would find his servants 'ready'. (three times in vs 35-40). Green refers to the original translation 'gird you loins' in the KJV and offers a picture of hoicking up your tunic so that you are ready to get moving. This looks back to Exodus 12:8 and the passover meal prior to leaving slavery.

What does it mean to steward?

The servants have been left in charge and are given a choice on how to act. In faithfulness or in tune with their own hearts. Some do it right, some do it wrong. Notice that Jesus in v 35-40 shatters the cultural understanding of social hierarchy. The master would never serve the slaves.

What groups of people are we talking about?

At least three groups.

1. The religious scribes, elders and priests vs 45
2. Disciples of Jesus vs 37
3. Unbelievers v 46

What about Peter's question?

This is where it becomes a bit blurry. Peter wants it a nice tidy 'them and us' but Jesus doesn't answer the question but what he does say is:

1. All need to be alert
2. Heightened responsibility for leaders and disciples

Should we be scared?

It depends who you are. v 32 sets the gospel backdrop for the follower of Jesus. 'Do not be afraid'

If you are not -you need to be listening to Jesus very carefully.

Bock makes a helpful observation.…”his main principle is the kind of service we give, not sorting out who is responsible to give it”

So what about the 'cutting to pieces'?

1. Cannot mean loss of salvation but could mean loses reward. But can’t have salvation by faith and reward by works?
2. The believers are in view but ultimately rejected because they have failed in the 'doing' vs 43. This view employs a salvation by works. We know we have assurance. (Romans 8:28-30, 38-39 and Phil 1:6)
3. People are involved in the household of faith by serving and having responsibility but their description and action says nothing about their spiritual condition. This group do not lose what they had- this shows they had no proper relationship to begin with. Judas in John 6:70-71 or 1 Cor 3:14-18.

The link between the rejection and cutting up of vs 46 and the place of the unbeliever should leave those with out faith in Jesus concerns at their assigned place.

David Wenham helpfully explores the idea of the faithful leader

1. Honours the masters house
2. Feed his fellow servants (Titus and Timothy)
3. Look at how Peter finally gets it! ( 1 Peter 5)

So that is the overview of meaning.