Luk 9:51-56 | Abbott | STEP | When the time was come, &c.; that is, towards the close of his life, long after the occurrences mentioned above. The incident seems to be narrated here, out of the order of time, for the purpose of introducing it, in connection with the other cases here related, in which the disciples were reproved by the Savior. The passage censures their want of faith; reproves ambition; , intolerance; and , resentment and anger.

Luke 9:51-56

When the time was come, &c.; that is, towards the close of his life, long after the occurrences mentioned above. The incident seems to be narrated here, out of the order of time, for the purpose of introducing it, in connection with the other cases here related, in which the disciples were reproved by the Savior. The passage 37-42 censures their want of faith; 46-48 reproves ambition; 49, 50, intolerance; and 51-56, resentment and anger.

Samaritans. The nearest route from Galilee to Jerusalem led through Samaria.

There was a bitter theological controversy between the Jews and the Samaritans, on the question whether Jerusalem, or a mountain in Samaria, was the proper place for the national worship. (For other allusions to this controversy, see John 4:9, 19.) Such contention and hatred, for such a cause, seem to us, at this day, sufficiently absurd. We have, however, an abundance of controversies of our own, of the same character;—disputes destroying the spirit of Christianity, in a merciless war about the forms in which it should be imbodied.

When we find in our hearts that our feelings towards those who oppose Christianity itself, or that particular form of it with which we are ourselves identified, are assuming the character of resentment or ill will, we may see the spirit which actuates us reflected here.—Even as Elias did, 2 Kings 1:10-12.

To another village; for rest and refreshment.