Luke 12:41

¶ Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?

Then {G1161} Peter {G4074} said {G2036} unto him {G846}, Lord {G2962}, speakest thou {G3004} this {G5026} parable {G3850} unto {G4314} us {G2248}, or {G2228} even {G2532} to {G4314} all {G3956}?

Kefa said, “Sir, are you telling this parable for our benefit only or for everyone’s?”

“Lord,” said Peter, “are You addressing this parable to us, or to everyone else as well?”

And Peter said, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even unto all?

Commentary

Context

Luke 12:41 immediately follows Jesus' teaching on vigilance and readiness for His return, particularly the parable of the faithful and wise servant (Luke 12:35-40). In this parable, Jesus emphasizes the importance of being prepared and diligent in one's duties while the master is away, contrasting the reward of the faithful servant with the severe consequences for the unfaithful. This teaching was directed at His disciples, but the question Peter asks highlights a common inquiry about the scope of divine instruction.

Peter's Inquiry

Peter, often the outspoken disciple, asks Jesus directly, "Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?" This question reveals a desire for clarity regarding the intended audience and applicability of Jesus' preceding message. Was the stern warning about accountability and readiness primarily for the inner circle of disciples, who would soon bear significant leadership responsibilities, or was it a universal principle for all who would follow Him? Peter's question prompts Jesus to elaborate further on the unique responsibilities of those entrusted with more.

Key Themes

  • Scope of Teaching: Peter's question brings to the forefront the distinction between principles that apply to all believers and those that carry specific weight for leaders or those in particular roles of service.
  • Stewardship and Accountability: Central to the preceding parable and Peter's inquiry is the theme of faithfulness in stewardship. Everyone is entrusted with something—time, talents, resources, the Gospel itself—and will be held accountable for how they manage it.
  • Personal Application: This verse underscores the importance of not just hearing God's word, but actively discerning its personal relevance and applying it to one's own life and circumstances.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?" clearly captures Peter's desire for clarification on the intended audience. The term "parable" (Greek: parabolē) refers to the illustrative story Jesus had just told, designed to convey a practical truth through analogy. Peter wants to know if the analogy of the watchful and diligent servant applies universally or specifically to those who are 'servants' in a leadership capacity.

Related Scriptures

Jesus' immediate response to Peter's question begins in Luke 12:42, where He identifies the "faithful and wise steward," implying a specific class of individuals with greater responsibility. This concept is further emphasized later in the same chapter with the principle, "For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required" (Luke 12:48). This theme of varying levels of accountability based on entrusted responsibility is also echoed in the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30.

Practical Application

Peter's question remains highly relevant for believers today. While some teachings might have particular weight for those in positions of spiritual leadership or service, the core principles of vigilance, readiness for Christ's return, and diligent stewardship are universal. Every Christian is a steward of God's grace, truth, and resources. We are all called to be good stewards of the manifold grace of God. The challenge is to apply biblical truths personally, understanding that while God's love and salvation are for all, our individual responsibilities may vary according to what has been given to us.

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Cross-References

  • Mark 13:37 (4 votes)

    And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

  • 1 Peter 4:7 (3 votes)

    ¶ But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

  • Mark 14:37 (1 votes)

    And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour?

  • 1 Peter 5:8 (1 votes)

    ¶ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: