Luke 15:1

KJV

¶ Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G1161} drew near {G2258}{G1448} unto him {G846} all {G3956} the publicans {G5057} and {G2532} sinners {G268} for to hear {G191} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The tax-collectors and sinners kept gathering around to hear Yeshua,

Berean Standard Bible

Now all the tax collectors and sinners were gathering around to listen to Jesus.

American Standard Version

Now all the publicans and sinners were drawing near unto him to hear him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 15:1 introduces a pivotal scene in Jesus' ministry, depicting a large gathering of publicans and sinners who eagerly draw near to hear His teaching. This immediate context sets the stage for the profound parables of the lost that follow, highlighting Jesus' radical inclusivity and the divine heart for those marginalized by society and traditional religious structures. It reveals a stark contrast between Jesus' welcoming approach and the exclusive piety of the religious elite, underscoring the universal accessibility of God's grace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the immediate narrative setup for the famous parables of the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Prodigal Son, which comprise the remainder of [Luke 15](/luke/15 "Luke 15 - Parables of the Lost"). The phrase "Then drew near unto him" indicates a continuous pattern of Jesus' ministry, where He consistently engaged with those considered outcasts. The very next verse, [Luke 15:2](/luke/15-2 "Luke 15:2 - The Grumbling of the Pharisees and Scribes"), reveals the critical reaction of the Pharisees and scribes to this open association, which directly provokes Jesus' telling of these parables. Thus, [Luke 15:1](/luke/15-1 "Luke 15:1 - Publicans and Sinners Draw Near to Jesus") establishes the audience and the underlying tension that Jesus addresses through His teaching on divine compassion and repentance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Jewish society, "publicans" (tax collectors) and "sinners" occupied the lowest rung of the social and religious ladder. Publicans, like [Zacchaeus](/luke/19-1-10 "Luke 19:1-10 - Jesus and Zacchaeus"), were Jewish individuals who collaborated with the Roman occupying power, often extorting more than required, making them deeply resented as traitors and morally corrupt. "Sinners" was a broad term used by the religious establishment, particularly the Pharisees, to categorize anyone who did not strictly adhere to their interpretation of Mosaic Law or who engaged in professions deemed impure (e.g., prostitutes, shepherds, tanners). The Pharisees practiced strict separation from such individuals, viewing them as ritually unclean and spiritually defiled. Jesus' willingness to associate with and teach these groups was a profound challenge to the prevailing social and religious norms, earning Him the derisive title of a "[friend of publicans and sinners](/luke/7-34 "Luke 7:34 - Jesus Accused of Being a Friend of Sinners")" ([Matthew 11:19](/matthew/11-19 "Matthew 11:19 - Parallel Accusation")).
* **Key Themes:** [Luke 15:1](/luke/15-1 "Luke 15:1 - Publicans and Sinners Draw Near to Jesus") introduces several foundational themes that permeate Jesus' ministry and the Gospel of Luke. Firstly, it highlights Jesus' **radical inclusivity** and **divine welcome**, demonstrating that His message of the Kingdom of God was not exclusive to the "righteous" but extended to all who would hear. Secondly, it underscores **God's heart for the lost**, setting the stage for the subsequent parables that vividly portray God's active pursuit and immense joy over the repentance of a single sinner. Thirdly, it reveals the **contrast between true righteousness and legalism**, as Jesus' compassionate engagement with the marginalized stands in stark opposition to the judgmental exclusivism of the religious leaders. This verse thus lays the groundwork for understanding the very purpose of Jesus' earthly ministry: to "[seek and to save that which was lost](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and Save the Lost")".

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **drew near (Greek, _engízō'_):** This verb signifies an active, intentional approach, not merely a passive presence. It suggests a movement towards Jesus, indicating a spiritual hunger or curiosity on the part of the publicans and sinners. They were not forced or commanded to come, but were drawn by something in Jesus' character or message.
* **publicans (Greek, _telṓnēs'_):** Derived from words meaning "tax" and "to buy," this term refers to tax-farmers or collectors of public revenue. In the Jewish context, these individuals were deeply reviled for their collaboration with the Roman oppressors and their notorious practice of extortion, often enriching themselves at the expense of their own people. Their presence signifies the lowest social and moral stratum in the eyes of the religious elite.
* **sinners (Greek, _hamartōlós'_):** This term broadly describes those who were considered morally or ritually impure by the religious establishment. It encompassed not only those who committed overt sins but also those whose professions or lifestyles prevented them from observing the strictures of the Mosaic Law as interpreted by the Pharisees. Their inclusion alongside publicans emphasizes the breadth of Jesus' appeal to the marginalized and outcast.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then drew near unto him":** This phrase indicates a deliberate and collective movement towards Jesus. The use of "then" (G1161, *dé*) suggests a progression or a new development in the narrative, highlighting a significant moment where a specific group actively sought out Jesus. It implies an attraction to Jesus' person or teaching that transcended societal barriers.
* **"all the publicans and sinners":** This sweeping statement emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the crowd. While "all" may be a generalization, it powerfully conveys that the *entire category* of those considered outcasts by society and religious authorities were drawn to Jesus. This highlights Jesus' unique appeal and His willingness to associate with those whom others shunned.
* **"for to hear him":** This final clause specifies the purpose of their approach. They were not coming to condemn, challenge, or simply observe, but specifically to listen to Jesus' words. This indicates a receptivity and spiritual hunger among these marginalized individuals, contrasting sharply with the often-hostile or skeptical motives of the religious leaders.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 15:1 employs several literary devices to set the scene and foreshadow the ensuing narrative. **Juxtaposition** is immediately evident, though implicitly, as the presence of "publicans and sinners" drawing near to Jesus stands in stark contrast to the expected behavior of religious leaders who would avoid such association. This contrast becomes explicit in the very next verse ([Luke 15:2](/luke/15-2 "Luke 15:2 - The Grumbling of the Pharisees and Scribes")), where the Pharisees and scribes grumble about Jesus' inclusivity. The verse also uses **Generalization** with the phrase "all the publicans and sinners," which, while not necessarily meaning every single individual, serves to emphasize the *type* of people drawn to Jesus, highlighting the breadth of His appeal to society's outcasts. This serves as a powerful **Foreshadowing** for the parables that follow, which will elaborate on God's active pursuit and joyful reception of the lost, making the initial scene of the outcasts drawing near a fitting introduction to the themes of repentance and divine grace.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 15:1 is profoundly significant as it encapsulates the very heart of Jesus' mission and God's character. It reveals a God who does not wait for the lost to clean themselves up but actively draws them near, extending grace and an invitation to hear His life-giving message. This radical inclusivity challenges all human-made barriers of social status, moral purity, or religious adherence, demonstrating that God's love and desire for repentance extend to all people, regardless of their past or present condition. The eagerness of the publicans and sinners to "hear him" underscores their spiritual hunger and the magnetic appeal of Jesus' message, which offered hope and acceptance where traditional religion often offered only condemnation. This scene sets the stage for the profound revelation of divine compassion found in the parables that follow, emphasizing that there is great joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.

* [Matthew 9:10-13](/matthew/9-10-13 "Matthew 9:10-13 - Jesus Eats with Sinners")
* [Mark 2:15-17](/mark/2-15-17 "Mark 2:15-17 - The Call of Levi and Eating with Sinners")
* [Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and Save the Lost")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 15:1 serves as a powerful mirror for believers and the church today, compelling us to examine our own attitudes and practices regarding those considered "outsiders" or "sinners" by societal or religious standards. Just as Jesus welcomed the marginalized without prejudice, we are called to embody God's boundless grace and love, making the Gospel accessible and inviting to all, irrespective of their background, past mistakes, or current lifestyle. This verse challenges us to dismantle any self-imposed barriers that might prevent us from engaging with those who are spiritually hungry but socially ostracized. It reminds us that our mission, like Christ's, is to seek and save the lost, extending genuine compassion and the transformative truth of God's Word to all who are willing to hear. No one is beyond the reach of God's saving grace, and our ministries should reflect this divine reality.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we, as individuals and as a church, tend to categorize or distance ourselves from those society labels as "sinners" or "outcasts"?**
* **In what practical ways can we better embody Jesus' radical inclusivity in our daily lives, communities, and church ministries?**
* **What might prevent us from "drawing near" to those who need to hear the Gospel, and how can we overcome these barriers to extend God's welcoming love?**

### FAQ

**Why were publicans and sinners grouped together, and what does this say about Jesus' ministry?**

Answer: Publicans and sinners were grouped together because, despite their differing specific reasons for being ostracized, both categories represented individuals who were considered morally corrupt and ritually unclean by the religious establishment of Jesus' day, particularly the Pharisees. Publicans (tax collectors) were despised for collaborating with the Roman occupiers and for their notorious practice of extortion. "Sinners" was a broader term for anyone who did not adhere to the strict interpretations of the Mosaic Law by the religious elite, including prostitutes, thieves, and those in "unclean" professions. Jesus' willingness to associate with and teach both groups—even allowing them to "draw near" to Him—was a radical act that defied social and religious conventions. It profoundly demonstrated His mission to "[seek and to save that which was lost](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and Save the Lost")" and revealed God's boundless compassion for all people, regardless of their societal standing or past actions. This inclusivity was a hallmark of His ministry, contrasting sharply with the legalistic separation practiced by His critics, as seen in [Luke 15:2](/luke/15-2 "Luke 15:2 - The Grumbling of the Pharisees and Scribes").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 15:1, with its depiction of "publicans and sinners" drawing near to Jesus, beautifully foreshadows and embodies the very essence of Christ's redemptive work. Jesus, the sinless Son of God, did not distance Himself from the brokenness and moral impurity of humanity; instead, He actively welcomed it, demonstrating God's profound love for a lost world. His willingness to associate with those deemed unworthy by society was a tangible expression of His mission to reconcile humanity to God. He came not for the "righteous" but for sinners, to call them to repentance and offer them new life. This scene anticipates the ultimate sacrifice on the cross, where Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), became sin for us, bridging the chasm between a holy God and fallen humanity ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His atoning work, He made it possible for all who believe to "draw near" to God, not based on their merit, but on His perfect righteousness and sacrificial love ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). Thus, [Luke 15:1](/luke/15-1 "Luke 15:1 - Publicans and Sinners Draw Near to Jesus") is a vivid illustration of the Gospel, where the [Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and Save the Lost"), fulfilling God's eternal plan of redemption for all who would hear and believe ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Timothy 1:15

This [is] a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

Matthew 9:10

And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.

Matthew 9:13

But go ye and learn what [that] meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Luke 5:29

And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them.

Luke 5:32

I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Matthew 21:28

¶ But what think ye? A [certain] man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.

Matthew 21:31

Whether of them twain did the will of [his] father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.