Luke 20:1

¶ And it came to pass, [that] on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon [him] with the elders,

And {G2532} it came to pass {G1096}, that on {G1722} one {G3391} of those {G1565} days {G2250}, as he {G846} taught {G1321} the people {G2992} in {G1722} the temple {G2411}, and {G2532} preached the gospel {G2097}, the chief priests {G749} and {G2532} the scribes {G1122} came upon {G2186} him with {G4862} the elders {G4245},

One day, as Yeshua was teaching the people at the Temple, making known the Good News, the head cohanim and the Torah-teachers, along with the elders, came up to him

One day as Jesus was teaching the people in the temple courts and proclaiming the gospel, the chief priests and scribes, together with the elders, came up to Him.

And it came to pass, on one of the days, as he was teaching the people in the temple, and preaching the gospel, there came upon him the chief priests and the scribes with the elders;

Commentary

Luke 20:1 marks the beginning of a significant series of confrontations between Jesus and the Jewish religious leaders during His final week in Jerusalem. This verse sets the stage for a critical period of Jesus' ministry, highlighting His unwavering commitment to teaching and proclaiming the truth amidst growing opposition.

Context

The phrase "on one of those days" refers to the period immediately following Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem and His cleansing of the temple (see Luke 19:45-46). This places the event squarely within what is commonly known as Passion Week, the final days leading up to His crucifixion. Jesus was teaching "in the temple," the spiritual and administrative heart of Jewish life, making His message highly public and directly challenging the established order.

The "chief priests and the scribes with the elders" represent the full spectrum of the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish religious and judicial council. Their arrival was not casual but a deliberate act of confrontation, aiming to challenge Jesus' authority and undermine His influence among the people.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Unwavering Ministry: Despite the escalating tension and clear threats to His life, Jesus continued His mission of teaching the people and "preached the gospel" (the good news of the Kingdom of God). His dedication to proclaiming truth remained steadfast.
  • Clash of Authorities: This verse initiates a direct confrontation between Jesus' divine authority and the human, institutional authority of the religious establishment. The leaders questioned Jesus' right to teach and act as He did, setting the stage for the parables and debates that follow in Luke 20.
  • The Nature of the Gospel: Jesus was actively proclaiming the "good news" (Greek: euangelion), which encompassed His teachings about God's kingdom, repentance, and salvation. This public proclamation in the temple underscores the universal nature of the message, even as it faced rejection from those in power. For more on the gospel message, consider Mark 1:14-15.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "preached the gospel" is euangelizomai, which means "to announce good news" or "to evangelize." It emphasizes the joyful and transformative nature of the message Jesus was delivering. The phrase "came upon him" (Greek: ephistēmi) suggests a sudden, decisive appearance, often with an intent to challenge or confront, underscoring the adversarial nature of the encounter.

Practical Application

Luke 20:1 reminds believers that proclaiming the truth of the gospel often invites opposition, especially from those whose power or traditions are threatened. Jesus' example teaches us to remain faithful to our calling, continuing to share the good news with courage and conviction, even when faced with scrutiny or challenge. It also highlights the importance of understanding and asserting the true source of authority – God's authority – over human institutions.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 21:23 (4 votes)

    ¶ And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?

  • Matthew 21:27 (4 votes)

    And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

  • 1 Chronicles 24:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ Now [these are] the divisions of the sons of Aaron. The sons of Aaron; Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

  • 1 Chronicles 24:31 (2 votes)

    These likewise cast lots over against their brethren the sons of Aaron in the presence of David the king, and Zadok, and Ahimelech, and the chief of the fathers of the priests and Levites, even the principal fathers over against their younger brethren.

  • Acts 6:12 (2 votes)

    And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon [him], and caught him, and brought [him] to the council,

  • John 18:20 (2 votes)

    Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.

  • Acts 4:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,