Luke 5:28

KJV

And he left all, rose up, and followed him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he left {G2641} all {G537}, rose up {G450}, and followed {G190} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He got up, left everything and followed him.

Berean Standard Bible

and Levi got up, left everything, and followed Him.

American Standard Version

And he forsook all, and rose up and followed him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 5:28 powerfully depicts the immediate and unequivocal response of Levi, the tax collector, to Jesus' call to discipleship. This pivotal moment showcases Levi's radical abandonment of his lucrative, yet socially ostracized, profession and his instant commitment to following Christ. It underscores the transformative power of Jesus' invitation and the profound nature of true discipleship, which demands wholehearted surrender and a reordering of one's entire life in service to the Kingdom of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Luke 5:28 is situated within a series of calls to discipleship, immediately following Jesus' miraculous catch of fish and the call of Simon Peter, James, and John in [Luke 5:1-11](/luke/5-1-11 "Luke 5:1-11 - The Miraculous Catch and Call of the First Disciples"). The narrative then shifts from fishermen to a tax collector, Levi, in [Luke 5:27](/luke/5-27 "Luke 5:27 - Jesus Calls Levi"). This sequence highlights the diverse backgrounds from which Jesus drew His followers, demonstrating that His call transcends social status, profession, or past reputation. The immediate response of Levi sets the stage for the subsequent narrative in [Luke 5:29-32](/luke/5-29-32 "Luke 5:29-32 - Jesus Eats with Sinners"), where Jesus dines with tax collectors and sinners, prompting a challenge from the Pharisees and Jesus' famous declaration about His mission to call sinners to repentance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judea, tax collectors (publicans) were among the most despised members of Jewish society. They were often Jews who collaborated with the Roman occupying forces, extorting money from their own people, frequently collecting more than required for personal profit. Their profession rendered them ritually unclean and socially ostracized, often equated with "sinners" and prostitutes. For a respected rabbi like Jesus to not only associate with but actively call a tax collector to be a disciple was a radical act that defied conventional social and religious norms. This act profoundly communicated Jesus' inclusive mission and challenged the prevailing religious elitism of the day, particularly among the Pharisees.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes in Luke's Gospel. It powerfully illustrates **radical discipleship**, where following Jesus demands a complete reorientation of one's life, often involving significant personal sacrifice, as seen in [Luke 9:23-26](/luke/9-23-26 "Luke 9:23-26 - The Cost of Discipleship"). It also highlights Jesus' **inclusive mission**, demonstrating His willingness to call and transform individuals from all walks of life, regardless of their past or social standing, a theme central to Luke's portrayal of Jesus' ministry to the marginalized and outcast, as further seen in [Luke 15](/luke/15 "Luke 15 - Parables of the Lost"). Furthermore, Levi's immediate and decisive obedience exemplifies **faith and prompt response** to God's call, a motif that recurs throughout the Gospels as a hallmark of genuine belief.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **left (Greek, _kataleípō'_):** From `κατά` (down) and `λείπω` (to leave). This word means "to leave down," "to leave behind," or "to abandon." In this context, it signifies a complete and decisive break from Levi's previous life and livelihood. It implies not just a temporary departure but a permanent relinquishment of his tax-collecting profession and all its associated benefits and identity.
* **rose up (Greek, _anístēmi'_):** From `ἀνά` (up) and `ἵστημι` (to stand). This verb means "to stand up," "to arise," or "to be raised up." It denotes an immediate physical action of getting up from his tax booth, but also carries a metaphorical sense of rising to a new calling, a new life, and a new identity. It signifies a readiness and promptness in response to Jesus' command.
* **followed (Greek, _akolouthéō'_):** From `Α` (as a particle of union) and `κέλευθος` (a road). Properly, "to be in the same way with," meaning "to accompany" or "to follow." In the context of discipleship, it implies not just walking behind someone physically, but becoming a committed adherent, adopting their teachings, and aligning one's life with their purpose. For Levi, it meant becoming a disciple of Jesus, learning from Him, and participating in His mission.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he left all":** This clause emphasizes the radical and comprehensive nature of Levi's response. "All" (Greek, _hápas'_), meaning absolutely everything, refers to his entire previous life, most notably his lucrative profession as a tax collector. This was a significant sacrifice, as it meant abandoning financial security and a established career, however disreputable it might have been in society's eyes. It highlights the total commitment required for genuine discipleship.
* **"rose up":** This phrase conveys the immediacy and decisiveness of Levi's action. There was no hesitation, no negotiation, no delay. He physically stood up from his tax booth, symbolizing his readiness to depart from his old life and embrace the new path Jesus offered. This promptness is a hallmark of true faith and obedience.
* **"and followed him":** This final clause signifies the ultimate act of discipleship. It means Levi became a follower of Jesus, committing to learn from Him, accompany Him, and participate in His ministry. This act was a public declaration of his allegiance to Christ, turning his back on his past identity to embrace a new one as a disciple.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's concise narration in [Luke 5:28](/luke/5-28 "Luke 5:28 - Levi Follows Jesus") employs several powerful literary devices. The **Brevity** of the statement itself, "And he left all, rose up, and followed him," creates a sense of immediate and absolute commitment, emphasizing the decisiveness of Levi's response without unnecessary elaboration. This **Conciseness** heightens the dramatic impact of the conversion. Furthermore, the action of "left all" functions as **Symbolism**, representing not merely a physical departure from a tax booth but a complete abandonment of an old way of life, a former identity, and worldly attachments in favor of radical devotion to Christ. The parallel structure of the three short, active verbs ("left," "rose up," "followed") creates a sense of rapid, unhesitating movement, underscoring the **Immediacy** of Levi's obedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 5:28 profoundly illustrates the transformative power of Jesus' call and the nature of genuine discipleship. Levi's immediate and total abandonment of his former life serves as a powerful theological statement about the supremacy of Christ's kingdom over worldly gain and societal standing. It underscores the truth that salvation and true life are found not in accumulation but in surrender and following Jesus. This event prefigures the broader New Testament theme that God's grace extends to all, regardless of their past sins or social status, challenging human-made distinctions of righteousness and demonstrating God's radical inclusivity. It also highlights the cost of discipleship, where true following often necessitates significant personal sacrifice and a reordering of priorities, placing Christ above all else.

* [Matthew 19:27](/matthew/19-27 "Matthew 19:27 - Peter's Question About Leaving All")
* [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Paul Counts All as Loss for Christ")
* [Luke 14:33](/luke/14-33 "Luke 14:33 - Renouncing Possessions for Discipleship")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Levi's response in Luke 5:28 offers a profound challenge and encouragement for believers today. His willingness to "leave all" prompts us to honestly assess what "all" might mean in our own lives – whether it's material possessions, career ambitions, social approval, comfort, or even deeply ingrained habits that hinder our full devotion to Christ. The immediacy of his obedience calls us to respond without hesitation when God's Spirit prompts us, trusting that His call is always for our ultimate good, even if it demands sacrifice. Furthermore, Levi's story reminds us that our past, no matter how checkered or despised by others, does not disqualify us from God's grace or service. Jesus' call is transformative, capable of taking the most unlikely individuals and reshaping them for His divine purposes, turning a despised tax collector into an apostle and Gospel writer.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "all" might Jesus be asking you to "leave" in your life today to follow Him more fully?**
* **How does Levi's immediate obedience challenge your own tendency to hesitate or negotiate with God's call?**
* **In what ways does Levi's transformation encourage you about Jesus' power to use anyone, regardless of their past?**

### FAQ
**Why was it so significant that Levi was a tax collector?**

Answer: It was profoundly significant because tax collectors were widely despised by Jewish society in the first century. They were seen as traitors who collaborated with the Roman occupiers and were often corrupt, extorting more money than was legally due. Their profession rendered them ritually unclean and socially ostracized, often grouped with "sinners" and prostitutes. For Jesus, a respected rabbi, to call a tax collector like Levi (also known as Matthew) to be one of His closest disciples was a radical act that defied social and religious conventions. It powerfully demonstrated Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost, regardless of their social standing or past sins, as He Himself later stated in [Luke 5:32](/luke/5-32 "Luke 5:32 - Jesus Calls Sinners to Repentance"): "I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 5:28, though a narrative of human response, powerfully points to the person and work of Christ. Levi's radical abandonment of "all" to follow Jesus foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Christ Himself, who "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ Empties Himself")) to fulfill His mission. Jesus' call to Levi, a despised tax collector, vividly illustrates His inclusive and redemptive mission to seek and save the lost, not just the outwardly righteous. This act demonstrates that the Kingdom of God is open to all who respond in faith, regardless of their past or social standing, echoing the profound truth that "God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love for Sinners")). Levi's transformation from an outcast to an apostle and Gospel writer is a testament to the transformative power of Christ's grace, which makes all things new and empowers individuals for divine service, ultimately culminating in the new creation offered through Christ's atoning work on the cross ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")).

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

Luke 5:11

And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.

Matthew 19:22

But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

Matthew 19:27

Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?

Luke 9:59

And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.

Luke 9:62

And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

1 Kings 19:19

¶ So he departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who [was] plowing [with] twelve yoke [of oxen] before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him.

1 Kings 19:21

And he returned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen, and slew them, and boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen, and gave unto the people, and they did eat. Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered unto him.