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Luke 15:1

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Luke 15:1 sets the stage for some of Jesus' most beloved parables, revealing a profound truth about His mission and the nature of God's kingdom. It describes a scene that would have been shocking to the religious elite of the day, yet perfectly consistent with Jesus' character and purpose.

Context and Setting

This verse immediately precedes the famous parables of the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:3-32). The phrase "Then drew near unto him" indicates a consistent pattern of Jesus' ministry. Unlike the religious leaders who often shunned those considered unclean or unrighteous, Jesus actively welcomed them. The very next verse, Luke 15:2, reveals the critical reaction of the Pharisees and scribes to this open association, highlighting the stark contrast between their exclusive piety and Jesus' inclusive compassion.

Who were the Publicans and Sinners?

  • Publicans (telōnēs): These were Jewish tax collectors working for the Roman occupying power. They were deeply resented by their own people not only for collaborating with the enemy but also for their notorious practice of extortion, often collecting more than required and keeping the excess. They were seen as traitors and morally corrupt. A prime example of such a figure is Zacchaeus, a chief publican, whom Jesus famously visited.
  • Sinners (hamartōlos): This term was broadly applied by the religious establishment to anyone who did not strictly adhere to their interpretation of the Mosaic Law or who engaged in professions considered morally dubious. This included prostitutes, thieves, and generally those who lived outside the accepted religious and social norms. By associating with them, Jesus challenged the rigid social and religious boundaries of His time. Indeed, Jesus was often derided as a "friend of publicans and sinners" (Matthew 11:19).

Key Themes and Significance

  • Jesus' Radical Inclusivity: This verse beautifully illustrates Jesus' primary mission: to reach those considered lost and unworthy. He did not wait for people to clean themselves up; instead, He met them where they were, extending grace and an invitation to hear His message. This contrasts sharply with the religious leaders who often separated themselves from such individuals.
  • The Purpose of His Ministry: The fact that these outcasts "drew near... for to hear him" underscores their spiritual hunger and Jesus' magnetic appeal. His teachings offered hope and acceptance where traditional religion offered condemnation. This aligns with His declaration in Luke 19:10, "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost."
  • Divine Compassion: The willingness of Jesus to engage with and teach those marginalized by society reflects God's boundless compassion and desire for all to come to repentance, as seen in the parables that follow.

Practical Application

Luke 15:1 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today. It challenges us to examine our own attitudes towards those considered "outsiders" or "sinners" by societal or religious standards. Just as Jesus welcomed them, we are called to extend God's grace and love, making the Gospel accessible to all, without prejudice or prerequisite. It emphasizes that no one is beyond the reach of God's saving grace, and His desire is for all to draw near and hear His life-transforming truth.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Timothy 1:15 (12 votes)

    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 (9 votes)

    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 (9 votes)

    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 (9 votes)

    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 (9 votes)

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

  • Matthew 21:28 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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.