Albert Barnes Commentary Luke 7:39

"Now when the Pharisee that had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have perceived who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him, that she is a sinner." — Luke 7:39 (ASV)

He spake within himself. Thought.

If he were a prophet. The word prophet here means not one who predicts future events, but one who knows the hearts of men. If Jesus had been sent from God as a prophet, Simon supposed that Jesus would have known the character of the woman and would have rebuked her.

Would have known, etc. Because Jesus did not rebuke her and drive her from his presence, Simon inferred that Jesus could not be acquainted with her character. The Pharisees considered it improper to associate with those who were notorious sinners.

They judged our Savior by their own rules and supposed that he would act in the same way; and Simon therefore concluded that Jesus did not know her character and could not be a prophet. Jesus did not refuse the company of the guilty. He came to save the lost; and no person ever came to him so sure of finding a friend as those who came conscious that they were deeply depraved and mourning on account of their crimes.

That touches him. The touch of a Gentile, or a person especially wicked, they supposed to be polluting, and the Pharisees avoided it. See Matthew 9:11.