Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 6:24

"But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation." — Luke 6:24 (ASV)

The woes in both structure and content form a direct contrast to the blessings. This again follows the pattern of Mary’s song in 1:53.

Jesus pronounces woe to the “rich,” not simply because they are wealthy, but (1) because they have chosen present gratification over future blessing; (2) because rich people criticized in Luke disregard spiritual realities (e.g., 12:15– 21); and (3) perhaps because, as was generally assumed, the wealthy became so at the expense of others (cf. James 2:6–7).

The word “all” in the clause “when all men speak well of you” (v.26) should be emphasized, lest we distort the basic concepts of honor and praise. False prophets plagued God’s people in OT times; they were a threat in Jesus’ day (Matthew 7:15–23), in Paul’s day (Acts 13:6; cf. 20:29–30), and on into the church age (cf. 1Jn 4:1).

In place of the five antitheses of Mt 5:21–48, Luke selects one theme and enlarges on it. As might be expected from his basic concern for people, he chooses the theme of love. He does not present the teaching of Jesus over against the prevalent distortion of the OT (cf. Matthew 5:43–44). Instead he conveys only the positive command.