John Calvin Commentary Luke 15:10

"Even so, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth." — Luke 15:10 (ASV)

There will be joy in the presence of the angels. If angels mutually rejoice with each other in heaven when they see that what had wandered is restored to the fold, we too, who have the same cause in common with them, ought to be partakers of the same joy. But how does he say that the repentance of one ungodly man yields greater joy than the perseverance of many righteous men to angels, whose highest delight is in a continued and uninterrupted course of righteousness? I reply, though it would be more agreeable to the wishes of angels (as it is also more desirable) that men should always remain in perfect integrity, yet because in the deliverance of a sinner, who had already been devoted to destruction and had been cut off as a rotten member from the body, the mercy of God shines more brightly, he attributes to angels, in a human way, a greater joy arising from an unexpected good.

Over one repenting sinner. The word repentance is specifically limited to the conversion of those who, having completely turned away from God, rise as it were from death to life. For otherwise, the practice of repentance ought to be continuous throughout our entire lives,⁵¹¹ and no one is exempt from this necessity, since everyone is reminded by their imperfections that they ought to aim for daily progress.

But it is one thing when a man, who has already entered upon the right course, though he stumble, or fall, or even go astray, endeavors to reach the goal; and another thing when a man leaves a road that was entirely wrong, or is just beginning on the right course.⁵¹² Those who have already begun to regulate their lives by the standard of the divine law do not need that kind of repentance which consists in beginning to lead a holy and pious life, though they must groan⁵¹³ under the infirmities of the flesh and labor to correct them.

⁵¹¹ “Tant que nous sommes en ce monde;” — “as long as we are in this world.”;” — “as long as we are in this world.”

⁵¹² “Quand celuy qui estoit du tout esgare tourne bride pour commencer a bien faire;” — “when he who had altogether gone astray turns round to begin to do well.”;” — “when he who had altogether gone astray turns round to begin to do well.”

⁵¹³ “Combien qu’il soit tousiours necessaire de gemir;” — “though it be necessary for them always to groan.”;” — “though it be necessary for them always to groan.”