John Calvin Commentary Luke 16:19

"Now there was a certain rich man, and he was clothed in purple and fine linen, faring sumptuously every day:" — Luke 16:19 (ASV)

Although Luke introduces some things between them, there can be no doubt that this example was intended by Christ to confirm the discourse we have last examined. He points out what condition awaits those³⁰⁷ who neglect the care of the poor and indulge in all kinds of gluttony; who give themselves up to drunkenness and other pleasures, and allow their neighbors to suffer from hunger; indeed, who cruelly kill with famine those whom they ought to have relieved, when they had the means to do so. Some look upon it as a simple parable; but, as the name Lazarus occurs in it, I rather consider it to be the narrative of an actual event. But that is of little importance, provided that the reader understands the doctrine it contains.

There was a certain rich man. He is, first of all, described as clothed in purple and fine linen, and enjoying every day splendor and luxury. This denotes a life spent amidst delicacies, excess, and pomp.

Not that all elegance and ornaments of dress are in themselves displeasing to God, or that all the care taken in preparing food ought to be condemned; rather, it is because it seldom happens that such things are kept in moderation. He who has a liking for fine dress will constantly increase his luxury with new additions; and it is scarcely possible that he who indulges in sumptuous and well-garnished tables will avoid falling into intemperance.

But the chief accusation brought against this man is his cruelty in allowing Lazarus, poor and full of sores, to lie outdoors at his gate.

Christ has presented these two portrayals in contrast. The rich man, devoted to the pleasures of the table and to display, swallowed up his enormous wealth like an insatiable gulf, yet remained unmoved by the poverty and distresses of Lazarus. He knowingly and willingly allowed him to waste away from hunger, cold, and the offensive smell of his sores.

In this manner, Ezekiel 16:49 accuses Sodom of not stretching out her hand to the poor amidst fullness of bread and wine. The fine linen, which is a particularly delicate fabric, was well-known to have been used by the inhabitants of eastern countries for elegance and splendor. This was a fashion that Popish priests have imitated in what they call their surplices.

³⁰⁷ “Quelle sera hors de ce monde la condition de ceux;” — “what will be out of this world the condition of those.”;” — “what will be out of this world the condition of those.”