John Calvin Commentary Luke 18:10

"Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican." — Luke 18:10 (ASV)

Two men went up. Christ makes a comparison between the two men, both of whom, by going up to pray, seem to manifest the same ardor of piety, yet they are exceedingly unlike.

The Pharisee, possessing outward sanctity, approaches God with a commendation which he pronounces on his whole life, and as if he had an undoubted right to offer the sacrifice of praise.

The publican, on the other hand, as if he were an outcast and knew that he was unworthy to approach, presents himself with trembling and with humble confession.

Christ affirms that the Pharisee was rejected and that the prayers of the publican were acceptable to God. The reasons why the Pharisee was rejected are stated to be these two: he trusted in himself that he was righteous, and despised others.