John Calvin Commentary Luke 22:35

"And he said unto them, When I sent you forth without purse, and wallet, and shoes, lacked ye anything? And they said, Nothing." — Luke 22:35 (ASV)

And he said to them. The whole purpose of this discourse of Christ is to show that until now He spared His disciples, so that He did not lay on them a burden heavier than they were able to bear.

He reminds them of the leniency shown previously, so that they might now prepare themselves with greater eagerness for more severe warfare.

For why did He, while they were completely lacking skill and training, keep them sheltered and at rest, away from the enemy’s attacks, if not so that by gradually gathering courage and strength during the period of leisure, they might be better prepared for fighting?

The meaning is: “Until now you have had an easy and prosperous condition, because I wished to treat you gently, like children; the time has now fully come when I must engage you in work, as men.”

But the comparison He makes between the two periods is still more extensive. For if they lacked nothing when they went out to perform their duties without taking a supply of provisions with them, when a peaceful situation allowed them time to provide for their needs, how much more now, in the midst of turmoil and commotion, should they set aside anxiety about this present life and run wherever necessity calls them.

And although Christ makes special mention of what He had done concerning the twelve apostles, He also shows that while we are still beginners and weak in faith, He continues to treat us with leniency until we mature. Therefore, those act improperly who devote their leisure to pursuing luxuries that diminish the strength of their faith.

And let us not doubt that Christ is mindful of us today, since He does not rush us into battle while we are still untrained and inexperienced, but, before sending us to the field, He equips us with armor and courage.