Christ certainly produces them here as witnesses to convict him of unfeeling and detestable cruelty. But the crowning exhibition of his wicked, and savage, and worse than brutal disposition was, that he did not learn pity even from the dogs There can be no doubt that those dogs were guided by the secret purpose of God, to condemn that man by their example. Had there been a drop of humanity in him, he ought at least to have ordered a supply from his kitchen for the unhappy man. It was quite enough to prove the hardened cruelty of the rich man, that the sight of wretchedness like this did not move him to compassion. The fine linen, which is a peculiarly delicate fabric, is well-known to have been used by the inhabitants of eastern countries for elegance and splendor a fashion which the Popish priests have imitated in what they call their surplices.Ģ1. In this manner Ezekiel (16:49) accuses Sodom of not stretching out her hand to the poor amidst fullness of bread and wine. The rich man, devoted to the pleasures of the table and to display, swallowed up, like an unsatiable gulf, his enormous wealth, but remained unmoved by the poverty and distresses of Lazarus, and knowingly and willingly suffered him to pine away with hunger, cold, and the offensive smell of his sores. These two clauses Christ has exhibited in contrast. But the chief accusation brought against this man is his cruelty in suffering Lazarus, poor and full of sores, to lie out of doors at his gate. He who has a liking for fine dress will constantly increase his luxury by fresh additions and it is scarcely possible that he who indulges in sumptuous and well garnished tables shall avoid falling into intemperance. Not that all elegance and ornaments of dress are in themselves displeasing to God, or that all the care bestowed on preparing victuals ought to be condemned but because it seldom happens that such things are kept in moderation.

This denotes a life spent amidst delicacies, and superfluity, and pomp. 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. But that is of little consequence, provided that the reader comprehends the doctrine which it contains.ġ9. 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 fact. He points out what condition awaits those who neglect the care of the poor, and indulge in all manner of gluttony who give themselves up to drunkenness and other pleasures, and allow their neighbors to pine with hunger nay, who cruelly kill with famine those whom they ought to have relieved, when the means of doing so were in their power. Though Luke introduces some things between them, there can be no doubt that this example was intended by Christ to confirm the discourse which we have last examined. And he said to him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rose from the dead. But he said, Nay, father Abraham but if one went to them from the dead, they will repent.31. Abraham saith to him, They have Moses and the prophets: let them hear them.30. For I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come into this place of torment.29. And he said, I beseech thee, therefore, father, to send him to my father's house: 28. And besides all these things, a vast gulf lieth between us and you so that they who wish to pass hence to you cannot, nor can they pass to us thence.27. And Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and Lazarus likewise evil things: but now he enjoys comfort, and thou art tormented.26. And he, crying out, said, Father Abraham, have compassion on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue for I am tormented in this flame.25. And, lifting up his eyes in hell, when he was in torments, he seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.24. And it happened that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried 23. And desiring to be fed from the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: and even the dogs came and licked his sores.22. And there was a certain beggar, named Lazarus, who lay at his gate, full of sores, 21. There was a certain rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen, and feasted sumptuously every day: 20. Commentary on Matthew, Mark, Luke - Volume 2 - John Calvin Luke 16:19-31ġ9.

Luke 16 19 31 commentary