Commentary of the Gospel of Luke, Part I

Luke 8

LUKE 8 Luke 8:1–56 THE APOSTLES ARE GIVEN SPECIAL INSTRUCTION ON THE MYSTICAL TEACHING OF THE SCRIPTURES 1. And it came about afterwards, etc. Earlier1 general instruction was given to the disciples in matters required for the salvation of all people. But in this part is added instruction which is particular and pertains to the mystical teaching of the Scriptures. And since this teaching is proposed to the crowd in parables and openly to the disciples and confirmed by miracles, it has three parts. In the first part there is teaching in parables about hidden mysteries. In the second part information is given the apostles in plain language where verse 11 reads: Now the parable is this. Third comes the teaching’s authentic confirmation in clear and manifest miracles where verse 22 has: Now it came to pass on one of those days, etc. Luke 8:1–10 1 See Bonaventure’s commentary on Luke 6:12 (#24) above. ST. BONAVENTURE’S COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 652 CHRIST’S TEACHING IN PARABLES ABOUT HIDDEN MYSTERIES There are three things concerning Christ’s teaching in parables, which is presented to all classes of men and women to be heeded by them, but to be understood by the Apostles. First is the gathering together of the multitude to listen. Second is the proposal of the similitude for guidance where verse 5 reads: The sower went out to sow his seed, etc. Finally comes the appeal to care in understanding which verse 8 describes: He cried out, saying, etc. Relative to the first point it should be noted that there was a concourse of the multitude to hear Christ’s teaching for four reasons, reasons which can be inferred from the text itself. For some were accompanying Christ by reason of an office received, as the Apostles. Others, by reason of a benefit received, as the infirm who had been cured. Others, by reason of supplying a ministry, as the good women. Some, by reason of listening to the divine word, as the multitude of the crowd. And the Evangelist enumerates these four categories of people as coming together to hear Christ’s teaching. 2. (Verse 1). First, with regard to the Apostles who are traveling with Christ because of an office received the text says: And it came to pass afterwards that he was journeying through towns and villages, that is, through places where the little and the great2 dwell, according to what Wisdom 6:8 says: “He made the little and the great and cares equally for all,” especially with regard to those things that pertain to salvation. For this reason the text continues: preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God, according to what Isaiah 52:7 has: “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good tidings and preaches peace and announces salvation, preaching 2 Bonaventure uses technical medieval terminology for different social classes here: minores et maiores. The Vulgate of Wisdom 6:8 has pusillum et magnum. CHAPTER EIGHT 653 good tidings.”3 – And because it is useless to speak a word unless there is a listener, the text adds: And the twelve were with him, who were following him because of the office they had received and for which he had chosen them. Luke 6:13 above reads: “He chose twelve, whom he also called Apostles.” So these Apostles traveled about with him as he preached the good news, so that they might be co-workers with him in the Gospel, according to the exhortation the Apostle gives in 2 Timothy 1:8–9: “But be co-workers in the Gospel according to the power of God, who freed us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our good works, but according to his own purpose.” For, as John 15:16 reads: “You did not chose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain.” 3. (Verse 2). Second, concerning the cured who are following Christ because of a benefit received the text adds: And certain women. Supply: were journeying with him and were doing this because of benefits received. So the text continues: who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities. So they were accompanying him as their savior and physician, according to the counsel of the...