Luke 12:1

In the mean time. These introductory words clearly connect the discourse recorded in chapter 12 with the incident at the home of a Pharisee recorded in chapter 11. Although upon previous occasions Jesus had set forth most of the counsel recorded in chapter 12, this chapter seems to be, in its entirety, a connected discourse given immediately after the incident at the home of the Pharisee. A few months yet remained before the close of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Luke 12:2-9, 51-53 is similar to Matthew 10:26-36, the charge to the Twelve. Luke 12:22-34, 57-59 is similar to Matthew 6:25-34, 19-21; 5:25, 26. Luke 12:39-46 is similar to Matthew 24:43-51. Luke 12:54-56 resembles Matthew 16:2, 3. The theme of the entire 12th chapter of Luke is the sincerity and devotion that should characterize the true follower of Jesus, in contrast with the hypocrisy of the Pharisees.

An innumerable multitude. Greek muriades, literally, “tens of thousands”; hence, in general usage, any vast number (see Acts 21:20). Our English word “myriad” is from murias (plural, muriades).

Trode one upon another. A graphic detail that emphasizes the size of the crowd.

First of all. The following discourse was addressed primarily to the disciples, but was intended also for the “myriads” of people. The words “first of all” should not be connected with “beware,” but with “began to say unto his disciples.”

Beware ye. See on Matthew 16:5-9. In the incident at the home of the Pharisee the disciples had seen the leaven of the Pharisees at work (see Luke 11:37-54).

Hypocrisy. Previously Jesus had defined the “leaven” of the Pharisees as their “doctrine” (see Matthew 16:12), that is, what they professed to believe and what they taught. Here the term “leaven” is applied primarily to their way of life. In theory (“doctrine”) and in practice (“hypocrisy”), by precept and by example, the influence of the Pharisees led men away from God and truth. For the word “hypocrite” see on Matthew 6:2; 23:13.