Luke 15:22

Bring forth. Important textual evidence may be cited (cf. p. 146) for the reading “bring forth quickly.”

Robe. Gr. stole, a loose outer garment for men, which extended to the feet; usually worn by persons of rank. From the very first the father received him as a son and not as a servant. To begin with, the father had cast his own mantle about the youth, for the purpose of hiding his rags (see COL 203, 204) and sparing him the embarrassment of being seen in his tattered garments even by the servants of the household. It is unlikely that the servants accompanied their master as he ran forth to greet his son, and therefore the command to “bring forth the best robe” was given as father and son approached the house.

A ring. Another token that the father still owned him as a son. This was probably a signet ring (see on Esther 3:10; 8:2), and if so, the placing of it on his finger indicated even more clearly his restored status as a member of the family. No doubt the young man had long since sold or pawned the signet ring he formerly wore.

Shoes. Literally, “sandals” (see on Matt. 3:11). Servants commonly went barefoot. “Shoes” were a further indication that the father received the repentant prodigal as a son and not as a servant. The best robe, the ring, and the shoes were not necessities, but special tokens of favor. The father not only provided for the needs of his son, but honored him, and in so doing gave evidence of the love and joy that filled his own heart. By the use of this parable Jesus justifies the welcome He accorded the sinners who pressed about Him (see on v. 1) and reproved the scribes and Pharisees for their critical attitude toward Him for doing so (see on v. 2).