The First Disciples 1On one occasion, while Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesareta with the crowd pressing in on Him to hear the word of God, 2He saw two boats at the edge of the lake. The fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. 3Jesus got into the boat belonging to Simon and asked him to put out a little from shore. And sitting down, He taught the people from the boat. 4When Jesus had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” 5“Master,” Simon replied, “we have worked hard all night without catching anything. But because You say so, I will let down the nets.” 6When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to tear. 7So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. 8When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees. “Go away from me, Lord,” he said, “for I am a sinful man.” 9For he and his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10and so were his partners James and John, the sons of Zebedee. “Do not be afraid,” Jesus said to Simon. “From now on you will catch men.” 11And when they had brought their boats ashore, they left everything and followed Him. The Leper’s Prayer 12While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy.b When he saw Jesus, he fell facedown and begged Him, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” 13Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him. 14“Do not tell anyone,” Jesus instructed him. “But go, show yourself to the priest and present the offering Moses prescribed for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.”c 15But the news about Jesus spread all the more, and great crowds came to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses. 16Yet He frequently withdrew to the wilderness to pray. Jesus Heals a Paralytic 17One day Jesus was teaching, and the Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there. People had come from Jerusalem and from every village of Galilee and Judea, and the power of the Lord was present for Him to heal the sick. 18Just then some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. They tried to bring him inside to set him before Jesus, 19but they could not find a way through the crowd. So they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus. 20When Jesus saw their faith, He said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” 21But the scribes and Pharisees began thinking to themselves, “Who is this man who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 22Knowing what they were thinking, Jesus replied, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? 23Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? 24But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on the earth to forgive sins…” He said to the paralytic, “I tell you, get up, pick up your mat, and go home.” 25And immediately the man stood up before them, took what he had been lying on, and went home glorifying God. 26Everyone was taken with amazement and glorified God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.” Jesus Calls Levi 27After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the tax booth. “Follow Me,” He told him, 28and Levi got up, left everything, and followed Him. 29Then Levi hosted a great banquet for Jesus at his house. A large crowd of tax collectors was there, along with others who were eating with them. 30But the Pharisees and their scribes complained to Jesus’ disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” 31Jesus answered, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 32I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” Questions about Fasting 33Then they said to Him, “John’s disciples and those of the Pharisees frequently fast and pray, but Yours keep on eating and drinking.” 34Jesus replied, “Can you make the guests of the bridegroom fast while He is with them? 35But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.” The Patches and the Wineskins 36He also told them a parable: “No one tears a piece of cloth from a new garment and sews it on an old one. If he does, he will tear the new garment as well, and the patch from the new will not match the old. 37And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins, the wine will spill, and the wineskins will be ruined. 38Instead, new wine is poured into new wineskins. 39And no one after drinking old wine wants new, for he says, ‘The old is better.’” Footnotes: 1 a That is, the Sea of Galilee 12 b Leprosy was a term used for various skin diseases. See Leviticus 13. 14 c See Leviticus 14:1–32. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  Luke 5 Summary The First DisciplesVerses 1–3 – Jesus Teaches from Simon’s Boat Verses 4–11 – Miraculous Catch and Call of the First Disciples Verses 12–16 – Jesus Cleanses a Leper Verses 17–26 – Healing of the Paralytic and Declaration of Forgiveness Verses 27–32 – Call of Levi and Banquet with Sinners Verses 33–39 – Question on Fasting; Parables of Cloth and Wineskins Luke 5 presents a series of remarkable events and teachings in Jesus' ministry. From calling His first disciples to performing miraculous healings, Jesus challenges religious norms and provides insights into the nature of His mission. The controversies aroused by His actions and teachings spark profound reflections on the newness of His message. Historical and Geographical Background • Lake of Gennesaret is another name for the Sea of Galilee, a fertile, harp-shaped body of water about 13 miles long and 7½ miles wide. Fishing was the main industry, taxed by Herod Antipas. • Capernaum, likely the setting for much of Luke 5, sat on the northwest shore. Excavations show basalt-stone houses with roof beams easily removed, matching the account of the paralytic. • Pharisees and teachers of the law traveled from “every village of Galilee and Judea and Jerusalem” (5:17), showing Jesus’ rising profile early in His ministry. Fishing Culture and Archaeology • A first-century fishing boat discovered in 1986 (“the Jesus Boat”) matches the size that could hold Jesus and the disciples—about 27 feet long, 7½ feet wide. Two such boats almost sinking emphasizes the miracle’s scale. • Nets mentioned are likely trammel nets, used at night when fish could not see them. Daytime success was unheard of, underlining Jesus’ authority over nature. Lessons from the Miraculous Catch (5:1–11) 1. Obedient faith: Simon’s words, “But because You say so, I will let down the nets” (5:5), model trust that moves from knowledge to action. 2. Awareness of sin: Peter’s reaction recalls Isaiah’s cry, “Woe to me... I am a man of unclean lips” (Isaiah 6:5). Encountering divine power reveals human need. 3. Mission redefined: “From now on you will catch men” (5:10) ties to Jeremiah 16:16, where God sends fishers to gather His people. Jesus recasts everyday work into kingdom purpose. 4. Total surrender: Leaving “everything” foreshadows Luke 9:23—“Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny himself.” Leprosy in Ancient Israel (5:12–16) • Leprosy rendered a person ceremonially unclean (Leviticus 13–14). Touching a leper normally defiled, yet Jesus reverses the flow: purity flows outward. • He sends the healed man to the priest, honoring the Law and providing official proof, while pointing to Himself as the fulfillment of the Law (Matthew 5:17). • Repeated withdrawals for prayer show Jesus grounding public ministry in private communion, a rhythm echoed in Mark 1:35 and Luke 6:12. Authority to Forgive Sins (5:17–26) • Psalm 103:3 links God’s forgiveness and healing; Jesus unites the two openly. • By reading thoughts (5:22), He displays divine insight (Psalm 139:2). • Healing validates His claim to forgive, fulfilling Isaiah 35:6 where the lame leap for joy—an early sign of messianic times. • Rising, carrying the mat, and walking through the crowd visibly demonstrates a full cure, silencing critics. Tax Collectors and Grace (5:27–32) • Tax collectors served Rome, often overcharging. Socially they were lumped with sinners (Matthew 9:10). • Levi’s instant response reflects repentant faith; he later becomes Matthew, author of the first Gospel. • The banquet pictures the kingdom invitation in Isaiah 25:6. Jesus’ fellowship with outcasts previews Revelation 19:9, the marriage supper of the Lamb. • His physician analogy underscores purpose: He seeks those who admit their sickness. Fasting, Wineskins, and the New Work of God (5:33–39) • Old wineskins, stretched and brittle, burst with fermenting new wine. Old religious structures cannot contain the life of the coming kingdom. • The bridegroom image echoes Hosea 2:19-20 and John 3:29; Jesus identifies Himself as the long-awaited bridegroom God promised to Israel. • The note that “whoever drinks the old wine says the old is better” (5:39) warns that comfort with tradition can resist God’s fresh movement. Archaeological Insights • First-century synagogues unearthed at Magdala and Gamla help reconstruct the teaching venues Jesus frequented. Basalt benches ring the walls, seating scribes and Pharisees who “sat by” (5:17). • Mikva’ot (ritual baths) excavated near Galilean villages explain how cured lepers completed purification before presenting themselves at the temple. • Roofs of packed earth over wooden beams could be dug through and repaired quickly, matching Mark’s parallel account and giving cultural plausibility to 5:19. Themes Woven Through Scripture • Calling of ordinary workers: Moses (shepherd), David (shepherd), Amos (farmer), fishermen here—God delights in turning common vocations into divine missions. • Clean and unclean reversed: Naaman washed to be clean (2 Kings 5); here Jesus’ touch cleanses instantly, previewing Acts 10 where Peter will learn “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” • New covenant hinted: Jeremiah 31:31 promises a fresh covenant; Jesus’ new wine imagery and forgiveness authority mark its arrival. • Joy in salvation: Psalm 51:12 prayed by David finds an echo in the forgiven paralytic “glorifying God” (5:25). Practical Applications for Believers Today • Listen first, then launch: Jesus teaches before instructing Simon to fish. Time in the word precedes effective work. • Obey even when logic says “no catch.” Results belong to God, not to past experience. • Confession opens deeper calling. Peter’s admission of sin becomes the doorway to apostleship. • Touch the untouchable. Christ-like ministry crosses cultural lines to bring cleansing and dignity. • Value prayerful solitude amid busy service. Spiritual power flows from secret communion. • Celebrate repentance. Levi’s banquet models joy and openness when outsiders turn to Jesus. • Hold forms lightly. Old skins—methods, schedules, preferences—must flex to contain the fresh work of the Spirit. Straightforward Takeaway Luke 5 shows Jesus mastering creation, cleansing impurity, forgiving sin, calling outcasts, and framing a new era. His word commands fish, healings, hearts, and traditions. Those who obey experience abundance; those who cling to old ways risk missing the feast. Connections to Additional Scriptures Matthew 4:18-22The calling of the first disciples, paralleling the account in Luke 5. Mark 2:1-12 The healing of the paralytic, emphasizing Jesus' authority to forgive sins. John 1:35-51 The calling of the first disciples, highlighting the personal invitation of Jesus. 2 Corinthians 5:17 The new creation in Christ, relating to the concept of new wine in new wineskins. Teaching Points The Miraculous Catch of FishJesus demonstrates His divine authority over nature, leading to a miraculous catch that astonishes Peter and his companions (Luke 5:4-7). Peter's Humble Response Peter's reaction to the miracle is one of humility and recognition of his own sinfulness, saying, Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man (Luke 5:8). The Call to Discipleship Jesus calls Peter, James, and John to leave everything and follow Him, illustrating the cost and commitment of true discipleship (Luke 5:10-11). Jesus Heals a Leper Jesus' willingness to touch and heal a leper shows His compassion and power to cleanse, both physically and spiritually (Luke 5:12-13). The Paralytic's Forgiveness and Healing Jesus not only heals a paralytic but also forgives his sins, demonstrating His authority to forgive and His concern for spiritual well-being (Luke 5:20-24). The Call of Levi (Matthew) Jesus calls Levi, a tax collector, to follow Him, showing that His call extends to all, regardless of social status or past sins (Luke 5:27-28). New Wine in New Wineskins Jesus teaches about the newness of His message and the need for a fresh approach to understanding God's work (Luke 5:37-39). Practical Applications Respond to Jesus' CallConsider what it means to leave everything and follow Jesus in your own life. What might you need to surrender to fully commit to Him? Embrace Humility Like Peter, acknowledge your own sinfulness and need for Jesus' grace and forgiveness. Show Compassion Follow Jesus' example by reaching out to those who are marginalized or in need, offering both physical and spiritual support. Seek Spiritual Healing Prioritize spiritual well-being and seek Jesus' forgiveness and healing in areas of your life that need restoration. Be Open to Change Embrace the newness of life in Christ and be willing to adapt to His transformative work in your life. People 1. JesusCentral figure in the chapter, Jesus is depicted teaching by the Lake of Gennesaret, performing miracles, and calling His first disciples. His actions demonstrate His authority and divine mission. 2. Simon Peter A fisherman who becomes one of Jesus' first disciples. Jesus performs a miracle with a large catch of fish in Simon's boat, leading to Simon's recognition of Jesus' holiness and his own sinfulness (Luke 5:8). 3. James and John, the sons of Zebedee Partners with Simon in the fishing business. They witness the miraculous catch of fish and, along with Simon, leave everything to follow Jesus (Luke 5:10-11). 4. A man with leprosy Approaches Jesus and is healed. This miracle demonstrates Jesus' compassion and power over physical ailments (Luke 5:12-13). 5. A paralyzed man Brought to Jesus by friends who lower him through the roof due to the crowd. Jesus forgives his sins and heals him, showcasing His authority to forgive sins (Luke 5:18-25). 6. Levi (Matthew) A tax collector called by Jesus to follow Him. Levi hosts a banquet for Jesus, which leads to discussions about Jesus' association with sinners (Luke 5:27-29). 7. Pharisees and teachers of the law Religious leaders who question Jesus' actions and teachings, particularly His authority to forgive sins and His association with tax collectors and sinners (Luke 5:21, 30). Places 1. Lake of GennesaretThis is where Jesus was standing when He saw two boats by the lake. The Lake of Gennesaret is another name for the Sea of Galilee, a significant body of water in the region where Jesus conducted much of His ministry. The Greek term used here is "λίμνη Γεννησαρέτ" (limnē Gennēsaret). 2. Simon’s Boat Although not a geographical location, Simon's boat is significant as the place where Jesus taught the crowds and performed the miracle of the great catch of fish. This event led to Simon Peter's calling as a disciple. 3. Capernaum While not explicitly mentioned in Luke 5, Capernaum is implied as the setting for some of the events, such as the healing of the paralytic. Capernaum was a central hub for Jesus' ministry in Galilee. 4. Levi’s House Levi, also known as Matthew, hosted a great banquet for Jesus at his house. This event is significant as it highlights Jesus' outreach to tax collectors and sinners, emphasizing His mission to call sinners to repentance. Events 1. The Calling of the First Disciples (Luke 5:1-11)Jesus teaches the crowd from Simon Peter's boat. Afterward, He instructs Peter to let down the nets for a catch. Despite initial hesitation due to a fruitless night, Peter obeys and they catch a large number of fish. This miraculous event leads Peter, James, and John to leave everything and follow Jesus. The Greek word "ἄνθρωποι" (anthrōpoi) is used when Jesus tells Peter he will catch "men," indicating a shift from fishing to evangelism. 2. The Cleansing of a Leper (Luke 5:12-16) A man with leprosy approaches Jesus, expressing faith in His ability to heal. Jesus, moved with compassion, touches the man and heals him, instructing him to show himself to the priest as a testimony. The Greek term "καθαρίζω" (katharizō) is used, meaning to cleanse or purify, emphasizing the restoration to both health and community. 3. The Healing of a Paralytic (Luke 5:17-26) While Jesus is teaching, some men lower a paralyzed man through the roof to reach Him. Jesus first forgives the man's sins, which prompts questions from the Pharisees and teachers of the law. To demonstrate His authority to forgive sins, Jesus heals the man, who then walks away glorifying God. The Greek word "ἐξουσία" (exousia) is used to denote the authority Jesus claims and demonstrates. 4. The Calling of Levi (Luke 5:27-32) Jesus calls Levi, a tax collector, to follow Him. Levi leaves everything, hosts a banquet for Jesus, and invites other tax collectors. The Pharisees question Jesus' association with sinners, to which He responds that He came to call sinners to repentance. The Greek word "μετανοία" (metanoia) is used, meaning repentance, highlighting the transformative call of Jesus. 5. A Question about Fasting (Luke 5:33-39) The Pharisees and scribes question why Jesus' disciples do not fast like those of John the Baptist. Jesus explains using the analogy of a bridegroom and new wine in old wineskins, indicating a new covenant and the joy of His presence. The Greek term "καινός" (kainos) is used for "new," signifying the fresh and transformative nature of Jesus' ministry. Topics 1. The Calling of the First Disciples (Luke 5:1-11)Jesus calls Simon Peter, James, and John to follow Him after a miraculous catch of fish. The Greek word for "catch" (ἄγρα, agra) emphasizes the abundance and divine provision. Peter's recognition of his own sinfulness in the presence of Jesus highlights the transformative power of Christ's call. 2. The Cleansing of a Leper (Luke 5:12-16) Jesus heals a man with leprosy, demonstrating His authority over physical ailments and His willingness to touch the untouchable. The Greek term for "clean" (καθαρίζω, katharizō) signifies both physical healing and spiritual purification, reflecting Jesus' power to restore. 3. The Healing of a Paralytic (Luke 5:17-26) Jesus forgives and heals a paralyzed man, showcasing His authority to forgive sins. The Greek word for "forgive" (ἀφίημι, aphiēmi) indicates a release or dismissal of sin, underscoring Jesus' divine authority. The reaction of the Pharisees highlights the tension between Jesus' ministry and religious leaders. 4. The Calling of Levi (Luke 5:27-32) Jesus calls Levi, a tax collector, to follow Him, and dines with sinners, illustrating His mission to reach the lost. The Greek term for "follow" (ἀκολουθέω, akoloutheō) implies a continuous, committed discipleship. This passage emphasizes Jesus' outreach to those marginalized by society. 5. Question about Fasting (Luke 5:33-39) Jesus addresses a question about fasting, using parables to explain the newness of His ministry. The Greek word for "new" (καινός, kainos) in the context of "new wine" and "new wineskins" signifies a fresh, unprecedented work of God through Christ, contrasting with old religious practices. Themes 1. Divine Calling and ObedienceIn Luke 5:4-5, Jesus instructs Simon Peter to "Put out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch." Despite having worked all night without success, Peter obeys, saying, "But because You say so, I will let down the nets." This theme highlights the importance of obedience to divine instruction, even when it defies human logic or experience. The Greek word for "obey" (ὑπακούω, hypakouō) implies attentive listening and submission. 2. Miraculous Provision The miraculous catch of fish in Luke 5:6-7 demonstrates Jesus' power to provide abundantly. The nets were so full that they began to tear, and the boats were filled to the point of sinking. This theme underscores God's ability to meet needs beyond human expectations, reflecting His sovereignty and generosity. 3. Recognition of Sinfulness In Luke 5:8, Peter falls at Jesus' knees, saying, "Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man." This theme emphasizes the recognition of one's own sinfulness in the presence of divine holiness. The Greek word for "sinful" (ἁμαρτωλός, hamartōlos) conveys a deep awareness of moral failure. 4. Call to Discipleship Jesus calls Simon, James, and John to follow Him, saying in Luke 5:10, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will catch men." This theme highlights the transition from a life of ordinary pursuits to one of spiritual mission and evangelism. The Greek term for "catch" (ζωγρέω, zōgreō) implies capturing alive, indicating the life-giving nature of their new mission. 5. Authority to Heal and Forgive In Luke 5:17-26, Jesus heals a paralyzed man and declares his sins forgiven, demonstrating His authority over both physical and spiritual realms. The reaction of the Pharisees and teachers of the law, who question, "Who can forgive sins but God alone?" (v. 21), underscores the divine authority of Jesus. The Greek word for "forgive" (ἀφίημι, aphiēmi) means to release or send away, indicating the complete removal of sin. 6. Inclusivity of the Gospel Jesus' calling of Levi (Matthew) in Luke 5:27-32, a tax collector, illustrates the inclusivity of the Gospel message. Jesus states, "I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance" (v. 32). This theme highlights the reach of Jesus' ministry to those marginalized by society, emphasizing repentance and transformation. 7. Newness of the Kingdom The parables of the new garment and new wineskins in Luke 5:36-39 convey the theme of newness in the Kingdom of God. Jesus explains that new wine must be put into new wineskins, symbolizing the transformative nature of His teachings and the incompatibility with old religious structures. The Greek word for "new" (καινός, kainos) suggests freshness and innovation. Answering Tough Questions 1. In Luke 5:1–7, how could professional fishermen fail all night but suddenly catch an overwhelming haul simply by following Jesus’ command? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does the miraculous catch of fish demonstrate the divine power of Jesus, and how does it impact Simon Peter and his companions? 2. What can we learn from the leper's approach to Jesus, and Jesus' response to him? 3. In the healing of the paralytic, how does Jesus demonstrate His authority to forgive sins? 4. How does Jesus' call and interaction with Levi challenge the societal and religious norms of the time? 5. What does Jesus' response to the question about fasting reveal about the nature of His mission? 6. How does Jesus' response to the Pharisees regarding his association with sinners challenge our own attitudes towards marginalized or stigmatized individuals? 7. How does the parable of the new cloth and the old garment inform our understanding of the relationship between Jesus' message and the Old Testament law? 8. What are the implications of Jesus' call to "catch people" for our understanding of discipleship? 9. How does the faith of the paralytic's friends contribute to his healing, and what does this teach us about intercessory prayer? 10. What does Jesus' instruction to the healed leper to follow the Mosaic law tell us about His respect for established religious practices? 11. How does Jesus' interaction with Levi challenge us to examine our own prejudices and preconceptions? 12. How do the miracles in this chapter affirm Jesus' divine authority? 13. In the light of the calling of Simon Peter, James, John, and Levi, how should we respond to Jesus' call in our lives? 14. How do Jesus' actions and teachings in this chapter redefine religious and social norms? 15. How does Jesus' response to the Pharisees' criticism provide guidance on dealing with criticism or misunderstanding in our lives? 16. What insights does Jesus' answer to the question about fasting provide for our spiritual disciplines? 17. How does the healing of the leper and the paralytic inspire us to approach Jesus in faith, regardless of our circumstances? 18. What does the calling of the first disciples and Levi teach us about Jesus' inclusive invitation to follow Him? 19. How can the stories and teachings in this chapter help us better understand and share the gospel with others? 20. How does Jesus' response to the criticism of His associations inform our interaction with different groups of people today? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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