Luke 6:27-28
“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus doesn't just say "love your enemies"; he uses the word "hear" specifically for his listeners, highlighting that this teaching isn't just something to passively absorb, but to actively heed and obey. This command is a direct challenge to the common human instinct and even to some interpretations of ancient law that allowed for hatred of enemies, demanding a radical, God-like way of living.
Jesus has just chosen his twelve apostles, a moment that followed a night of prayer and preparation. Now, He begins to teach the crowds, laying out radical principles for life in God's kingdom that stand in stark contrast to the prevailing worldly wisdom and even some interpretations of Jewish law that allowed for hatred of enemies. This teaching here on the plain, starting with loving one's enemies, sets the tone for the revolutionary ethic that will define His followers.
Jesus starts this radical teaching with a specific call: "to you who hear." What does it mean to truly hear Jesus' commands, especially the difficult ones?
Jesus' words are not just information to be passively absorbed. The Greek word here implies listening with the intent to obey. He's speaking to those who are ready to move beyond surface-level understanding to deep, actionable commitment.
It’s Active Listening
This isn't about casual eavesdropping. It's about attentive, focused listening that anticipates action. When Jesus says "you who hear," he's highlighting a receptive heart and a willing spirit.
The Gospel’s Call
This command to love even enemies is central to the gospel message. It flows from the very nature of God's love for us, which is not earned but freely given. To hear the gospel is to be invited into a life that reflects this astonishing grace.
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Love your enemies. It sounds impossible, even contradictory. How can we move from the natural instinct of self-preservation and retaliation to genuine love for those who actively oppose us?
Jesus confronts the common human tendency to reciprocate negativity. The cultural background often included an understanding of loving your neighbor but also hating your enemy. Jesus shatters this limited view.
A Divine Mandate, Not a Feeling
This isn't about feeling warm and fuzzy towards someone who despises you. It's a command, a directive for action. It’s about actively pursuing the well-being of even those who wish you harm.
Doing Good to Those Who Hate You
The command is reinforced by a practical outworking: 'do good to those who hate you.' This is about tangible acts of kindness that defy the logic of animosity. It’s a powerful witness to the transformative love of God, which extends grace even when it’s not deserved.
Understand the original words
agapate · Greek Verb
A self-sacrificial, active, and persistent commitment to the well-being of another, regardless of their response or merit. This is the hallmark of the believer's character as reflective of God's own nature.
echthrous · Greek Noun
Those who are hostile, actively opposed to, or working against the interests and righteousness of the believer. Biblically, they are to be the object of the believer's proactive grace.
eulogeite · Greek Verb
To speak well of, to invoke God’s favor upon, or to express a desire for another's spiritual and physical prosperity. It is the direct opposite of cursing.
katarōmenois · Greek Verb
To speak evil, invoke calamity, or use malicious language against someone. It is a sign of spiritual hostility and lack of respect for the image of God in another person.
epēreazontōn · Greek Verb
To treat with violence, insult, or spiteful harassment. It involves the intentional mistreatment of someone, especially for their faith or association with Christ.
Jesus' command to love enemies directly contrasts with some prevailing Jewish interpretations after the exile, highlighting the revolutionary nature of his teaching and its roots in, yet expansion of, older biblical principles.
c. 1400 BC - 400 BC
Old Testament Law and Wisdom
The Old Testament contains principles of kindness, like helping an enemy's lost animal (Exodus 23:4) and feeding a hungry enemy (Proverbs 25:21). However, other passages also speak of judgment and opposition towards enemies, shaping varying interpretations.
c. 400 BC - 1st Century AD
Post-Exilic Jewish interpretations
Following the Babylonian exile, some Jewish traditions and groups developed interpretations that emphasized hatred towards Gentiles and those outside their immediate community, leading to a more exclusive understanding of righteousness.
Early 1st Century AD
Jesus' Ministry Begins
Jesus begins his public ministry, teaching and performing miracles throughout Galilee, gathering a diverse group of followers and challenging established religious norms.
c. AD 27-30— this verse
Sermon on the Plain
Jesus delivers a foundational sermon to his disciples and a large crowd, outlining the core principles of his kingdom, including radical commands like loving enemies.
c. AD 50-60
Paul's Letters Written
The Apostle Paul writes letters to early Christian communities, further elaborating on themes of love and overcoming evil with good, referencing Jesus' teachings.
This passage from Matthew's Sermon on the Mount presents the same core teaching, directly calling believers to 'love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.'
Romans 12:14Paul echoes Jesus' command, urging believers in Rome to 'Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse,' highlighting the active, positive response expected.
1 Peter 2:21Peter reminds his readers that Christ himself 'suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you might follow in his steps,' showing that loving enemies is part of walking as Jesus walked.
Exodus 23:4Even in the Old Testament, there were seeds of this teaching, like the command to 'If you meet your enemy's ox or his donkey going astray, you shall bring it back,' demonstrating a principle of kindness even to adversaries.
Proverbs 25:21This wisdom passage offers a practical, relational reason for loving enemies: 'If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink,' suggesting that kindness can overcome hostility.
barnesLuke 6:27: "But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,"
See Matthew 5:44-45 .
jfbLuke 6:12-49: "And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God."
Lu 6:12-49. The Twelve Apostles Chosen—Gathering Multitudes—Glorious Healing.12, 13. went out—probably from Capernaum.all night in prayer … and when … day, he called, &c.—The work with which the next day began shows what had been the burden of this night's devotions. As He directed His disciples to pray for "laborers" just before sending themselves forth (see on…
Jesus doesn't just say "love your enemies"; he uses the word "hear" specifically for his listeners, highlighting that this teaching isn't just something to passively absorb, but to actively heed and obey. This command is a direct challenge to the common human instinct and even to some interpretations of ancient law that allowed for hatred of enemies, demanding a radical, God-like way of living.
Jesus has just chosen his twelve apostles, a moment that followed a night of prayer and preparation. Now, He begins to teach the crowds, laying out radical principles for life in God's kingdom that stand in stark contrast to the prevailing worldly wisdom and even some interpretations of Jewish law that allowed for hatred of enemies. This teaching here on the plain, starting with loving one's enemies, sets the tone for the revolutionary ethic that will define His followers.
Jesus has just chosen his twelve apostles, a moment that followed a night of prayer and preparation. Now, He begins to teach the crowds, laying out radical principles for life in God's kingdom that stand in stark contrast to the prevailing worldly wisdom and even some interpretations of Jewish law that allowed for hatred of enemies. This teaching here on the plain, starting with loving one's enemies, sets the tone for the revolutionary ethic that will define His followers.
"“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you." — Jesus doesn't just say "love your enemies"; he uses the word "hear" specifically for his listeners, highlighting that this teaching isn't just something to passively absorb, but to actively heed and…
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