¹ sn That is, an expert in the interpretation of the Mosaic law. They worked closely with the Pharisees.

² tn For this term, see Matt 22;6; Luke 18:32; Acts 14:5; 1 Thess 2:2.

³ sn See the note on Pharisees in 5:17.

⁴ tn That is, the experts in the interpretation of the Mosaic law (see also Luke 5:17, although the Greek term is not identical there, and Luke 10:25, where it is the same).

⁵ tn Or “plan.”

⁶ tn The participle βαπτισθέντες (baptisqente") has been translated as a causal adverbial participle; it could also be translated as means (“for themselves, by not having been baptized”). This is similar to the translation found in the NRSV.

⁷ tn Grk “by him”; the referent (John the Baptist) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

⁸ sn Luke 7:29-30 forms something of an aside by the author. To indicate this, they have been placed in parentheses.

⁹ tn Grk “And behold.” Here καί (kai) has been translated as “now” to indicate the transition to a new topic. The Greek word ἰδού (idou) at the beginning of this statement has not been translated because it has no exact English equivalent here, but adds interest and emphasis (BDAG 468 s.v. 1).

¹⁰ tn Traditionally, “a lawyer.” This was an expert in the interpretation of the Mosaic law (see also Luke 7:30, where the same term occurs).

¹¹ tn Grk “him”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

¹² sn The combination of inherit with eternal life asks, in effect, “What must I do to be saved?”

¹³ tn Grk “And he”; the referent (the expert in religious law) has been specified in the translation for clarity. Here δέ (de) has not been translated.

¹⁴ sn The neighbor did not do what was required (that is why his response is called mercy) but had compassion and out of kindness went the extra step that shows love. See Mic 6:8. Note how the expert in religious law could not bring himself to admit that the example was a Samaritan, someone who would have been seen as a racial half-breed and one not worthy of respect. So Jesus makes a second point that neighbors may appear in surprising places.

¹⁵ tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “so” to indicate the concluding summary.

¹⁶ tn This recalls the verb of the earlier reply in v. 28.

¹⁷ tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the sequence of events (Jesus’ question was prompted by the man’s appearance).

¹⁸ tn Grk “Jesus, answering, said.” This is redundant in contemporary English. In addition, since the context does not describe a previous question to Jesus (although one may well be implied), the phrase has been translated here as “Jesus asked.”

¹⁹ tn That is, experts in the interpretation of the Mosaic law (traditionally, “lawyers”).

²⁰ sn “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?” Will the Pharisees and experts in religious law defend tradition and speak out against doing good on the Sabbath? Has anything at all been learned since Luke 13:10-17? Has repentance come (13:6-9)?