¹ tc The Western textual tradition (D it) lacks 5:39. The verse is unique to Luke, so the omission by these mss looks like assimilation to the other synoptic accounts.

² tc ‡ Although most mss begin the verse with καί (kai, “and”), beginning the sentence without a conjunction is both a harder reading and is found in early and important witnesses (Ì^4,75vid א² B 579 700 892 1241). NA²⁷ puts the word in brackets indicating doubts as to its authenticity.

³ tc Most mss, especially the later ones (A C Θ Ψ Ë^1,13 33 Ï lat), read χρηστότερος (crhstotero", “better”), a smoother reading. The reading of the text (found in Ì⁴ א B L W 1241 pc) is preferred as the more difficult reading. This reading could suggest that the new thing Jesus brings is not even considered, since the “old wine” is already found quite acceptable.

tn Grk “good.”

sn The third illustration points out that those already satisfied with what they have will not seek the new (The old is good enough).

⁴ tn Grk “no kiss.” This refers to a formalized kiss of greeting, standard in that culture. To convey this to the modern reader, the words “of greeting” have been supplied to qualify what kind of kiss is meant.

⁵ sn The rock in Palestine would be a limestone base lying right under the soil.

⁶ sn On the command Do not carry see Luke 9:3. The travel instructions communicate a note of urgency and stand in contrast to philosophical teachers, who often took a bag. There is no ostentation in this ministry.

⁷ tn Traditionally, “a purse.”

⁸ tn Or possibly “a beggar’s bag” (L&N 6.145; BDAG 811 s.v. πήρα).

⁹ tn Or “no one along the way.”

¹⁰ sn Capernaum was a town on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee, 680 ft (204 m) below sea level. It was a major trade and economic center in the North Galilean region.

map For location see Map1 D2; Map2 C3; Map3 B2.

¹¹ tn The interrogative particle introducing this question expects a negative reply.

¹² sn In the OT, Hades was known as Sheol. It is the place where the unrighteous will reside (Matt 11:23; Luke 16:23; Rev 20:13-14).

¹³ tn Or “hostility.” This term pictures dissension and hostility (BDAG 234 s.v. διαμερισμός).

¹⁴ tn Grk “And he.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.

¹⁵ tn Or “would gladly have eaten”; Grk “was longing to be filled with.”

¹⁶ tn This term refers to the edible pods from a carob tree (BDAG 540 s.v. κεράτιον). They were bean-like in nature and were commonly used for fattening pigs, although they were also used for food by poor people (L&N 3.46).

¹⁷ tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “but” to indicate the contrast present in this context.

¹⁸ tn Or “make me.” Here is a sign of total humility.

¹⁹ tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.

²⁰ tn Grk “he”; the referent (the rich man, v. 19) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

²¹ sn If someone from the dead goes to them. The irony and joy of the story is that what is denied the rich man’s brothers, a word of warning from beyond the grave, is given to the reader of the Gospel in this exchange.

²² tn Grk “And Jesus.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.

²³ sn Jesus’ response, Why do you call me good?, was designed to cause the ruler to stop and think for a moment about who Jesus really was. The following statement No one is good except God alone seems to point the man in the direction of Jesus’ essential nature and the demands which logically follow on the man for having said it.

²⁴ tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the implied result of the arrangement worked out in the preceding verse.

²⁵ tn Grk “he”; the referent (Judas) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

²⁶ tn Grk “betray him to them”; the referent of the first pronoun (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

²⁷ tn Grk “apart from the crowd.”

sn The leaders wanted to do this quietly, when no crowd was present, so no public uproar would result (cf. v. 21:38; 22:2).

²⁸ tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.

²⁹ tn Grk “find no cause.”

sn Pilate’s statement “I find no reason for an accusation” is the first of several remarks in Luke 23 that Jesus is innocent or of efforts to release him (vv. 13, 14, 15, 16, 20, 22).