Before you read, pay attention to this…
- Where it sits in the story
- After the Old Testament's promises; continued in Acts.
- Who it was written for
- Addressed to “Theophilus” and a largely Gentile Christian readership.
- Why it was written
- An ordered account so that readers may know the certainty of what they have been taught (Luke 1:3–4).
- Themes to notice
- Mercy to sinners and outsiders · Prayer · The Holy Spirit · Joy · Women disciples · The poor
Only part of this chapter is loaded in the development dataset (verses 12–36).
Tap a verse to understand it.
12And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and he passed the whole night in the prayer of God. 13And when day was come, he called unto him his disciples; and he chose twelve of them (whom also he named apostles): 27But I say to you that hear: Love your enemies, do good to them that hate you. 28Bless them that curse you, and pray for them that calumniate you. 29And to him that striketh thee on the one cheek, offer also the other. And him that taketh away from thee thy cloak, forbid not to take thy coat also. 30Give to every one that asketh thee, and of him that taketh away thy goods, ask them not again. 31And as you would that men should do to you, do you also to them in like manner. 32And if you love them that love you, what thanks are to you? for sinners also love those that love them. 33And if you do good to them who do good to you, what thanks are to you? for sinners also do this. 34And if you lend to them of whom you hope to receive, what thanks are to you? for sinners also lend to sinners, for to receive as much. 35But love ye your enemies: do good, and lend, hoping for nothing thereby: and your reward shall be great, and you shall be the sons of the Highest; for he is kind to the unthankful, and to the evil. 36Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition · Public Domain
After reading · Questions for reflection
- What did you notice for the first time?
- What does this passage show about God?
- What might it ask of you today?