FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL
This is a study guide commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject divisions with the five translations above. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one subject.
1. First paragraph
2. Second paragraph
3. Third paragraph
4. Etc.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.
1. Why is the setting of Luke different from that of Mark? (Mar_3:22-30)
What does Matthew's account add to Mark's?
2. Why did the religious leaders make these charges against Jesus in this chapter? Did they know better?
3. Why does Jesus try to reason with them?
4. What is "the unpardonable sin?"
5. In what context can the unpardonable sin be committed today? Can one know if he/she has committed it?
6. Is this passage on the unpardonable sin related to 1Jn_5:16 or Hebrews 6, 10?
7. How is this sin related to salvation? How is this sin related to the unbelief of Jesus' family?
8. Is blasphemy against Jesus forgivable but not against the Holy Spirit? What is the difference (compare Mat_12:31-32 to Luk_12:10 and Mar_3:28)?