Luke 5:32

32 for I came not to call just men, but sinful men to penance.

Luke 5:32 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 5:32

I came not to call the righteous
Such as the Scribes and Pharisees were in their own apprehension, and in the esteem of others, who trusted in themselves, that they were righteous, and submitted not to the righteousness of Christ: these Christ came not to call by his grace, and therefore did not associate himself with them: but sinners to repentance; such as the publicans, and others, with them, were; and therefore he was chiefly with such, and chose to be among them: these he not only called to repentance by the outward ministry of the word, but brought them to it; he having power to bestow the grace of repentance, as well as to call to the duty of it; (See Gill on Matthew 9:13). (See Gill on Mark 2:17).

Luke 5:32 In-Context

30 And the Pharisees and the scribes of them grumbled, and said to his disciples [And Pharisees and the scribes of them grutched, saying to his disciples], Why eat ye and drink with publicans and sinful men?

31 And Jesus answered, and said to them, They that be whole have no need to a physician, but they that be sick; [And Jesus answering saith to them, They that be whole have not need to a leech, but they that have evil;]

32 for I came not to call just men, but sinful men to penance.

33 And they said to him, Why the disciples of John fast oft, and make prayers, also and of the Pharisees, but thine eat and drink?

34 To whom he said, Whether ye be able to make the sons of the spouse to fast [Whether ye may make the sons of the spouse to fast], while the spouse is with them?