Luke 5:32

32 I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance."

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 their scribes began to complain to his disciples, saying, "Why do you eat and drink with the tax collectors and sinners?"

31 And Jesus answered [and] said to them, "Those who are healthy do not have need of a physician, but those {who are sick}.

32 I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance."

33 And they said to him, "The disciples of John fast often and make prayers--likewise also the [disciples] of the Pharisees--but yours are eating and drinking!"

34 So he said to them, "You are not able to make the {bridegroom's attendants} fast as long as the bridegroom is with them, [are you]?