Luke 5:32

32 I came not to call the just, but sinners 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 But the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying to his disciples: Why do you eat and drink with publicans and sinners?

31 And Jesus answering, said to them: They that are whole need not the physician: but they that are sick.

32 I came not to call the just, but sinners to penance.

33 And they said to him: Why do the disciples of John fast often and make prayers, and the disciples of the Pharisees in like manner; but thine eat and drink?

34 To whom he said: Can you make the children of the bridegroom fast whilst the bridegroom is with them?