31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side.
31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
31 Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side.
31 Luckily, a priest was on his way down the same road, but when he saw him he angled across to the other side.
31 Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
31 "By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Luke 10:31
Commentary on Luke 10:25-37
(Read Luke 10:25-37)
If we speak of eternal life, and the way to it, in a careless manner, we take the name of God in vain. No one will ever love God and his neighbour with any measure of pure, spiritual love, who is not made a partaker of converting grace. But the proud heart of man strives hard against these convictions. Christ gave an instance of a poor Jew in distress, relieved by a good Samaritan. This poor man fell among thieves, who left him about to die of his wounds. He was slighted by those who should have been his friends, and was cared for by a stranger, a Samaritan, of the nation which the Jews most despised and detested, and would have no dealings with. It is lamentable to observe how selfishness governs all ranks; how many excuses men will make to avoid trouble or expense in relieving others. But the true Christian has the law of love written in his heart. The Spirit of Christ dwells in him; Christ's image is renewed in his soul. The parable is a beautiful explanation of the law of loving our neighbour as ourselves, without regard to nation, party, or any other distinction. It also sets forth the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward sinful, miserable men. We were like this poor, distressed traveller. Satan, our enemy, has robbed us, and wounded us: such is the mischief sin has done us. The blessed Jesus had compassion on us. The believer considers that Jesus loved him, and gave his life for him, when an enemy and a rebel; and having shown him mercy, he bids him go and do likewise. It is the duty of us all , in our places, and according to our ability, to succour, help, and relieve all that are in distress and necessity.