4 "I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more.
4 And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.
4 "I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do.
4 "I'm speaking to you as dear friends. Don't be bluffed into silence or insincerity by the threats of religious bullies. True, they can kill you, but then what can they do? There's nothing they can do to your soul, your core being.
4 "And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.
4 "Dear friends, don't be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot do any more to you after that.
7 Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.
7 Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.
7 And he pays even greater attention to you, down to the last detail - even numbering the hairs on your head! So don't be intimidated by all this bully talk. You're worth more than a million canaries.
7 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
7 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
(Read Luke 12:1-12)
A firm belief of the doctrine of God's universal providence, and the extent of it, would satisfy us when in peril, and encourage us to trust God in the way of duty. Providence takes notice of the meanest creatures, even of the sparrows, and therefore of the smallest interests of the disciples of Christ. Those who confess Christ now, shall be owned by him in the great day, before the angels of God. To deter us from denying Christ, and deserting his truths and ways, we are here assured that those who deny Christ, though they may thus save life itself, and though they may gain a kingdom by it, will be great losers at last; for Christ will not know them, will not own them, nor show them favour. But let no trembling, penitent backslider doubt of obtaining forgiveness. This is far different from the determined enmity that is blasphemy against the Holy Ghost, which shall never be forgiven, because it will never be repented of.
32 "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.
32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
32 "Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
32 Don't be afraid of missing out. You're my dearest friends! The Father wants to give you the very kingdom itself.
32 Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
32 "So don't be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.
(Read Luke 12:22-40)
Christ largely insisted upon this caution not to give way to disquieting, perplexing cares, Matthew 6:25-34. The arguments here used are for our encouragement to cast our care upon God, which is the right way to get ease. As in our stature, so in our state, it is our wisdom to take it as it is. An eager, anxious pursuit of the things of this world, even necessary things, ill becomes the disciples of Christ. Fears must not prevail; when we frighten ourselves with thoughts of evil to come, and put ourselves upon needless cares how to avoid it. If we value the beauty of holiness, we shall not crave the luxuries of life. Let us then examine whether we belong to this little flock. Christ is our Master, and we are his servants; not only working servants, but waiting servants. We must be as men that wait for their lord, that sit up while he stays out late, to be ready to receive him. In this Christ alluded to his own ascension to heaven, his coming to call his people to him by death, and his return to judge the world. We are uncertain as to the time of his coming to us, we should therefore be always ready. If men thus take care of their houses, let us be thus wise for our souls. Be ye therefore ready also; as ready as the good man of the house would be, if he knew at what hour the thief would come.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Luke 12:4
Commentary on Luke 12:1-12
(Read Luke 12:1-12)
A firm belief of the doctrine of God's universal providence, and the extent of it, would satisfy us when in peril, and encourage us to trust God in the way of duty. Providence takes notice of the meanest creatures, even of the sparrows, and therefore of the smallest interests of the disciples of Christ. Those who confess Christ now, shall be owned by him in the great day, before the angels of God. To deter us from denying Christ, and deserting his truths and ways, we are here assured that those who deny Christ, though they may thus save life itself, and though they may gain a kingdom by it, will be great losers at last; for Christ will not know them, will not own them, nor show them favour. But let no trembling, penitent backslider doubt of obtaining forgiveness. This is far different from the determined enmity that is blasphemy against the Holy Ghost, which shall never be forgiven, because it will never be repented of.