Luke 12:32

Luk_12:32

Fear not, little flock.

--

Christians forbidden to fear

I. AN AGREEABLE RESEMBLANCE. A flock (Psa_79:13; Joh_10:27). The flock of Christ is--

1. A purchased flock (1Co_6:20; 2Pe_2:1; Act_20:28).

2. A flock washed in the blood of Jesus (1Jn_1:7; Rev_1:5).

3. A chosen flock (Mat_20:16; Mar_13:20).

4. A marked flock (2Ti_2:19; Joh_13:35).

5. A patient flock--under provocations, and amidst sufferings and delays Job_1:22; Rom_12:12; Luk_21:19; Heb_10:36; Heb_12:1-2; Heb_6:12; Rom_2:7). Christ an example (1Pe_2:21-25).

6. A harmless flock (Mat_10:16; Phm_1:2; Phm_1:15).

7. A flock exposed to troubles and enemies (Eph_6:11-13).

8. A useful flock.

II. A DISTRESSING TRUTH. A little flock.

1. Small at its commencement.

2. Small at the present day, when compared with the great bulk of mankind.

III. A BENIGNANT ENGAGEMENT. It is your Fathers good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

1. The kingdom of His power (Psa_105:12-13; Dan_4:3).

2. The kingdom of His grace (2Co_3:18).

3. The kingdom of glory (1Co_6:9). This is heaven, and in this view of it conveys--

(1) The idea of power. A kingdom implies a sceptre, authority, and dominion.

(2) The idea of glory. It is the abode of glorified spirits. It is the abode of the celestial hierarchy. It is the abode of Jesus. It is the abode of God the Father.

(3) The idea of felicity (Rev_7:9-17). It is our Fathers good pleasure (Isa_63:16).

He is our Father--

1. By right of creation (Mal_2:10).

2. By right of preservation.

3. By right of redemption (Gal_3:13; Job_19:25).

4. By right of adoption (Rom_8:15-16). It is His good pleasure to give us the kingdom. It is not a debt but a gift--a free gift.

IV. A PROHIBITION. Fear not. What is it that true believers are not to fear?

1. They are not to fear God with a slavish fear (Rom_8:15; 1Jn_4:18). A filial fear they must have (Psa_89:7; Psa_34:9).

2. They are not to fear man (Isa_57:11; Mat_10:28).

(1) The wrath of man (Psa_124:1-3; Psa_82:29).

(2) The power of man (Heb_13:6; Isa_36:22).

(3) The policy of man (Job_5:12-13; 1Co_1:25).

3. They are not to fear the instruments of human cruelty (Isa_54:17).

4. They are not to fear suffering under affliction (Joh_14:33; Job_5:19-22; 2Co_4:17; Rom_8:10).

5. They are not to fear Satan (Rom_6:20).

6. They are not to fear death (Rom_8:38-39; 2Co_5:5).

7. They are not to fear hell (Joh_3:18; Joh_5:36; Isa_54:9).The reason why they ought not to fear--

1. It dishonours God.

2. It slanders His power (1Ch_16:24).

3. It slanders His faithfulness (2Ti_2:13; 1Th_5:24).

4. It slanders His wisdom (1Ti_1:17).

5. It slanders His care (1Pe_5:7; Mat_7:11; Isa_27:3).

6. It slanders their calling--they are called to be saints (Isa_51:2).

7. It slanders their cause, viz., religion, the cause of God Deu_23:22).

8. It is hurtful to them--it distracts their minds (Luk_8:22-25).

9. It produces hypocrisy and dissimulation (Isa_57:11; Gen_20:2-11; Gen_26:19).

10. It enfeebles the soul (Isa_7:2).

11. It strengthens the enemy (Jdg_3:2).

12. It discourages the saint (Deu_20:8).

APPLICATION.

1. Are you comprised in this little flock?

2. Go on with undaunted courage, knowing that God will help you, and afterwards give you the kingdom. (J. Blackmore)

Fear not, little flock

I. THE PERSONS ADDRESSED. Little flock.

1. Separated by eternal election.

2. Bought by particular redemption.

3. Effectually called.

The word flock denotes--

1. Their patience.

2. Meekness.

3. Humility.

4. Harmlessness.

5. Comparatively few in number.

6. And little in the estimation of the world.

II. THE EXHORTATION. Fear not.

1. Fear not the body of sin. Thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged (Isa_6:7).

2. The oppositions of Satan. Through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil (Heb_2:14).

3. The besetments of the world. We are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world (1Co_11:32).

Fear not, for--

1. Temporal mercies.

2. The efficacy of grace.

3. The faithfulness of God.

4. For Christ is all love.

5. The Spirit constant.

6. And heaven sure.

III. THE REASON ASSIGNED. It is your Fathers good pleasure to give you--

1. The kingdom of grace here.

2. The kingdom of glory hereafter.

It implies that it is--

1. Their Fathers gift.

2. By His sovereign pleasure.

3. Delighting in them.

4. Rejoicing over them.

5. And supplying all things to them. (T. B. Baker.)

The privileges of Christs flock

I. WHY THE LORDS PEOPLE ARE CALLED A LITTLE FLOCK.

1. They are called a flock, principally from the peculiar regard shown them by the Lord.

2. They are called a little flock, because they are but few in number.

II. WHAT THEY HAVE TO FEAR. They are not exempt from the common calamities of life. In some respects they are more exposed to them than other people. They have reason therefore to fear--

1. Wants. Though man may provide for to-morrow, he cannot secure what he has provided. Hence all are so desirous of placing themselves as far as possible out of the reach of any disastrous contingencies. In making such provision the true Christian labours under many disadvantages. He cannot use those means of acquiring wealth which the generality of the world employ without any scruple. He cannot devote all his time and all his attention to secular engagements. On these accounts he may at times be tempted to indulge excessive care, and to harbour tears of want and embarrassment.

2. Sufferings. The flock of Christ are not only subject to the trials incident to our present state, but are liable to many sufferings peculiar to themselves. They are as sheep in the midst of wolves.

III. WhY, NOTWITHSTANDING THEIR DANGERS, THEY SHOULD NOT FEAR. God has provided for them a kingdom. God condescends call to Himself their Father. And deals with them as His children. He has prepared for them a kingdom that is infinitely superior to all the kingdoms of this world. The glory of it cannot be expressed or conceived; nor will the duration of it ever end (Heb_12:28). This He has given to them for their inheritance. It is His determination to invest them with it, and His delight to preserve them for it. His almighty power is ever exercised for this purpose (1Pe_1:4-5). Yea, His whole heart and soul are engaged in accomplishing His gracious intentions (Jer_32:41). This is a very sufficient antidote to all their fears. (Theological Sketchbook.)

The antidote of fear

Each word of the text is full of encouragement and strength for weak and timid hearts.

I. THE CHURCH OF CHRIST, BE ITS MEMBERS MANY OR FEW, IS VERY DEAR TO HIM.

II. THE FUTURE OF THE CHURCH IS NOT TO BE JUDGED BY ITS PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES AND SURROUNDINGS: THE POSITION IS THAT OF AN HEIR IN EXPECTATION OF HIS INHERITANCE.

III. THE NECESSITY OF BANISHING FEAR FROM A HEART THAT HAS SUCH KINGLY PROSPECTS. (J. Kay.)

Encouragement to Christs flock

I. INQUIRE INTO THE REASONS WHY THE DISCIPLES OF CHRIST ARE CALLED A FLOCK, AND WHY A LITTLE FLOCK. They are called a flock to show the peculiar regard which the Saviour has to them. They are a little flock, as compared with the multitude of the ungodly. Three reasons why it remains little.

1. Because the method of admission into this flock is contrary to the enmity of the human heart.

2. The laws of this flock are too holy and self-denying for the generality of mankind. This therefore tends to keep it small.

3. Another reason why the flock of Christ is small, is the opposition and persecution it meets with from a sinful world.

II. POINT OUT THE VARIOUS SOURCES OF FEAR TO THIS, AT PRESENT, LITTLE FLOCK. They are not exempt from the common calamities of life; yea, in many respects, and for wise reasons, they are more exposed to them than other people: Many are the afflictions of the righteous.

III. ENDEAVOUR, UNDER THE INFLUENCES OF THE SPIRIT, TO REMOVE ALL NEEDLESS FEARS FROM THE FLOCK OF CHRIST, BY REMINDING THEM OF THE PROPERTIES OF THAT KINGDOM WHICH CHRIST HAS PROMISED.

1. A peaceful kingdom.

2. A holy kingdom.

3. An eternal kingdom. (Essex Remembrancer.)

The little flock comforted by their Shepherd

I. WE REMARK THE DISCIPLES OF CHRIST ARE COMPARED TO A FLOCK OF SHEEP. The property of the ancients consisted for the most part in the number of their cattle, especially in their flocks of sheep. And the Lords portion is His people; Jacob is the lot of His inheritance. His people are the purchase of a Saviours blood, and the called of His grace. He is the great Shepherd, who gave His life for the sheep. Like sheep, moreover, they are meek, and inoffensive, and harmless; they imbibe the Spirit of the Shepherd, which is a Spirit of peace and love; imitative of Him, who when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, threatened not, but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth. In their collective capacity, as a flock, they do not bite and devour one another, like wolves among sheep; but feed and lie down together in green pastures, as the property of the same master, the partakers of the same privileges, and the expectants of the same immortal happiness.

II. THIS FLOCK OF CHRIST IS FOR THE PRESENT COMPARATIVELY SMALL.

III. THE FLOCK OF CHRIST ARE AT TIMES THE SUBJECTS OF DISTRESSING ANXIETIES. They sometimes fear lest their temporal wants should not be supplied. At other times they fear they should not hold out to the end, but make shipwreck of faith and of a good conscience; and that having begun in the spirit they should end in the flesh. They are at times anxious lest they should bring a reproach upon their profession, and cause the good ways of the Lord to be evil spoken of. And never do their fears rise higher than when they witness some professors, who seemed to be pillars, depart from Zions ways, and either embrace pernicious errors, or fall into many foolish and hurtful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.

IV. A GLORIOUS KINGDOM AWAITS THE FLOCK OF THE REDEEMER AFTER DEATH.

V. THEIR HEAVENLY FATHER GREATLY DELIGHTS IN HIS FLOCK, AND WILL TAKE A HOLY SATISFACTION IN PUTTING THEM INTO POSSESSION OF HIS ETERNAL KINGDOM AND GLORY.

VI. IT HIGHLY BECOMES THE FLOCK OF CHRIST TO DISMISS THEIR FEARS, AND TO BELIEVE THAT GOD WILL NOT PERMIT THEM TO WANT ANY GOOD THING IN THEIR WAY TO THE KINGDOM. (Essex Remembrancer)

The little flock

I. AN ENDEARING APPELLATION.

II. A SALUTARY CAUTION.

1. Fear not suffering.

2. Fear not affliction.

3. Fear not the temptations of Satan.

4. Fear not death.

III. A CHEERING ASSURANCE. (W. J. Brock, B. A.)

Fear not, little flock

I. Consider HOW CHRISTS PEOPLE CAME TO BE HIS FLOCK.

1. By the express commandment of God.

2. By the purchase of His atoning death.

3. By actually bringing His people into His fold.

II. Consider THE DESIGNATION HERE GIVEN OF CHRISTS PEOPLE. Little flock. Let it be considered, not as a point of dry arithmetic, or of dogmatical and uncharitable condemnation of others, but as a melancholy fact, that should awaken yourselves. Is it so that Christs flock is a little flock? then the way of the multitude of mankind is not the way for you to follow if you would be saved, but you must follow the way of the peculiar people.

III. THE ENCOURAGING EXHORTATION here addressed by Christ to His little flock. Fear not.

1. Believers have no reason to fear want. It is one of the offices of the Good Shepherd to feed His flock. They shall, in general, have whatever degree of worldly prosperity may be conducive to Gods glory and their own good.

2. But want is not the only thing which they may be ready to fear: they may fear the various other afflictions and calamities of life; and yet they have no reason to fear them. He will keep them from all troubles that would be injurious to them, and He will assist them, and bear them safe through those through which He has determined that they shall pass.

3. Nor need Christs people fear that they shall be overcome by their spiritual enemies, or be left to fall finally from grace. They are, indeed, beset with many spiritual dangers, but they have a mighty and faithful helper.

4. Nor need they fear death.

5. Nor need they fear coming short of heaven. (James Foote, M. A.)

The little flock encouraged

If you were asked, my dear children, what commandment in the Bible comes the most often, do you think you should know? Shall I tell you which commandment God gives most frequently? Fear not. He says this more than eighty times--I believe eighty-four times; this is much oftener than any other commandment. Fear not. You know if we are afraid, it looks as if we did not trust God. If anybody is afraid in the dark, if anybody is afraid of thunder, if anybody is afraid of going to bed alone, if anybody is afraid of robbers, if anybody is afraid of wild beasts, if anybody is afraid that God will not forgive him (when he asks Him), if anybody is afraid that God will not guide him all along till he gets to heaven--then he does not trust God. Now we must look to see to whom it is that God says, Fear not. It is called, what? Little flock. Now, why is it called little?

1. Perhaps it is because there are so few in it, there are very few. A young man told me the other day that he was seven years at Eton, and he did not believe all the time that there was one real Christian there. Now, he could not tell. Very often religious boys are to be found where you do not think they are, and he might have made a great mistake. Very often Gods people are hidden people. We cannot tell; but I am sure there are very few,--and I never knew a school yet, where there were a great many. There are but few, and so it is a little flock. If you turn to Jeremiah, you will see how God makes a little flock,--you will not wonder it is little when you read that. I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion (Jer_3:14). So you see there are only to be two or three. Nobody naturally tries to love God; and if nobody seeks to love God, or to care about his soul, he must not wonder at the flock being so little.

2. Do you not think the reason is, not only because so few love God, but because there are so many little lambs in it? there are so many children in Isa_40:11). Do you not think they are called a little flockbecause everybody in that flock thinks so little of himself? Everybody who is a Christian thinks little of himself, or ought to do so. If anybody thinks much of himself he is by no means a Christian. It is your Fathers good pleasure to give you the kingdom. What a good God must that great God be in heaven, who made the sky and stars, and who sits upon that beautiful throne in glory, and gives to such poor creatures as we are the kingdom! There was once a great Roman emperor going through Rome in grand triumph, surrounded by all his attendants,--his courtiers and his soldiers; he himself was riding in a chariot, accompanied by sound of trumpets,--oh! so grand! The emperor was in the midst of that great procession, when a little child came out of the crowd, ran up to this great man, and of course he was put back,--they cried out, Go back, little child--go back--go back! He is your emperor! And the little child said, Yes, he is your emperor, but he is my father. Oh! how beautiful it is to say of the Lord, He is my Father! Your Father! How did He become your Father? (See Jer_3:19.) God has one child; that is, Jesus. Nobody can be Gods child who is not joined to Jesus--a member of Jesus--united to Jesus. Then you become indeed Gods child. When we are joined to Jesus, then He is our Father in a sweeter sense. So that if you wish to be able to say, Our Father, which art in heaven, you must love Jesus, follow Jesus, be like Jesus, and be united to Jesus. And oh! what a pleasant thing to have Gods eye upon you. Now we must look at the last thing. What is He going to give us? Do you know? He will give us the kingdom. Then I suppose He gives us everything--the greater and the less. In Rom_14:17, it is said, For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Thus we have the kingdom of heaven in our hearts when we have righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. If we have that, then we have good hope, and when we die we shall go to heaven. And, my dear children, do you know you are all trained to be kings? I wonder how the Prince of Wales is trained. I should think he must be always thinking, Oh, I am going to be a king. And that is what you ought to be thinking. You should say, I am going to be a king. Yes, every child, who is a Christian, is going to be a king. Fear not, little flock, it is your Fathers good pleasure to give you the kingdom. You have heard of Charlemagne,--he ordered that when he died, there should be a chapel built just like the chapel of the Holy Sepulchre at Jerusalem; and that he should not be buried like other men, but like a king, and so he said, Do not lay my body down, but set me upon a throne, and bury me like a king. He was to have a room set apart for him at the side of the chapel, and there was to be a Bible opened and laid by his side when he was dead, and the sword of Charlemagne was to be laid on the other side--and upon his head a crown of gold, and a robe over his shoulders. So he was buried. Years afterwards, the Emperor Otho went to see how Charlemagne looked; the chapel was opened, and he went in to see him,--and what did he see? He was crumbled up into dust. There was the cowl; the crown was not destroyed, but was saved. There was Charlemagne, one of the greatest kings that ever lived--there he was, all dust. Now I will tell you of another man. There was a poor miserable-looking old man, who lived in an almshouse--I will not say where--and the poor old creature had the palsy, and if you bad seen him you would have heard his shoes knocking together with the palsy; and he was sitting in his chair when a gentleman went to see him, and said, Well, my friend, how do you do? Oh! I am waiting-waiting. Are you waiting for me? No, I am waiting for my Master; for Him to bring me my crown. Bring you your crown? Yes, I am going to be a king. How do you know that? Because Christ has said it--Fear not, little flock; for it is your Fathers good pleasure to give you the kingdom. (J. Vaughan, M. A.)

The people of Christ exhorted to lay aside their fears

I. THE EXHORTATION: Fear not, little flock. If it had not been expressly said by St. Luke, that Jesus spake these words to His disciples, we should have had no doubt to whom they were addressed, from the title which He gives them, little flock. Let us then represent to ourselves a little flock of sheep travelling through a wide and barren wilderness; and let us suppose that, thus circumstanced, they could be sensible of their situation, and of the wants and perils to which they were exposed. Would they not have many causes of alarm? Would there not be many things which would excite their fears?

1. In the first place, they would be terrified at the thought of the cruel and ravenous enemies with which they were surrounded. Every moment they might be surprised by the roaring lion, or the prowling fox, or the hidden serpent, without any means on their part of escape or defence. Beset by such adversaries, they might reasonably fear that every day would be their last.

2. Again, ignorant of the road by which they must travel through this wilderness, and arrive at those rich and fertile pastures, after which they were seeking, they could not but fear being entangled and lost by the way. Here would be a continual source of anxiety and apprehension.

3. Once more, the apprehension of want and famine would be another fruitful source of uneasiness. Such we may reasonably conclude would be the fears and anxieties of the little flock, in the circumstances supposed: and now let us apply these things to the spiritual flock, to the people of Christ, the sheep of His pasture, and the lambs of His fold. And let us see whether they have not like grounds and causes for fear. The world is to them a wilderness; a wilderness through which they are travelling towards a better country, that is, a heavenly; a land of heat and drought, beset with dangers, and filled with their enemies. Another ground of fear to the people of Christ is their ignorance and unaquaintedness with the way in which they should go; their readiness to be discouraged at the difficulties in their road; and their propensity to turn aside, and to wander into other paths. How often do they find themselves in such situations, that they can scarcely discern the path of duty, and see the course which they ought to follow I The failure of provision by the way, of those means and accommodations which are necessary for the support and comfort of the present life, is still another fruitful cause of anxiety and alarm.

II. THE ARGUMENT BY WHICH IT IS ENFORCED: For it is your Fathers good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Surely there is enough in this passage to allay the fears and to comfort the hearts of the most timorous and desponding.

1. In the first place, let the people of Christ call to mind, that God is their Father, Our Lord, speaking to them in the text, says, your Father. Being members of Christ, they are children of God.

2. In the second place, let them recollect that this their Heavenly Father has prepared an inheritance for them; and what kind of an inheritance is it? Such an inheritance as the children of such a Father might well expect to receive; a royal inheritance; a crown, a kingdom. Suffice it in one word to say, that the inheritance is such as their Heavenly Father, the God of all power and love, has prepared for His dearly-purchased and His dearly beloved children.

3. In the third place, let them reflect, that with respect to this kingdom, great and glorious as it is, beyond all our thoughts and conceptions, yet it is their Fathers good pleasure to give it them. He has prepared and provided it for them. He has promised it to them: and it will be His delight and His joy to put them into possession of it. It is His good pleasure that they should have it; and that, not because they have deserved it, not because they have done anything to purchase it, or can ever do anything to make Him an adequate return for it--no; but because He delighteth in mercy, and hath pleasure in the felicity of His chosen. It is His good pleasure to give them the kingdom. It is a royal gift. Now, then, my brethren, let us see how the argument, thus opened, applies to the case before us, and enforces the exhortation in the text. Fear not, little flock; fear not that you shall be left to wander in the wilderness without protection, guidance, and provision by the way. Have you not in heaven a Father--an Almighty Father, who loves you with the tenderest love; watches over you with the most anxious care; and desires your happiness with even more than a Fathers heart? And will He ever leave you or forsake you? Besides, hath He not provided an inheritance for you? Hath He not designed, hath He not promised, to make you inconceivably blessed with Himself for ever; and is it possible that He will not bring you safely into the possession of this inheritance? Oh! be ashamed of your unbelief. Be ashamed of your fears. (E. Cooper.)

Gods flock

The true followers of Jesus Christ have always been a little flock, compared with the rest of mankind.

I. Then the majority may be on the wrong side.

II. Then weakness does not of necessity involve danger or defeat.

III. Then heaven is Gods gift, and not the reward of works.

IV. Then God does not judge by appearances.

V. Then God, who promises the kingdom, will surely keep His word.

VI. Then the Christian should be hopeful and happy. In lifes fiercest tribulations, we should never forget that Gods promises are worthy of our strongest confidence, and our constant trust. (T. Kelly.)

The Christians sense of security

A sense of security seems indispensable to happiness. A habit of foreboding, of thinking something evil is ever about to happen cannot but seriously mar our comfort and satisfaction. This constant dread of impending ill is by no means an uncommon, but a very common thing. We cannot well avoid a natural looking ahead for danger when travelling, but perhaps the less we have of that the more perfect our enjoyment. To be in the presence of one who is continually imagining something ill is near, is very trying to our own peace of mind. For a mind once habituated to foreboding becomes very fertile in its imaginings and will create a great danger from some very trifling occurrence. For such a mind there would seem to be no rest night or day. Constant anxiety is eating up its vitality, which soon becomes exhausted, involving, too, the body in its terrible progress towards dissolution and death. A cure for this harassing temper of mind is the cultivation of a sense of security by a constant looking unto God for guidance and strength. A reliance on Him and a willing obedience to Natures laws will do far more for our happiness than ought beside. Even the dearest friends will fail us at times, yea often, and the truest source of joy must be ourselves purified and lifted by a constant looking unto our Heavenly Father. (Christian Age.)

Going to the kingdom

Mrs. G was one day visiting an aged man, a friend of her father, and one who was associated with him in early life. Though differing widely in sentiment, the two old men still felt a deep interest in each other. Mr. S--had been one of those who ran after the world to overtake it. All that it can give, he had obtained. Now he inquired after the state of his friend, whom he knew to be in circumstances of far less external comfort than himself. As he listened to the story of his patience and suffering, and of his cheerfulness with which he could look forward, either to a longer pilgrimage in this world, or to the hour of death, his conscience applied the unexpressed reproach, and he exclaimed, Yes, yes, you wonder I cannot be as quiet and happy too: but think of the difference; he is going to his treasure, and I--I must leave mine!

The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Luk 12:32-34. Fear not, little flock — You, my dear property and charge, however feeble you may seem; fear not, I say, that you shall be left destitute of those common blessings of providence, for it is your Father’s good pleasure, &c. — Ευδοκησεν, he takes delight, or joyfully acquiesces, in giving you the kingdom, even the kingdom of eternal glory; and can you possibly imagine, that while he intends to bestow that upon you, and even takes pleasure in the thought of making you so rich, great, and happy there, he will refuse you those earthly supplies, such as food and raiment, which he liberally imparts even to strangers and enemies? And since ye have such an inheritance, regard not your earthly possessions. Sell that ye have and give alms — That is, be ready, when God calls you, and the exigencies of Christ’s members require it, so to do; and be so far from the sordidness of the rich man, who would not give of his superfluities to the needy, as in these cases to relieve them out of the principal, or main stock; as knowing this heavenly kingdom is to be obtained, not by hoarding up treasures here on earth, but in consequence of an interest in Christ, and union with him through faith, by distributing them to his poor and destitute members. This was a precept peculiarly calculated for those times, in which the profession of the gospel exposed men to the loss of all their goods. And it is probable it was as a fruitful seed in the minds of some who heard it; and the liberal sale of estates, a few months after, by which so many poor Christians were supported, might be, in a great measure, the harvest which sprang up from it, under the cultivation of the blessed Spirit. Nothing is more probable, than that some of the many myriads now attending our Lord, (Luk 12:1,) might be in the number of the thousands then converted. See on Act 2:41-47. Provide yourselves bags which wax not old — Nor wear out: an allusion this to the danger of losing money through a hole, worn in an old purse. Such is frequently the gain of this world, and so are its treasures hoarded up, and put into a bag with holes, Hag 1:6. The rich men in Judea, so soon ravaged and destroyed by the Romans, particularly found it so. A treasure in the heavens — That region of security and immortality; that fadeth not — But remains for ever, and continually increases; where no thief approacheth — To plunder the riches of its inhabitants; neither moth corrupteth — Corrodes and spoils the robes of glory in which they appear. By bestowing your wealth in charity, you will send it before you into heaven, where it will lie secure from all accidents, and be a source of eternal joys to you. And where your treasure is, &c. — If your treasure be thus laid up in heaven, your heart will be there also; your thoughts and affections will naturally ascend thither, and consequently your dispositions and actions, your desires and hopes, will be all heavenly.

Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

12:32 little flock: God is the shepherd of his people (Ps 23; Jer 13:17; Ezek 34; Zech 10:3). Israel’s leaders were also identified as shepherds and were criticized for harming or neglecting their sheep (Ezek 34; Zech 10:3).

Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

Luk 12:32. Μὴ φοβοῦ, fear not) This passage is full of benignity.—μικρόν) That which is little might seem to have cause for fearing: but it is for that reason with so much the more benignity guarded in safety. Both the several little sheep individually are small (as a people is said to be ‘feeble,’ which consists of the feeble, Pro 30:25-26, the ants and conies): and the whole flock is by no means numerous, if it be compared with the world at large, and is easily fed, even on this very account, because it is not numerous, and is [therefore also the more] precious. [Such persons as belong to this “little flock,” do not hunt after worldly splendour.—V. g.]—ποίμνιον) A diminutive most sweet and full of love.—εὐδόκησεν) It hath been the good pleasure of your Father Himself.—τὴν βασιλείαν, the kingdom) A grand expression, implying much: see Luk 12:31: why then should not bread be included in His promise? [Truly the son of a king has no reason to be anxious as to meat, drink, and clothing.—V. g.]

Bengel's Gnomon of the New Testament — English translation (T&T Clark, Edinburgh, 1860) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Luk_12:32. Peculiar to Luke. An encouragement to fearlessness in the endeavour after the Messiahs kingdom, by means of the promise of the divinely-assured final result.

μὴ φοβοῦ] in consideration of their external powerlessness and weakness (τὸ μικρ. ποίμνιον). But Christians generally, as such, are not the little[157] flock (which is not to be changed into a poor oppressed band, as de Wette, following Grotius, does), but the little community of the disciples (Luk_12:22), as whose head He was their shepherd (comp. Joh_10:12; Mat_26:31).

εὐδόκησεν] it has pleased your Father. See on Rom_15:26; Col_1:19.

δοῦναι ὑμῖν τ. β.] see Luk_20:29 f.

[157] But ποίμνιον is not a diminutive, as Bengel supposed, but is a contraction for ποιμένιον.

Meyer — Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament — English translation by Peter Christie, edited by Frederick Crombie (T&T Clark, 1880) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Luk 12:32-34 . The little flock , in Lk. only. ποίμνιον (contracted from ποιμένιον ), a flock (of sheep), a familiar designation of the body of believers in the apostolic age (Act 20:28 , 1Pe 5:3 ); μικρὸν adds pathos. That Jesus applied this name to His disciples is very credible, though it may be that in the sense of the source from which Lk. drew, the little flock is the Jewish-Christian Church of Palestine subject to persecution from their unbelieving countrymen (J. Weiss in Meyer). The counsel “fear not” is Mt.’s “ take no thought for to-morrow ,” but the “to-morrow” refers not to temporal but to spiritual things; hence the declaration following. Paraphrased = Fear not future want of food and raiment, still less loss of the kingdom, the object of your desire. Your Father will certainly give it.

The Expositor's Greek Testament, edited by W. Robertson Nicoll (1897–1910) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

It is a foolish thing not to look for small things, at his hands, which giveth us freely the greatest things.

Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain. Text via Bolls.life.

little flock, &c.--How sublime and touching a contrast between this tender and pitying appellation, "Little flock" (in the original a double diminutive, which in German can be expressed, but not in English)--and the "good pleasure" of the Father to give them the Kingdom; the one recalling the insignificance and helplessness of that then literal handful of disciples, the other holding up to their view the eternal love that encircled them, the everlasting arms that were underneath them, and the high inheritance awaiting them!--"the kingdom"; grand word; then why not "bread" (Luk 12:31 [BENGEL]). Well might He say, "Fear not!"

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

Verse 32. Fear not, little flock] Or, very little flock, το μικρον ποιμνιον. This is what some term a double diminutive, and, literally translated, is, little little flock. Though this refers solely to the apostles and first believers, of whom it was literally true, yet we may say that the number of genuine believers has been, and is still, small, in comparison of heathens and false Christians.

It is your Father's good pleasure] ευδοκησεν, It hath pleased, c., though this tense joined with an infinitive has often the force of the present. Our Lord intimated, God has already given you that kingdom which consists in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost, and has undertaken to protect and save you to the uttermost therefore, fear not; the smallness of your number cannot hurt you, for omnipotence itself has undertaken your cause.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

(32) Fear not, little flock.—The words continue to be spoken to the inner circle of the disciples. They are “the little flock” (the Greek has the article) to whom the Father was pleased to give the kingdom which is “righteousness and peace and joy.” There is an implied recognition of the fact, that the “flock” had passed beyond the stage of seeking for the kingdom. In its essence it was theirs already.

It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.—Literally, Your Father was well-pleased to give. As resting upon an object, the Greek verb appears in Luk_3:22; Mat_3:17; Mat_12:18; Mat_17:5; Mar_1:11. As followed by a verb of action, it is used, in the New Testament, only by St. Luke and St. Paul, and so forms another link in the chain of coincidences connecting them. (Comp. Rom_15:26; Gal_1:15; Col_1:19, and elsewhere.)

A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

32. little flock] The address was primarily to disciples, Luk_12:1. For the metaphor, see Psa_23:1; Isa_40:11; Mat_26:31; Joh_10:12-16.

the kingdom] How much more shall He give you bread.

The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Fear not little flock,.... these words are particularly directed to the immediate apostles and disciples of Christ; but are true of all the saints in all ages of time, who are compared to a "flock of sheep", being separated from the rest of the world in election, redemption, and the effectual calling, and being folded together in a Gospel church state; and also for their patience, meekness, humility, and harmlessness: these are a "little" flock; few in number, when compared with the wicked of the world; and mean and despicable in the account of men; and little in their own eyes: these are subject to many "fears"; some relate to their outward state, and condition, as that they shall want food and raiment, and not have the necessaries of life; which seems to be in the first place here intended, as appears from the context: and some regard their spiritual and eternal estate, as lest they should have no interest in the love of God, and in the covenant, in the blessings and promises of his grace; lest they should not belong to Christ; or the good work of grace should not be begun in them; or that they should not persevere to the end, and should at last miscarry of eternal life and happiness: and these fears arise from a body of sin, from the temptations of Satan, the hidings of God's face, and the prevalence of unbelief; for they have no true reason for them: God is on their side, and will not leave, nor forsake them, nor shall they want any good thing Christ is their shepherd, and he has bought them, with his own blood, and will lose none of them; and therefore they need not fear being taken care of both in soul and body, for time and eternity: and especially when what follows is considered,

for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom; not only the Gospel, and the knowledge of the mysteries of it; nor the Gospel church state, and a right to all its ordinances; nor only the kingdom of grace, which cannot be moved; but the kingdom of glory: and which is a gift unto them, not obtained by any deserts or works of theirs; nor is their right unto, and enjoyment of it depending upon any such thing: and it their Father's gift, who is so by adopting grace, and through Christ Jesus their Lord; and which he gives according to his sovereign will and pleasure, and with a good will, delighting in them, and rejoicing over them to do them good, both here and hereafter: so that they may depend upon every good thing needful for them both in this world, and in the world to come; nor should they indulge anxious cares, or slavish fears.

John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.

31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.

32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Ver. 32. Fear not, little flock] Gr. little, little flock. There is in the original a double diminutive. If we divide the known parts of the world into three equal parts, the Christians’ part is but as five, the Mahometans’ as six, and the idolaters’ as nineteen. Among the best Churches, the most are the worst, as Php 3:18. Chrysostom could not find a hundred in Antioch that he could be well persuaded that they should be saved.

John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Little flock - Our Saviour often represents himself as a shepherd, and his followers as a flock or as sheep. The figure was beautiful. In Judea it was a common employment to attend flocks. The shepherd was with them, defended them, provided for them, led them to green pastures and beside still waters. In all these things Jesus was and is eminently the Good Shepherd. His flock was small. Few “really” followed him, compared with the multitude who professed to love him. But, though small in number, they were not to fear. God was their Friend. He would provide for them. It was his purpose to give them the kingdom, and they had nothing to fear. See Mat 6:19-21.

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

Christ styles the elect in this place, his little flock, on account of the greater number of the reprobate; or rather through his love of humility, because though the Church be most numerous, yet he wishes it to continue in humility to the end of the world, and by humility to arrive at the reward which he has promised to the humble. Therefore, in order to console us in our labours, he commands us to seek only the kingdom of heaven, and promises us that the Father will bestow it as a reward upon us. (Ven. Bede)

George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).

Our Saviour had mentioned a kingdom, Luk 12:31. How much too big a thought was this for fishermen, and others of his poor hearers, to entertain! He therefore here assures them of the thing, that they should have a kingdom, and showeth them that their title to it was his and their Father’s will; though they were a little flock, and so not likely to conquer a kingdom upon earth for themselves, yet they should have a kingdom from the free donation of him, who had kingdoms to give, and would give it to them, because he was their Father. By this kingdom can be understood nothing else but that state of honour, glory, and dignity which believers shall have in the world that is to come; which they shall have not from merit, but gift; not from the first good motions and inclinations of their own will, but from the free motions of the Divine will; and therefore they had no reason to fear that God would not provide food convenient for them. He that had provided a kingdom for them, which he would one day give unto them, would certainly provide bread for them, and give it to them.

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

32. Little flock—Addressed primarily to the twelve.

Father’s good pleasure—The words good pleasure no doubt express a supreme and sovereign purpose; but God’s purposes are never matters of mere blank power; but are founded in infinite benevolence and wisdom. God is omnipotent love and infinite reason; and his sovereignty is the enthronement of true divine excellence and perfect goodness over the universe.

The kingdom—The kingdom of heaven, mentioned as the object of those who seek in the last verse.

Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Fear not, little flock. Another term of tender endearment addressed to his own who were grouped near him. In the earlier part of this discourse (vet. 4) he had called them "my friends." He had told them of the troublous life which awaited them, but at the same time wished to show them how dear they were to him. It was as though he said, "Endure the thought of these necessary trials for my sake; are you not my chosen friends, for whom so glorious a future, if ye endure to the end, is reserved?"

The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

It is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom - How much more food and raiment? And since ye have such an inheritance, regard not your earthly possessions.

John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.

kingdom

(See Scofield "Mat 3:2").

The Scofield Reference Bible (1917 edition), notes by C. I. Scofield — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

The little flock:

v. 32. Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom.

v. 33. Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.

v. 34. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Only a little flock is that of the disciples in the midst of the great mass of the nations of the world; only a few, a mere handful, that are earnestly and anxiously seeking the Kingdom. But these shall not fear, for the Kingdom shall be theirs according to the good pleasure of the Father, because it pleases Him, in His great mercy, to give it to them, as a free gift. "As though He would say: You have not earned it; yea, you have earned hell; but what happens to you, that is nothing but grace, promised to you out of the good pleasure of the Father; therefore only believe, and you shall surely have it. It is a great thing that we are children of God and brethren of Christ, that we have power over, and are lords of, death, sin, devil, and hell; but such power not all men have, but only such as believe. For he that believes that God is our Father and we are His children, he need not fear any one; for God is his Protector, in whose power all things are, and all men’s hearts in His hand. " Rather than that the believers should set their hearts and minds upon the things of this world and be filled with care for the body, they should, according to the advice of the Lord, sell their goods and give the proceeds to charity. Then their hearts will be torn loose from all earthy considerations and will be fixed all the more easily and firmly on eternal riches. The possessions of the disciples will then be contained in a purse which will never grow old, for they are the riches of God’s grace in Christ Jesus; no thief is able to come near and abstract that inexhaustible, precious treasure, and no moth can destroy the white garment of the righteousness of Jesus which has been given to us by faith. How necessary to become ever surer of the heavenly calling in Jesus the Lord by a constant consideration of passages like the present!

Paul E. Kretzmann, Popular Commentary of the Bible (1921–1924) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

That is, fear not the want of any of these comforts, and be not over solictous for them; for your Father, which has provided a kingdom for you hereafter, will not suffer you to want such things as are needful for you here.

Learn,

1. That the disciples of Christ are very subject to disquieting and perplexing fears, but must by no means cherish, but oppose them: a fear of present wants, a fear of future sufferings, a fear of death approaching, a fear that they shall not find acceptance with God, a fear lest they should fall fully or finally from God; the fear of all these evils does often times disturb them and discompose them.

Learn,

2. That Jesus Christ is the great Shepherd of his church: the love and care the compassion and tenderness, the prudence and providence, the guidance and vigilance of a good shepherd are found within him.

3. As Christ is the church’s Shepherd, so the church is Christ’s flock, though a little flock, in opposition to the huge herds and droves of the men of the world.

4. That God the Father has a kingdom in store for his little flock, his church and children.

5. That the good will and gracious pleasure of God is the original spring and fontal cause, from whence all divine favors do proceed and flow: It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

William Burkitt's Expository Notes on the New Testament (1700–1703) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

32. Fear not, little flock. The flock is safe only because of the Shepherd's care. The Lord is the Shepherd, and it is his pleasure to give not only food and raiment, but the kingdom to his children.

B. W. Johnson's The People's New Testament with Notes (1889–1891) — public domain. Electronic text from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL) ThML edition.

32. τὸ μικρὸν ποίμνιον. The address was primarily to disciples, Luk 12:1. For the metaphor, see Psa 23:1; Isa 40:11; Mat 26:31; Joh 10:12-16. μικρὸν is not pleonastic, for ποίμνιον is not used as a diminutive.

τὴν βασιλείαν. How much more shall He give you bread.

Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges (Cambridge University Press, 1896; 21 vols, various authors incl. Carr, Maclear, Plummer, Farrar, Lumby, Moule, M. R. James, Simcox) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

32-34.] Our Lord gives to his own disciples an assurance of the Father’s favour as a ground for removing all fear from them, and shews them the true riches, and how to seek them.

32. τὸ μικ. π.] Thus He sets himself forth as their Shepherd (Joh 10:1 ff.), and them (as in Isa 41:10-14) as a weak and despised people.

Henry Alford, The Greek Testament (1849–1861) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

32. This verse has no parallel in Mt., and it is the only verse in this section which is entirely without equivalent in the Sermon on the Mount. The passage reads so well both with and without it, that it is difficult to see why it should have been either inserted or omitted without authority. In it the Good Shepherd assures His flock that, while the anxious seeking of the ὀλιγόπισται after god and raiment is vain, their seeking after the Kingdom of God will not be vain. He gives the Kingdom to those who seek it, and with it gives the necessaries of life. Whereas those who neglect the Kingdom that they may secure the necessaries, may lose both. Κύριος ποιμαίνει με, καὶ οὐδέν με ὑστερήσει (Psa 23:1). The μικρὸν ποίμνιον are the disciples as contrasted with the μυριάδες τοῦ ὄχλου (ver. 1).

ποίμνιον = ποιμένιον, which is not a diminutive, and therefore μιπρόν is neither superfluous nor an epithet of affection, hut an expression of fact. On the nom. with the art. for the voc. see on 10:21; and for εὐδόκησεν see Lft. on Col 1:19, and comp. Rom 15:26.

International Critical Commentary — older volumes (1896–1929), various authors — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.