Luke 20:39-40 Commentary: Scribes Praise, Then Fall Silent

Luke 20:39-40 sits in the final week of Jesus' life, a period of escalating confrontation in the temple (Luke 19:47-48). The religious leadership, chief priests, scribes, elders, Herodians, and Sadducees, mount a series of public challenges. Just before, the Sadducees (who denied the resurrection) posed a mocking question about a woman married to seven brothers. Jesus responded by affirming the resurrection and proving it from the Law itself, quoting Exodus 3:6. His answer left the Sadducees silenced and the scribes, many of whom were Pharisees, impressed. The scribes were professional interpreters of the Mosaic law (the Greek grammateus denotes a man learned in Scripture). They believed in resurrection, angels, and spirits, as Acts 23:6-9 shows: 'some of the scribes of the Pharisees' part stood up and contended...' So their praise came from seeing their theological rivals defeated. Yet the atmosphere was fraught with political and religious tension. The questioning had aimed to discredit Jesus before the people. When that failed, the authorities dared not press further in public. As the surrounding narrative makes clear, they turned instead to secret conspiracy. The moment captured in these two verses is a hinge: public debate ends, and the path to the cross becomes the focus. The tragic irony is that the scribes could praise his words but not submit to his person.

The consulted sources note no significant textual variants for Luke 20:39-40. The Greek manuscript tradition is generally stable, and variations among English translations (such as the inclusion or omission of 'for' in verse 40) do not alter the interpretation.

In the early church, these verses were read as part of the Passion narrative, highlighting Jesus' complete mastery over his opponents. The silence of the scribes was seen as fulfilling the prophecy that Christ would 'teach the elders wisdom' (cf. Psalm 119:99-100). During the Reformation, John Calvin saw here the hidden providence of God, restraining evil men and forcing them to unwittingly bear witness to the truth. The Geneva Bible notes simply that the scribes 'durst not aske him any thing at all,' acknowledging the power of his word. Later Anglican commentators like the Cambridge Bible stressed the tragic irony of approving Jesus' words without following him. In modern preaching, this passage is often used to distinguish between intellectual assent and saving faith, and to warn that truth resisted can become a stepping stone to deeper rebellion.

Three-point outline

1. Reluctant praise: Even enemies of truth can be forced to admit it. The scribes' words show that Jesus' teaching carried its own authority, but approval of the truth does not equal acceptance of the truth.
2. Silencing of opposition: When Jesus answered the Sadducees, the entire coalition of adversaries fell silent. This points to his divine wisdom and the futility of fighting against God.
3. A dangerous turning point: The cessation of questions did not bring peace; it hardened the opposition toward murder. Truth rejected becomes more dangerous than truth unknown.

Five-point outline

1. The setting: Jesus in the temple, under repeated attack from every faction of Jewish leadership (Luke 20:1-38). The Sadducees' trap on the resurrection has just failed.
2. The unexpected compliment: Some scribes, normally hostile, say, 'Teacher, you have spoken well.' They are not believers; they are partisans pleased that the Sadducees lost.
3. The underlying motives: Calvin and Cambridge Bible note partisan pride and fear. The scribes enjoyed the victory but still opposed Jesus on other grounds.
4. The complete silence: 'They durst not ask him any more questions.' This reflects exhaustion of arguments, not change of heart. The opposition is speechless but not convinced.
5. The aftermath: Silence in debate leads to action in the shadows. The authorities now plot Jesus' arrest and death (Luke 22:1-2). The cross looms.

Illustration hooks

• A student who admits the teacher's explanation is brilliant but still refuses to do the homework.
• A political rival who praises an opponent's debating skill during a TV interview, but keeps opposing the policy.
• A group of children who have run out of excuses for staying up late, they stop arguing but still resent the bedtime.

Questions your congregation is asking

• Why do people sometimes acknowledge that Christianity is true but not follow Christ?
• How can we tell the difference between intellectual agreement and saving faith?
• What should our response be when our own arguments fail before God's Word?

This short scene captures a moment of forced respect from Jesus' enemies. The scribes could not fault his answer on the resurrection, but their praise did not lead to faith. As we study these verses, consider how we respond when God's truth confronts us, especially when it challenges our assumptions or alliances.

Discussion questions

1. Read Luke 20:27-38. Why was the Sadducees' question so important to their worldview? How did Jesus' answer overturn it?
2. Why do you think some of the scribes praised Jesus (v.39)? What does this tell us about their attitude toward the resurrection?
3. In what ways can people today acknowledge the truth of Christianity but fail to commit to Christ? Share an example you have seen.
4. Verse 40 says they 'durst not ask him any more questions.' Is silence in the face of truth ever a good thing? When can it be dangerous?
5. How does this passage help us understand the difference between knowing facts about Jesus and knowing Jesus personally?
6. Look at the context (Luke 20:39, 21:4). After this moment of praise, Jesus immediately warns of judgment and commends a widow's offering. What does this contrast tell us about the kingdom?
7. What might God be saying to you through this passage about your own willingness to let Jesus have the last word in your life?