THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO LUKE - Chapter 7 - Verse 30

Verse 30. But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected, &c. It appears from Mt 3:7 that some of the Pharisees came to John to be baptized; but still this is entirely consistent with the supposition that the great mass of Pharisees and lawyers rejected him.

The counsel of God. The counsel of God toward them was the solemn admonition by John to repent and be baptized, and be prepared to receive the Messiah. This was the command or revealed will of God in relation to them. When it is said that they rejected the counsel of God, it does not mean that they could frustrate his purposes, but merely that they violated his commands. Men cannot frustrate the real purposes of God, but they can contemn his messages, they can violate his commands, and thus they can reject the counsel which he gives them, and treat with contempt the desire which he manifests for their welfare.

Against themselves. To their own hurt or detriment. God is wise and good. He knows what is best for us. He, therefore, that rejects what God commands, rejects it to his own injury. It cannot be well for any mortal to despise what God commands him to do.

{3} "rejected" or, "frustrated" {v} "counsel of God" Ac 20:27 {4} "against themselves" or, "within themselves"