Luke 3:18

Luke 3:18, in plain English

Luke tells us that John shared many other encouraging messages with the people—and that all of it, even the tough parts, was truly 'good news.'

Why it's here

It might seem strange to call warnings about judgment 'good news.' But being told you can change before it is too late is one of the most loving things anyone can say to you.

Who's speaking

Luke summarizes John's ministry with a surprising and beautiful observation.

Where it sits in the story

John said hard things, but they came from love. Telling someone the truth when they need to hear it is an act of kindness. That is why Luke calls it all 'good news.'

The scholarly reading

Luke summarizes John's ministry: with many other exhortations (parakalōn), he preached good news (euēngelizeto) to the people. The verb euangelizomai classifies John's harsh preaching as genuine 'good news.'

Language and setting

Luke's surprising characterization of John's fiery preaching as 'good news' reveals that prophetic warning about judgment is itself an act of grace—it offers the opportunity for repentance.

Voice

Luke provides a summary editorial comment on John's broader ministry.

Significance

Luke sees John's fiery sermons as fundamentally good news. Warning people of judgment so they can repent is an act of love. John's harsh words were mercy in disguise.

16John answered all of them: “I baptize you with water, but One more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

17His winnowing fork is in His hand to clear His threshing floor and to gather the wheat into His barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

18With these and many other exhortations, John proclaimed the good news to the people.

19But when he rebuked Herod the tetrarch regarding his brother’s wife Herodias and all the evils he had done,

20Herod added this to them all: He locked John up in prison.

Read all of Luke 3 — John the Baptist doesn't just call for repentance — he gets specific. Tax collectors, soldiers, and crowds all hear what it costs to change.