Luke 16:19

“There was a certain rich man, etc.] In Beza's most ancient copy, and in another manuscript of his it is read by way of preface, “he said also another parable”: which shows, that this is not a history of matter of fact, or an historical account of two such persons, as the “rich” man and the beggar, who had lately lived at Jerusalem; though the Papists pretend, to this day, to point out the very spot of ground in Jerusalem, where this rich man's house stood: nor is it to be understood parabolically of any particular rich man, or prince; as Saul the first king of Israel; or Herod, who now was reigning, and was clothed in purple, and lived in a sumptuous manner: nor of rich men in general,…”

“purple and fine linen, &c.--(Compare Est 8:15; Rev 18:12); wanting nothing which taste and appetite craved and money could procure.”

“There was a certain rich man - Many have supposed that our Lord here refers to a “real history,” and gives an account of some man who had lived in this manner; but of this there is no evidence. The probability is that this narrative is to be considered as a parable, referring not to any particular case which “had” actually happened, but teaching that such cases “might” happen. The “design” of the narrative is to be collected from the previous conversation. He had taught the danger of the love of money Luke 16:1-2; the deceitful and treacherous nature of riches Luke 16:9-11; that what was in high esteem on earth was hateful to God Luke 16:15; that people who did not use their property aright…”

“There was a certain rich man - Very probably a Pharisee, and one that justified himself before men; a very honest, as well as honourable gentleman: though it was not proper to mention his name on this occasion: who was clothed in purple and fine linen - and doubtless esteemed on this account, (perhaps not only by those who sold it, but by most that knew him,) as encouraging trade, and acting according to his quality: And feasted splendidly every day - And consequently was esteemed yet more, for his generosity and hospitality in keeping so good a table. Luke 16:20”

“16:19-31 This parable reiterates the theme of the danger of riches introduced in 16:13-15 and returns to the idea that the coming of God’s Kingdom will mean the reversal of fortunes. The rich, proud, and powerful will be humbled and brought low, while the poor, humble, and oppressed will be exalted. 16:19 Purple was the color of royalty; Phoenician purple was an expensive dye made from mollusks.”

“rich: Luk 12:16-21, Luk 18:24, Luk 18:25; Jam 5:1-5 clothed: Luk 16:1, Luk 15:13; Job 21:11-15; Psa 73:3-7; Eze 16:49; Amo 6:4-6; Rev 17:4; Rev 18:7, Rev 18:16 purple: Jdg 8:26; Est 8:15; Eze 16:13, Eze 27:7; Mar 15:17, Mar 15:20 Luke 16:20”