Luke 9:55

“But he turned and rebuked them, etc.] He turned himself about to them, and looking upon them with a stern countenance, sharply reproved them for their intemperate zeal, their passion of wrath, and anger, and desire of revenge: and said, ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of; or do not consider that this is not the true spirit of zeal, but of anger and revenge; and is not agreeable to the spirit of the meek and humble followers of Christ, or to the Spirit of God, and those gifts of his bestowed on them, nor to the spirit of the Gospel dispensation: so good men, for want of attention, may not know sometimes from what spirit they act; taking that for a good one, which is a very bad one;…”

“know not what . . . spirit--The thing ye demand, though in keeping with the legal, is unsuited to the genius of the evangelical dispensation. The sparks of unholy indignation would seize readily enough on this example of Elias, though our Lord's rebuke (as is plain from Luk 9:56) is directed to the principle involved rather than the animal heat which doubtless prompted the reference. "It is a golden sentence of Tillotson, Let us never do anything for religion which is contrary to religion" [WEBSTER and WILKINSON].”

“Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of - You suppose that you are actuated by a proper love for me; but you know not yourselves. It is rather a love of revenge; rather revengeful feelings toward the “Samaritans” than proper feelings toward “me.” We learn here: That “apparent” zeal for God may be only improper opposition toward our fellow-men. That people, when they wish to honor God, should examine their spirit, and see if there is not lying at the bottom of their professed zeal for God some bad feeling toward their fellow-men. That the highest opposition which Jesus met with was not inconsistent with “his” loving those who opposed him, and with his seeking to do them good. return to…”

“Ye know not what manner of spirit - The spirit of Christianity is. It is not a spirit of wrath and vengeance, but of peace, and gentleness, and love. Luke 9:57”

“and rebuked: Sa1 24:4-7, Sa1 26:8-11; Sa2 19:22; Job 31:29-31; Pro 9:8; Mat 16:23; Rev 3:19 Ye know: Num 20:10-12; Job 2:10, Job 26:4, Job 34:4-9, Job 35:2-4, Job 42:6; Jer 17:9; Mat 26:33, Mat 26:41, Mat 26:51; Joh 16:9; Act 23:3-5, Act 26:9-11; Jam 3:10; Pe1 3:9 Luke 9:56”