Luke 9:62

“And Jesus said unto him, etc.] The copulative “and”, is left out in the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, Arabic, and Persic versions: no man having put his hand to the plough; or “ploughshare”, as reads the Syriac version; or “plough handle”, as the Persic; referring, as Beza thinks, to the business of Elisha, in (<111919>1 Kings 19:19) And looking back; behind him; for the ploughman ought to look before him, on his plough, and the ground he is ploughing, or he is not fit to be a ploughman; nor will he make proper furrows, or do his work well; and so he that enters upon the ministerial work, and looks back, and engages himself in the affairs of the world, sets his heart on them, and spends his time in…”

“No man, &c.--As ploughing requires an eye intent on the furrow to be made, and is marred the instant one turns about, so will they come short of salvation who prosecute the work of God with a distracted attention, a divided heart. Though the reference seems chiefly to ministers, the application is general. The expression "looking back" has a manifest reference to "Lot's wife" (Gen 19:26; and see on Luk 17:32). It is not actual return to the world, but a reluctance to break with it. (Also see on Mat 8:21.) Next: Luke Chapter 10”

“No man, having put his hand ... - To put one’s hand to a plow is a proverbial expression to signify undertaking any business. In order that a plowman may accomplish his work, it is necessary to look onward - to be intent on his employment - not to be looking back with regret that he undertook it. So in religion. He that enters on it must do it with his whole heart, He that comes still loving the world - still looking with regret on its pleasures, its wealth, and its honors - that has not “wholly” forsaken them as his portion, cannot be a Christian, and is not fit for the kingdom of God. How searching is this test to those who profess to be Christians! And how solemn the duty of all people to…”

“Is fit for the kingdom of God - Either to propagate or to receive it. Next: Luke Chapter 10”

“No: Luk 17:31, Luk 17:32; Psa 78:8, Psa 78:9; Act 15:37, Act 15:38; Ti2 4:10; Heb 10:38; Jam 1:6-8; Pe2 2:20-22 Next: Luke Chapter 10”