but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
42. But one thing is necessary. Some give a very meager interpretation of these words, as if they meant that one sort of dish is enough. “Comme si Christ entendoit qu’il y a assez d’un mets, ou d’une sorte de viande;” — “as if Christ meant that one dish, or one sort of food, is enough.” Others make ingenious inquiries, but beside the purpose, about Unity.
We may observe in this story, I. The entertainment which Martha gave to Christ and his disciples at her house, Luk 10:38. Observe, 1. Christ's coming to the village where Martha lived: As they went (Christ and his disciples together), he and they with him entered into a certain village. This village was Bethany, nigh to Jerusalem, whither Christ was now going up, and he took this in his way.
Commenting on Luke 10:38-42
Verse 42. But one thing is needful. That is, religion, or piety. This is eminently and peculiarly needful. Other things are of little importance. This should be secured first, and then all other things will be added. See . That good part. The portion of the gospel; the love of God, and an interest in his kingdom.