Then drew near unto him all the tax collectors and sinners to hear him.
All Commentaries on Luke 15:1 Go To Luke 15
Cyril of Alexandria
AD 444
We may hence understand the extent of our Savior's kingdom. For He says there area hundred sheep, bringing to a perfect sum the number of rational creatures subject to Him. For the number hundred is perfect, being composed of ten decades. But out of these one has wandered, namely, the race of man which inhabits earth.
But was He then angry with the rest, and moved by kindness only to one? By no means. For they are in safety, the right hand of the Most Mighty being their defense. It behoved Him rather to pity the perishing, that the remaining number might not seem imperfect. For the one being brought back, the hundred regains its own proper form.
