luke-18:1-8,2-timothy-4:1-5

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 18:8

Our unbelief. "Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" These words have no special reference, if they have any at all, to the condition of the world at the "second coming" of Christ. In order to understand and appreciate them, we must consider— I. WHAT IS THE FORCE AND RANGE OF THIS EXPRESSION , "the coming of the Son of man." And it will be found on investigation that it signifies any special manifestation of God's power or any... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 18:1

A parable - See the notes at Matthew 13:3.To this end - To show this.Always - At all times. That is, we must not neglect regular stated seasons of prayer; we must seize on occasions of remarkable providences as afflictions or signal blessings to seek God in prayer; we must “always” maintain a spirit of prayer, or be in a proper frame to lift up our hearts to God for his blessing, and we must not grow weary though our prayer seems not to be answered.Not to faint - Not to grow weary or give over.... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 18:2

A judge which feared not God - One appointed by law to determine causes brought before him. This judge had no reverence for God, and consequently no regard for the rights of man. These two things go together. He that has no regard for God can be expected to have none for man; and our Lord has here indirectly taught us what ought to be the character of a judge that he “should” fear God and regard the rights of man. Compare Deuteronomy 1:16-17.Regarded man - cared not for man. Had no respect for... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 18:3

A widow - This is a circumstance that gives increasing interest to the parable. Judges were bound to show special attention to widows, Isaiah 1:17; Jeremiah 22:3. The reason of this was that they were defenseless, were commonly poor, and were liable to be oppressed by those in power.Avenge me - This would have been better translated, “Do me justice against my adversary, or vindicate me from him.” It does not denote vengeance or revenge, but simply that she wished to have “justice” done her - a... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 18:4-5

For a while - Probably this means for a “considerable” time. It was his duty to attend to the claims of justice, but this was long delayed.Within himself - He thought, or came to a conclusion.Though I fear not ... - This contains the reason why he attended to the case at all. It was not from any regard to justice, or to the duties of his office. It was simply to avoid “trouble.” And yet his conduct in this case might have appeared very upright, and possibly might have been strictly according to... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 18:6

Hear ... - Give attention to this, and derive from it practical instruction. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 18:7

Shall not God avenge ... - We are not to suppose that the character of God is at all represented by this judge, or that “his” principles of conduct are at all like those of the judge. This parable shows us conclusively that many “circumstances” of a parable are not to be interpreted closely: they are mere appendages to the narrative. The great truth which our Saviour “designed” to teach is what we ought to endeavor to find. In this case there can be no doubt what that truth is. He has himself... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 18:8

Speedily - Suddenly, unexpectedly. He will surely vindicate them, and that at a time, perhaps, when they were nearly ready to give over and to sink into despair. This may refer to the deliverance of the disciples from their approaching trials and persecutions among the Jews; or, in general, to the fact that God will interpose and aid his people.Nevertheless - But. Notwithstanding this. Though this is true that God will avenge his elect, yet will he find his elect “faithful?” The danger is not... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Luke 18:1

Luke 18:1. And he spake, &c. Ελεγε δε και παραβολην αυτοις . He also spake a parable to them. The particle δε , here used, plainly implies, that this parable has a relation to the preceding discourse, of which indeed it is a continuation, but which is improperly interrupted by the division of the chapters. There is in it, and in the following parable, a particular reference to the distress and trouble they were soon to meet with from their persecutors, which would render the duties of... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Luke 18:2-5

Luke 18:2-5. There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, &c. This magistrate, being governed by atheistical principles, had no inducement from religion to do justice; at the same time, being very powerful, he did not regard what men said or thought of him; wherefore, in all his decisions, he was influenced merely by passion or interest. And there was a widow, &c., and she came, saying, Avenge me of, or rather, as εκδικησον με means, do me justice on, mine adversary The... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 18:8

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 18:1

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 18:2

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 18:3

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 18:4-5

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 18:6

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 18:7

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 18:8

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Luke 18:1

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Luke 18:2-5

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