Luke 17

1. Then said He. Rather, “And He said”; for the connexion with the preceding chapter is not that of time, but of subject. These verses are similar with a few additions, to several remarks which Matthew has preserved in their connexion: see Matt. xvii. 20; xviii. 6, 7, 15, 21, 22.

offences. That is, “occasions of sin”; “hindrances” (Moffatt); see notes on Matt. v. 29; Mark ix. 42.

3. Take heed. Be careful not to cause any one to fall into sin, especially by manifesting an unforgiving spirit (4).

5. Increase our faith. The disciples felt that unusual faith on their part was needed for the fulfilment of the foregoing command.

6 sycamine tree. The “sycamine” is the black mulberry tree, which is found in Palestine: distinct from the “sycomore.”

7 will say unto him, etc. Rather, “will say unto him as he cometh in from the field, Go at once,” etc.: ep. R.V. The connexion seems to be that “the increase of faith for which the apostles prayed was to come through obedience, outward and inward obedience to their Master’s will” (Plumptre).

8 afterward thou shalt eat and drink. Do not regard these requirements as a hardship, or think to found on them a claim for God’s favour. When a servant comes in from his work, however laborious, the master still requires his attendance, and does not feel that the servant has thereby earned special thanks.

10 unprofitable. Having no claim or merit.

11-19. Peculiar to Luke.

11 through the midst of. That is, “between.” This seems to be the journey mentioned in Matt. xix. 1. This incident is perhaps out of the exact order of time, being introduced here as illustrating the anti-Pharisaic spirit of our Lord’s actions and teachings, which appears so prominent throughout this section. After healing ten lepers, He particularly commends and blesses the Samaritan, who alone showed any gratitude to his benefactor (11-19).

12 stood afar off. In obedience to the law (Lev. xiii. 45, 46).

14 show yourselves unto the priests. See note on Mark i. 44. This command implied that they would be healed on the way; and their obedience to it showed so much faith in our Lord’s power as obtained the cure.

17. Were there not, etc.? Rather, “Were not the ten cleansed?” R.V.

18 this stranger. “This foreigner”: see note on John iv. 9.

19 hath made thee whole. Or, “hath saved thee.”

20 cometh not with observation. It will be gradual and unobserved.

21 within you. “In your midst,” or, “among you,” as a people (see R.V. marg.). But others think that the preposition means within, as contrasted with what is without (ep. Matt. xxiii. 26).

22. The days will come. “Days” of severe trial “will come, when ye shall desire to see one” such day as these in which ye now enjoy my personal presence among you (21).

23-37. See Matt. xxiv. 23-41, and notes.

25 suffer . . . and be rejected. The coming of the kingdom of God (20) is very different from that which you expect. As to myself, my sufferings must precede my glory; and so it must be as to my disciples (Matt. x. 24, 25; Rom. viii. 17; 1 Pet. iv. 13). As to these unbelievers, it is the coming of a day of vengeance.

31 upon the housetop. See note on Matt. xxiv. 17.

32. Remember Lot’s wife. Peculiar to Luke. See Gen. xix. 17, 26. Lot’s wife is to all ages a solemn example of the danger of godless company and worldliness.

37. Where, Lord? This question gives our Lord occasion to declare that such punishments may be expected, not in Jerusalem only, but “wheresoever” sin similarly prevails.