Bible Commentaries
Luke 18

Verse 1

1 The phrase to this end is in italics, but the thought is justified by the Greek text. Always and not to faint means to be always a praying disciple, and not hesitate or falter just because one's prayer is not answered as soon as expected. Since the inspired writer tells us this parable was spoken for this purpose, we should not make comparisons of any other parts of it; they were spoken only to connect the story.

Verse 2

2 The character of this judge was revealed to show why the prayers made to him had to be persistent.

Verse 3

3 The justness of this widow's complaint was not questioned.

Verse 4

5 The judge was not prompted by any regard for any being, human or divine, but because he did not want to be troubled by the widow's persistence.

Verse 6

6 The strength of this verse will be better realized by emphasizing unjust. Even that kind of a judge was finally moved to action because the widow insisted.

Verse 7

7 The just Judge will certainly be moved to regard the prayers of His children in the proper time, if their faith does not weaken and they continue to pray.

Verse 8

8 Shall he find faith on the earth? We must not interpret one passage in such a way that it will contradict others. It is clearly taught in the New Testament that the church with its faithful members will be here when Jesus comes. (See Mat 24:40-41; 1Co 15:24; 1Co 15:51; 1Th 4:15; 1Th 4:17.) Therefore the question of Jesus should be understood as a kind of warning, stirring up his hearers to beware lest their individual faith should fail them.

Verse 9

9 Trusted in themselves denotes they considered themselves righteous on the ground of the great display they were making of their deeds. On the same principle they would despise (belittle) others who could not boast of such actions.

Verse 10

0 It was perfectly in order for both Pharisees and publicans to pray, and to go into the temple for the purpose of prayer (Isa 56:7; Mat 21:13).

Verse 11

2. This paragraph contains the prayer of the Pharisee. Even if all of his claims were true, his prayer would have been objectionable because it did not include a single request; only a boastful statement of his deeds.

Verse 13

3 There were generally many people in the temple at "the hour of prayer" (Act 3:1). The publican modestly stood away from the crowd, feeling that .his presence might be objectionable to them, due to the common opinion of that class. He made no claim of 'goodness, but instead, he classed himself with sinners and prayed for mercy.

Verse 14

4 Rather is printed in italics in the King James Version, but the. American Standard Version and Mof-fatt's translation both use the regular type. That is evidently correct according to the reasoning of Jesus. He follows his statement about who was justified, with the declaration that he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. If the publican was not justified, then no one in the verse was exalted.

Verse 15

7 This paragraph is explained at Mat 19:13-14.

Verse 18

7 This group of verses is almost identical with Mat 19:16-26. To conserve space, let the reader examine those verses and the comments.

Verse 28

8 This is commented upon at Mat 19:27.

Verse 29

0 See the comments on Mat 19:28-29.

Verse 31

1 The prophetic writings referred to are in Psalms 22 and Isaiah 53.

Verse 32

2 Spitting on one was to show the greatest of contempt.

Verse 33

3 It was customary to scourge all prisoners before executing them or otherwise disposing of them. The victim was stripped of all his clothing and a thong of leather was lashed across his back.

Verse 34

4 The apostles were baffled over these predictions about the death of Jesus. That was because they had a temporal kingdom in mind, and that would require the king to live and be present upon his throne.

Verse 35

5 Being blind, this man was depending upon alms for a living.

Verse 36

6 This wayside was a common place for people to travel, else the blind man would not have been occupying such a place to be seen by the people. Asked what it meant indicates that some unusual commotion was going on.

Verse 37

7 The fame of Jesus was frequently connected with his humble home life. It was surprising that the product of such a community could perform the deeds attributed to him. (See Joh 1:46.)

Verse 38

8 The people told the blind man it was "Jesus of Nazareth" who was passing by, while he called him the son of David. This shows that at least some persons understood the Scriptures, that a descendant of David was to be called a Nazarene. (See the notes at Mat 2:23.)

Verse 39

9. As to why they rebuked him, see the notes at Mat 20:31.

Verse 40

0 It would have been a hardship for the blind man to get into the immediate presence of Jesus unaided, therefore the people were commanded to lead him to the spot.

Verse 41

1 A large gift of money or some regular income would have relieved the blind man of his financial worries. But instead of requesting such a favor, he asked for the restoration of his sight, which would enable him to care for himself afterwards.

Verse 42

2 Saved is from sozo, which Thayer defines at this place, "To make well, heal, restore to health." This favor was given the blind man because he believed in Jesus.

Verse 43

3 The recovery from blindness was immediate, which was always the case with miraculous healing.