Luke 18

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

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 18:9

Unto certain - Unto some.Which trusted in themselves - Who confided in themselves, or who supposed that they were righteous. They did not trust to God or the Messiah for righteousness, but to their own works. They vainly supposed they had themselves complied with the demands of the law of God.Despised others - Others who were not as externally righteous as themselves. This was the character of the Pharisees. They trusted in their outward conformity to the ceremonies of the law. They considered... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 18:10

The temple - Into one of the courts of the temple - the court where prayer was commonly offered. See the notes at Matthew 21:12.A Pharisee - See the notes at Matthew 3:7.Publican - See the notes at Matthew 5:46. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 18:11

Stood and prayed thus with himself - Some have proposed to render this, “stood by himself” and prayed. In this way it would be characteristic of the sect of the Pharisees, who dreaded the contact of others as polluting, and who were disposed to say to all, Stand by yourselves. The Syraic so renders it, but it is doubtful whether the Greek will allow this construction. If not, it means, he said over to himself what he had done, and what was the ground on which he expected the favour of God.God,... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 18:12

I fast twice ... - This was probably the Jewish custom. The Pharisees are said to have fasted regularly on the second and fifth days of every week in private. This was “in addition” to the public days of fasting required in the law of Moses, and they, therefore, made more a matter of “merit” of it because it was voluntary.I give tithes - A tithe means the tenth part of a thing. A tenth part of the possessions of the Jews was required for the support of the Levites, Numbers 18:21. In addition to... read more

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

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 18:9

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 18:10

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 18:11

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 18:12

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