better = well. Greek. lusiteleo. Occurs only here. that = if. App-118 . millstone . See note on Matthew 18:6 . about = round. Greek. peri. App-104 . cast = hurled (with violence). into. Greek. eis. App-104 . offend = be a cause of stumbling to. This was spoken with reference to the traditions of the Pharisees in Luke 16:15-30 . read more
The introductory "and" (de in the Greek text, not translated in the NIV) indicates a logical connection with what has preceded. It is inevitable that disciples retard the spiritual progress of others occasionally because none of us is perfect. However that does not excuse personal responsibility when someone causes another to stumble into sin or apostasy (cf. Luke 11:52). It is a very serious offense to hinder the progress of a spiritually immature believer whom Jesus spoke of here as a child... read more
1. The prevention of sin and the restoration of sinners 17:1-4 read more
H. Jesus’ warning about disciples’ actions and attitudes 17:1-19Jesus had been teaching the disciples about avoiding what men esteemed highly but which God viewed as detestable, namely, the pursuit of money (Luke 16:15). By pursuing money hypocritically the Pharisees had turned many of their fellow Jews away from Jesus (Luke 11:52). Jesus now warned the disciples about the possibility of their own improper actions and attitudes. read more
17:2 snare (d-28) Skandalon . It means the part of a fall-trap that makes the trap fall when touched. see Note, Matthew 13:57 . millstone (e-10) Or 'a great millstone,' as in Matthew 18:6 . read more
Occasions of Offence. The Ten Lepers. The Second Advent1, 2. On causing others to sin. See on Matthew 18:6, Matthew 18:7.2, One of these little ones] An affectionate designation of the disciples, especially such as were beginners and easily led astray. Perhaps the converted publicans and sinners of Luke 15:1-2 are specially meant.3, 4. The duty of forgiveness. We are to forgive an unlimited number of times, yet we may rebuke in love: cp. Leviticus 19:17. See on Matthew 18:15, Matthew 18:21. 3.... read more
(2) It were batter for him . . .—See Note on Matthew 18:6, where the order of the two sayings is inverted. Assuming the words to have been repeated where we find them here, the “little ones” must mean the disciples of Christ who are, in both senses of the word “offended” by the worldliness of those who profess to be religious. They are made to stumble by the temptation to follow the bad example, or their faith in the reality of godliness is shaken by seeing that the form exists without the... read more
Luke 17:3 Sir James Stephen describes Wilberforce's Practical View of Christianity as 'the expostulation of a brother. Unwelcome truth is delivered with scrupulous fidelity, and yet with a tenderness which demonstrates that the monitor feels the pain he reluctantly inflicts. It is this tone of human sympathy breathing in every page which constitutes the essential charm of this book.' Luke 17:3 This is certaine: That a Man that studieth Revenge, keepes his owne Wounds greene, which otherwise... read more
CHAPTER 17 1. Concerning Offenses and Forgiveness. (Luke 17:1-4 ) 2. Increase of Faith and Lowly Service. (Luke 17:5-10 ) 3. The Ten Lepers. (Luke 17:11-19 ) 4. Concerning the Kingdom and His Second Coming. (Luke 17:20-37 ) Luke 17:1-19 The story of the ten lepers is only found in Luke. All were cleansed by the power of God and the nine obeyed the Word of the Lord and went to the priests (Leviticus 13:1-59 ; Leviticus 14:1-57 ). But the tenth did not go but instead turned back and... read more
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Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Luke 17:1-19
105. Duty, faith and gratitude (Luke 17:1-19)Whether in relation to money (as illustrated in the previous stories) or any other matter likely to cause temptation, Jesus’ followers must not cause young believers to sin (Luke 17:1-2). They must try to correct those who do wrong to them, but at the same time forgive them, no matter how many times the offence is repeated (Luke 17:3-4). Concerning faith, they should remember that God is not concerned with how much they have, but with whether they... read more