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Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 17:1-10

The Addition Besought. We are not informed of the circumstances which called forth the discourse condensed in the first ten verses of the chapter. An occasion was, by some incident, provided for a solemn warning against the sin of an unforgiving and uncharitable spirit. And this warning apparently intensified a conviction which had been simmering in the minds of the disciples, and led to the prayer, "Lord, Increase [or, 'add to us'] faith." Have we not a part in this cry? Are there not... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 17:1-19

Graces stimulated and strengthened. The preceding chapter urges most powerfully, by precept and parable, consideration for others. Money is to be used for this end. But consideration may be shown in many other ways. And want of consideration may be one of those "occasions of stumbling" (so in Revised Version) to the Lord's little ones which shall be visited with such overwhelming retribution. Our Lord consequently begins by teaching— I. THE GREAT DANGER OF CAUSING A LITTLE ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 17:1-37

The Master ' s teaching on the subject of the injury worked on the souls of others by our sins. The disciples pray for an increase of faith that they may be kept from such sins. The Lord ' s reply. His little parable on humility. The healing of the ten lepers. The ingratitude of all save one. The question of the Pharisees as to the coming of the kingdom. The Lord ' s answer, and his teaching respecting the awful suddenness of the advent of the Son of man. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 17:7-8

But which of you, having a servant ploughing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by-and-by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? and will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? And here we have the Lord's answer to his disciples' request to increase their faith. They were asking for a boon he would not, nay, could not, grant them yet. A small measure... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 17:7-10

The spirit of Christian service. The hardest nut may have the sweetest kernel; the least inviting and most difficult parable may have the most strengthening and stimulating truth beneath the surface. So with this passage. We may be even repelled from treating it because it seems to represent our Father in a light in which we do not like to look at him. It seems as if we were required to regard him as a hard taskmaster, indifferent to the past labour and present weariness of his servants,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 17:9-10

Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do. And for the loyal, patient, unwearied worker there must be no saying, "What shall we have therefore?" ( Matthew 19:27 ). No spirit of self-complacency and of self-satisfaction must be allowed to brood over the faithful servant's thoughts. In... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 17:7

Having a servant ... - This parable appears to have been spoken with reference to the rewards which the disciples were expecting in the kingdom of the Messiah. The occasion on which it was spoken cannot be ascertained. It does not seem to have any particular connection with what goes before. It may be supposed that the disciples were somewhat impatient to have the kingdom restored to Israel Acts 1:6 - that is, that he would assume his kingly power, and that they were impatient of the “delay,”... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 17:8

I may sup - Make ready my supper.Gird thyself - See the notes at Luke 12:37. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 17:9

I trow not - I “think” not; or I “suppose” not. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 17:10

Are unprofitable servants - We have conferred no favor. We have “merited” nothing. We have not “benefited” God, or laid him under “obligation.” If he rewards us, it will be matter of unmerited favor. This is true in relation to Christians in the following respects:Our services are not “profitable” to God Job 22:2; he “needs” not our aid, and his essential happiness will not be increased by our efforts. The grace to do his will comes from him only, and all the praise of that will be due to him.... read more

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