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Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 18:3

And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary . The petitioner was a woman and a widow, the latter being in the East a synonym for helplessness. With no one to defend her or plead her cause, this widow was ever a prey to the covetous. Not once nor twice in the noble generous words of the chivalrous Hebrew prophets we find this readiness on the part of those in power to neglect, if not to oppress these helpless widow-women, sternly commented... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 18:7

And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him? The Master tells us that God permits suffering among his servants, long after they have begun to pray for deliverance. But we are counselled here to cry day and night unto him, and, though there be no signor reply, our prayers shall be treasured up before him, and in his own good time they will be answered. Though he bear long with them. With whom does God bear long? With the wrong-doers, whose works and words oppress... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 18:8

I tell you that he will avenge them speedily . " Non bientot, mais bien rite " (Godet). It means that God will act in accordance with his servant's prayer, not soon, but suddenly; sure and sudden at the crisis the action of Divine providence comes at the last "as a thief in the night." Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? These difficult words seem to point at least to a fear lest, the second coming being long delayed, true faith would have died... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 18:8

Our unbelief. "Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" These words have no special reference, if they have any at all, to the condition of the world at the "second coming" of Christ. In order to understand and appreciate them, we must consider— I. WHAT IS THE FORCE AND RANGE OF THIS EXPRESSION , "the coming of the Son of man." And it will be found on investigation that it signifies any special manifestation of God's power or any... 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

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Luke 18:2-5

Luke 18:2-5. There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, &c. This magistrate, being governed by atheistical principles, had no inducement from religion to do justice; at the same time, being very powerful, he did not regard what men said or thought of him; wherefore, in all his decisions, he was influenced merely by passion or interest. And there was a widow, &c., and she came, saying, Avenge me of, or rather, as εκδικησον με means, do me justice on, mine adversary The... read more

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