Luke 18
People's New Testament
And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
18:1 Parables Concerning Prayer

SUMMARY OF LUKE 18:

The Widow and the Unjust Judge. The Pharisee and the Publican. Little Children Brought to Christ. The Young Ruler Seeking for Eternal Life. Going Through the Needle's Eye. The Lord's Sufferings Declared to the Twelve. Blind Bartimaeus Healed at Jericho.

Men ought always to pray. Prayer is a privilege and a duty.

Not to faint. Persistence in prayer is requisite to making it effectual. See Eph 6:18. Augustine says:

God reserves for thee that which he is slow to give thee, that thou mayest learn to entertain a supreme desire and longing for it.''

Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:
18:2 A judge. The judges of the East are irresponsible, often unjust, usually delay justice for the sake of bribes.
And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.
18:3 A widow. The widow of the East, unless she has powerful friends, is absolutely helpless. In India, she is regarded almost as an outcast. It is only the Bible that proclaims God as the widow's friend.

Avenge me of my adversary. That is, redress the wrong I have suffered.

And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;
18:4 And he would not for a while. Because selfishly indifferent.
Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.
18:5 This widow troubleth me. What neither the fear of God nor the regard for human rights could do, her persistence accomplished, because her continual coming wearied him.
And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.
18:6 The Lord said. This is the application of the parable.
And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
18:7 Shall not God avenge his own elect? If an unjust, hard-hearted judge can be moved by the persistent prayers of a widow, will not the tender, loving, good Father hear the cries of his children?

Though he bear long with them. Rather, as in the Revised Version, He is long-suffering over them. He is long-suffering for them for their own good, and long-suffering towards their enemies in order that they may have opportunity to repent.

I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
18:8 Shall he find faith on the earth? Prayer is the utterance of faith. Prayerlessness is proof of unbelief. The Lord, pained by the unbelief of even his disciples, shows in these words what a burden to him is our unbelief (see Mt 17:17).
And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
18:9 He spake this parable, etc. The persons described in this verse are so much like the Pharisees that we can hardly believe that they were not. Rabbi Simeon, one of them, said, that if there were only thirty religious men in the world like Abraham, he and his son would be two of them; if only two, he and his son would be those; and if only one, that would be himself.
Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
18:10 A Pharisee... a publican. The one the type of orthodoxy; the other regarded by orthodox Jews a religious outcast. See notes on Mt 3:7 9:9.
The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
18:11 The Pharisees stood. Stood forth where he could be seen.

Prayed thus with himself. Self was the center of his thoughts.

Not as other men are. Pride and contempt of others are manifest.

I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
18:12 I fast twice in the week. He enumerates his claims on God. He is very scrupulous about fasting and paying tithes (Le 27:30).
And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
18:13 The publican, standing afar off. Remote from other worshipers, like a pariah.

Would not lift up so much as his eyes. His spirit was so humble and contrite. The Pharisees probably had both hands and eyes lifted up.

Smote upon his breast. An act denoting sorrow.

God be merciful to me a sinner. A humble confession.

I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
18:14 This man went... justified. With his sins forgiven. His prayer was answered; not the proud boasts of the Pharisee. Ryle says:

This parable teaches us the spirit that should pervade our prayers. The first parable encourages us to pray, and faint not. The second reminds us how we ought to pray. Both should be often pondered by every true Christian.''

And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
18:15-17 They brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them. See notes on Mt 19:13-15 Mr 10:13-16 It was the customs of the Jews to bring their babes to the synagogue for the rabbi to lay his hands upon and bless. So says the Talmud.
But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
18:15-17 They brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them. See notes on Mt 19:13-15 Mr 10:13-16 It was the customs of the Jews to bring their babes to the synagogue for the rabbi to lay his hands upon and bless. So says the Talmud.
Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
18:15-17 They brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them. See notes on Mt 19:13-15 Mr 10:13-16 It was the customs of the Jews to bring their babes to the synagogue for the rabbi to lay his hands upon and bless. So says the Talmud.
And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
18:18-30 And a certain ruler asked him. For notes on the case of the Rich Young Ruler, see Mt 19:16-30; also Mr 10:17-31. The ruler was probably ruler of a synagogue. See Mt 4:23.
And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.
18:18-30 And a certain ruler asked him. For notes on the case of the Rich Young Ruler, see Mt 19:16-30; also Mr 10:17-31. The ruler was probably ruler of a synagogue. See Mt 4:23.
Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.
18:18-30 And a certain ruler asked him. For notes on the case of the Rich Young Ruler, see Mt 19:16-30; also Mr 10:17-31. The ruler was probably ruler of a synagogue. See Mt 4:23.
And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.
18:18-30 And a certain ruler asked him. For notes on the case of the Rich Young Ruler, see Mt 19:16-30; also Mr 10:17-31. The ruler was probably ruler of a synagogue. See Mt 4:23.
Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.
18:18-30 And a certain ruler asked him. For notes on the case of the Rich Young Ruler, see Mt 19:16-30; also Mr 10:17-31. The ruler was probably ruler of a synagogue. See Mt 4:23.
And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.
18:18-30 And a certain ruler asked him. For notes on the case of the Rich Young Ruler, see Mt 19:16-30; also Mr 10:17-31. The ruler was probably ruler of a synagogue. See Mt 4:23.
And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
18:18-30 And a certain ruler asked him. For notes on the case of the Rich Young Ruler, see Mt 19:16-30; also Mr 10:17-31. The ruler was probably ruler of a synagogue. See Mt 4:23.
For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
18:18-30 And a certain ruler asked him. For notes on the case of the Rich Young Ruler, see Mt 19:16-30; also Mr 10:17-31. The ruler was probably ruler of a synagogue. See Mt 4:23.
And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved?
18:18-30 And a certain ruler asked him. For notes on the case of the Rich Young Ruler, see Mt 19:16-30; also Mr 10:17-31. The ruler was probably ruler of a synagogue. See Mt 4:23.
And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.
18:18-30 And a certain ruler asked him. For notes on the case of the Rich Young Ruler, see Mt 19:16-30; also Mr 10:17-31. The ruler was probably ruler of a synagogue. See Mt 4:23.
Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee.
18:18-30 And a certain ruler asked him. For notes on the case of the Rich Young Ruler, see Mt 19:16-30; also Mr 10:17-31. The ruler was probably ruler of a synagogue. See Mt 4:23.
And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake,
18:18-30 And a certain ruler asked him. For notes on the case of the Rich Young Ruler, see Mt 19:16-30; also Mr 10:17-31. The ruler was probably ruler of a synagogue. See Mt 4:23.
Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.
18:18-30 And a certain ruler asked him. For notes on the case of the Rich Young Ruler, see Mt 19:16-30; also Mr 10:17-31. The ruler was probably ruler of a synagogue. See Mt 4:23.
Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished.
18:31-34 Behold, we go up to Jerusalem. See notes on Mt 20:17-19 Mr 10:32-34. Luke adds:

All the things that are written by the prophets, etc. For some things written by the prophets, see Ps 16:10 22:7-8 49:15:00 Isa 53:1-9 Da 9:26.

For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on:
18:31-34 Behold, we go up to Jerusalem. See notes on Mt 20:17-19 Mr 10:32-34. Luke adds:

All the things that are written by the prophets, etc. For some things written by the prophets, see Ps 16:10 22:7-8 49:15:00 Isa 53:1-9 Da 9:26.

And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.
18:31-34 Behold, we go up to Jerusalem. See notes on Mt 20:17-19 Mr 10:32-34. Luke adds:

All the things that are written by the prophets, etc. For some things written by the prophets, see Ps 16:10 22:7-8 49:15:00 Isa 53:1-9 Da 9:26.

And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.
18:31-34 Behold, we go up to Jerusalem. See notes on Mt 20:17-19 Mr 10:32-34. Luke adds:

All the things that are written by the prophets, etc. For some things written by the prophets, see Ps 16:10 22:7-8 49:15:00 Isa 53:1-9 Da 9:26.

And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging:
18:35-43 As he was come nigh to Jericho. This was on his last journey to Jerusalem, a little more than a week before the crucifixion. Matthew and Mark also give accounts of the healing of the blind beggar. See notes on Mt 20:29-34. Compare Mr 10:46-52. Matthew says there were two blind beggars. If there were two there certainly was one. Luke and Mark only name the one who was most active and earnest. Mark says his name was Bartimaeus (Mr 10:46). For a description of Jericho, see note on Mt 20:29.
And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant.
18:35-43 As he was come nigh to Jericho. This was on his last journey to Jerusalem, a little more than a week before the crucifixion. Matthew and Mark also give accounts of the healing of the blind beggar. See notes on Mt 20:29-34. Compare Mr 10:46-52. Matthew says there were two blind beggars. If there were two there certainly was one. Luke and Mark only name the one who was most active and earnest. Mark says his name was Bartimaeus (Mr 10:46). For a description of Jericho, see note on Mt 20:29.
And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by.
18:35-43 As he was come nigh to Jericho. This was on his last journey to Jerusalem, a little more than a week before the crucifixion. Matthew and Mark also give accounts of the healing of the blind beggar. See notes on Mt 20:29-34. Compare Mr 10:46-52. Matthew says there were two blind beggars. If there were two there certainly was one. Luke and Mark only name the one who was most active and earnest. Mark says his name was Bartimaeus (Mr 10:46). For a description of Jericho, see note on Mt 20:29.
And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.
18:35-43 As he was come nigh to Jericho. This was on his last journey to Jerusalem, a little more than a week before the crucifixion. Matthew and Mark also give accounts of the healing of the blind beggar. See notes on Mt 20:29-34. Compare Mr 10:46-52. Matthew says there were two blind beggars. If there were two there certainly was one. Luke and Mark only name the one who was most active and earnest. Mark says his name was Bartimaeus (Mr 10:46). For a description of Jericho, see note on Mt 20:29.
And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.
18:35-43 As he was come nigh to Jericho. This was on his last journey to Jerusalem, a little more than a week before the crucifixion. Matthew and Mark also give accounts of the healing of the blind beggar. See notes on Mt 20:29-34. Compare Mr 10:46-52. Matthew says there were two blind beggars. If there were two there certainly was one. Luke and Mark only name the one who was most active and earnest. Mark says his name was Bartimaeus (Mr 10:46). For a description of Jericho, see note on Mt 20:29.
And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him,
18:35-43 As he was come nigh to Jericho. This was on his last journey to Jerusalem, a little more than a week before the crucifixion. Matthew and Mark also give accounts of the healing of the blind beggar. See notes on Mt 20:29-34. Compare Mr 10:46-52. Matthew says there were two blind beggars. If there were two there certainly was one. Luke and Mark only name the one who was most active and earnest. Mark says his name was Bartimaeus (Mr 10:46). For a description of Jericho, see note on Mt 20:29.
Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight.
18:35-43 As he was come nigh to Jericho. This was on his last journey to Jerusalem, a little more than a week before the crucifixion. Matthew and Mark also give accounts of the healing of the blind beggar. See notes on Mt 20:29-34. Compare Mr 10:46-52. Matthew says there were two blind beggars. If there were two there certainly was one. Luke and Mark only name the one who was most active and earnest. Mark says his name was Bartimaeus (Mr 10:46). For a description of Jericho, see note on Mt 20:29.
And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee.
18:35-43 As he was come nigh to Jericho. This was on his last journey to Jerusalem, a little more than a week before the crucifixion. Matthew and Mark also give accounts of the healing of the blind beggar. See notes on Mt 20:29-34. Compare Mr 10:46-52. Matthew says there were two blind beggars. If there were two there certainly was one. Luke and Mark only name the one who was most active and earnest. Mark says his name was Bartimaeus (Mr 10:46). For a description of Jericho, see note on Mt 20:29.
And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.
18:35-43 As he was come nigh to Jericho. This was on his last journey to Jerusalem, a little more than a week before the crucifixion. Matthew and Mark also give accounts of the healing of the blind beggar. See notes on Mt 20:29-34. Compare Mr 10:46-52. Matthew says there were two blind beggars. If there were two there certainly was one. Luke and Mark only name the one who was most active and earnest. Mark says his name was Bartimaeus (Mr 10:46). For a description of Jericho, see note on Mt 20:29.
The People's New Testament by B.W. Johnson [1891]

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