Luke 18:1-8
Summary for Luke 18:1-8: 18:1-8 a The parable of the persistent widow follows naturally from Jesus’ teaching about coming troubles (17:20-37 b). Believers can face trials and persevere through persistent prayer.18:2 c a judge ... who neither feared God nor cared about people: The two most important attributes for a good judge are regard for justice (fear of God), and compassion for people (see 2 Chr 19:6-7 d). This judge had neither.
18:3 e A widow: God is concerned for widows, orphans, and foreigners—the most vulnerable members of ancient society—and has promised judgment against those who oppress them (Exod 22:22 f; Deut 10:18 g; 24:17 h; 27:19 i; Ps 68:5 j; Isa 1:23 k; 10:2 l; Jer 22:3 m; Ezek 22:7 n; Amos 5:10-13 o; Zech 7:10 p; Mal 3:5 q).
• Give me justice: The woman was in the right in this dispute—she was not asking for special favors.
18:5 r driving me crazy: This colorful Greek expression literally means “striking the eye” or “giving me a black eye,” as in boxing. The sense is of wearing someone down through persistence.
18:7 s God will surely give justice: If persistence resulted in justice from this unjust judge, how much more will God, who loves both people and justice, answer our prayers.
18:8 t when the Son of Man returns: This is an allusion to Dan 7:13-14 u.
• how many will he find on the earth who have faith? The question is whether believers will remain faithful through the trials that will precede the coming of the Son of Man (see Matt 24:10-12 v; 2 Thes 2:3 w; 1 Tim 4:1 x).
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