Luke 17:1,2
IT IS IMPOSSIBLE - It cannot but happen. Such is the state of things that “it will be.” See these verses explained in the notes at Matthew 18:6.... [ Continue Reading ]
IT IS IMPOSSIBLE - It cannot but happen. Such is the state of things that “it will be.” See these verses explained in the notes at Matthew 18:6.... [ Continue Reading ]
See the notes at Matthew 18:15, Matthew 18:21. “Trespass against thee.” Sin against thee, or does anything that gives you an offence or does you an injury. REBUKE - Reprove. Go and tell him his fault, and seek an explanation. Acquaint him with what has been the effect of his conduct, and the state... [ Continue Reading ]
INCREASE OUR FAITH - This duty of forgiving offences seemed so difficult to the disciples that they strongly felt the need of an increase of faith. They felt that they were prone themselves to harbor resentments, and that it required an additional increase of true religion to enable them to comply w... [ Continue Reading ]
See Matthew 17:20. “Sycamine-tree.” This name, as well as sycamore, is given, among us, to the large tree commonly called the buttonwood; but the tree here mentioned is different. The Latin Vulgate and the Syriac versions translate it “mulberry-tree.” It is said to have been a tree that commonly gre... [ Continue Reading ]
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... [ Continue Reading ]
I MAY SUP - Make ready my supper. GIRD THYSELF - See the notes at Luke 12:37.... [ Continue Reading ]
I TROW NOT - I “think” not; or I “suppose” not.... [ Continue Reading ]
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 “profitab... [ Continue Reading ]
THE MIDST OF SAMARIA AND GALILEE - He went from Galilee, and probably traveled through the chief villages and towns in it and then left it; and as Samaria was situated “between” Galilee and Jerusalem, it was necessary to pass through it; or it may mean that he passed along on the borders of each tow... [ Continue Reading ]
THERE MET HIM - They were in his way, or in his path, as he was entering the village. They were not allowed to enter the village while they were afflicted with the leprosy, Leviticus 13:46; Numbers 5:2. LEPERS - See the notes at Matthew 8:2. STOOD AFAR OFF - At a distance, as they were required by... [ Continue Reading ]
GO SHOW YOURSELVES ... - See the notes at Matthew 8:4. By this command he gave them an implied assurance that they would be healed; for the “design” for which they were to go was to exhibit the “evidence” that they were restored, and to obtain permission from the priest to mingle again in society. I... [ Continue Reading ]
ONE OF THEM ... - This man, sensible of the power of God and grateful for his mercies, returned to express his gratitude to God for his goodness. Instead of obeying “at once” the “letter” of the command, he “first” expressed his thanks to God and to his Great Benefactor. There is no evidence, howeve... [ Continue Reading ]
WHERE ARE THE NINE? - Jesus had commanded them to go to the priest, and they were probably “literally” obeying the commandment. They were impatient to be healed and “selfish” in wishing it, and had no gratitude to God or their Benefactor. Jesus did not “forbid” their expressing gratitude to him for... [ Continue Reading ]
GO THY WAY - To the “priest;” for without “his” certificate he could not again be restored to the society of his friends, or to the public worship of God. Having now appropriately expressed your gratitude, go to the priest and obey the law of God. Renewed sinners, while their hearts overflow with gr... [ Continue Reading ]
WAS DEMANDED - Was asked. OF THE PHARISEES - This was a matter of much importance to them, and they had taught that it would come with parade and pomp. It is not unlikely that they asked this merely in “contempt,” and for the purpose of drawing out something that would expose him to ridicule. THE... [ Continue Reading ]
“Lo here! or, Lo there!” When an earthly prince visits different parts of his territories, he does it with pomp. His movements attract observation, and become the common topic of conversation. The inquiry is, Where is he? which way will he go? and it is a matter of important “news” to be able to say... [ Continue Reading ]
(The days will come He here takes occasion to direct the minds of his disciples to the days of vengeance which were about to fall on the Jewish nation. Heavy calamities will befall the Jewish people, and you will desire a deliverer. YE SHALL DESIRE - You who now number yourselves among my disciples... [ Continue Reading ]
AND THEY SHALL SAY ... - Many false Christs, according to Josephus, appeared about that time, attempting to lead away the people. See the notes at Matthew 24:23.... [ Continue Reading ]
See the notes at Mark 8:31.... [ Continue Reading ]
See the notes at Matthew 24:37.... [ Continue Reading ]
THEY DID EAT ... - They were busy in the affairs of this life, as if nothing were about to happen. THE SAME DAY ... - See Genesis 19:23. “It rained.” The word here used “might” have been rendered “he” rained. In Genesis it is said that the “Lord” did it. FIRE AND BRIMSTONE - God destroyed Sodom on... [ Continue Reading ]
See the notes at Matthew 24:17.... [ Continue Reading ]
REMEMBER LOT’S WIFE - See Genesis 19:26. “She” looked back - she delayed - perhaps she “desired” to take something with her, and God made her a monument of his displeasure. Jesus directed his disciples, when they saw the calamities coming upon the Jews, to flee to the mountains, Matthew 24:16. He he... [ Continue Reading ]
See the notes at Matthew 10:39.... [ Continue Reading ]
See the notes at Matthew 24:40.... [ Continue Reading ]
See the notes at Matthew 24:26. WHERE, LORD? - Where, or in what direction, shall these calamities come? The answer implies that it would be where there is the most “guilt and wickedness.” Eagles flock where there is prey. So, said he, these armies will flock to the place where there is the most wi... [ Continue Reading ]