Bible Commentaries

Lu 17:1-10.

OFFENSES--FAITH--HUMILITY.

1, 2. (See

Mt 18:6, 7).

3, 4. (See on

Mt 18:15-17;

Mt 18:21, 22).

4. seven times--not a lower measure of the forgiving spirit than the "seventy times seven" enjoined on Peter, which was occasioned by his asking if he was to stop at seven times. "No," is the virtual answer, "though it come to seventy times that number, if only he ask forgiveness in sincerity."

5. Lord--(See on

Lu 10:1).

increase our faith--moved by the difficulty of avoiding and forgiving "offenses." This is the only instance in which a spiritual operation upon their souls was solicited of Christ by the Twelve; but a kindred and higher prayer had been offered before, by one with far fewer opportunities. (See on

Mr 9:24.)

6. sycamine--mulberry. (See on

Mr 11:22-24.)

7-10. say unto him by and by--The "by and by" (or rather "directly") should be joined not to the saying but the going: "Go directly." The connection here is: "But when your faith has been so increased as both to avoid and forgive offenses, and do things impossible to all but faith, be not puffed up as though you had laid the Lord under any obligations to you."

9. I trow not--or, as we say, when much more is meant, "I should think not."

10. unprofitable--a word which, though usually denoting the opposite of profit, is here used simply in its negative sense. "We have not, as his servants, profited or benefited God at all." (Compare

Job 22:2, 3; Ro 11:35.)