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Luke 17:3
Verse
Context
Temptations and Trespasses
2It would be better for him to have a millstone hung around his neck and to be thrown into the sea than to cause one of these little ones to stumble.3Watch yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.4Even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times returns to say, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
If thy brother trespass - See the notes on Mat 18:21, Mat 18:22.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
(See on Mat 18:15-17; Mat 18:21-22).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day,.... For good men are frequently apt to fall into sin, and offend both God and man; see Pro 24:16 "and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent"; as often as he sins, and appears to be truly sensible of it, and humble for it, and makes acknowledgments of it; and not only barely in words professes his concern for it, but there is reason to believe that he is heartily grieved for it, and to hope that he will behave better for the future: thou shalt forgive him; this seems to be occasioned by Peter's putting such a question to Christ, how often a brother might sin against him, and he forgive him; see Mat 18:21. The Jews plead for great tenderness and readiness to forgive penitents, when they ask for forgiveness; which they insist upon should be done: they say (q), "it is forbidden an injured person to be cruel, and not forgive; this is not the way of the seed of Israel: but when he that has done the injury asks of him, and prays him once and again, and he knows that he has returned from his sin, and hath repented of his evil, he ought to forgive him; and whoever makes haste to forgive, is praiseworthy.'' But then, they say (r), "if he brings all the rams of Nebaioth that are in the world, he is not to have pardon, unless he asks it of him.'' And they seem also to have set times for it, as well as restrain the frequent repetition of it: they observe (s); "if a man returns by repentance, in the intermediate time, (i.e. as the gloss explains it, between the beginning of the year, or New Year's Day, and the day of atonement,) they pardon him; but if he does not return in the intermediate time, though he brings all the rams of Nebaioth in the world, they do not pardon him.'' A man that was always forgiving, was reckoned by them an extraordinary man: it is said (t) of Mar Zutra bar Nachman, that he was , "forgiving every day"; but yet they do not seem to care to carry it to so great a length, and to repeat it so often as our Lord directs; they allow a man to forgive three times, but not a fourth; See Gill on Mat 18:22. (q) Maimon. Hilchot Chobel Umezik, c. 5. sect. 10. (r) T. Bab. Bava Kama, fol. 92. 1. (s) T. Bab. Rosh Hashama, fol. 17. 2. (t) Juchasin, fol. 90. 2.
Luke 17:3
Temptations and Trespasses
2It would be better for him to have a millstone hung around his neck and to be thrown into the sea than to cause one of these little ones to stumble.3Watch yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.4Even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times returns to say, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Forgiveness
By David Guzik92252:26HOS 11:9MAT 18:21LUK 17:3In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the parable of the unforgiving servant from the Bible. He emphasizes the importance of being generous with forgiveness, as God has forgiven us so much. The preacher highlights the differences between the way God forgives and the way humans forgive, such as God's ability to hold back anger for a long time. He also warns against two dangerous misapplications of forgiveness: community forgiveness, where forgiveness is granted without proper accountability, and personal relationships, where forgiveness should be practiced but not at the expense of justice.
Righteous Judgment in a Culture of Honor
By Mike Bickle211:02:22Culture of HonorRighteous JudgmentPRO 11:13MAT 7:1MAT 18:15LUK 17:3JHN 7:24ROM 12:101CO 5:1GAL 6:1EPH 4:15TIT 1:10Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of establishing a culture of honor within the body of Christ, highlighting that honoring one another is essential for receiving God's blessings. He explains that while we are called to honor all members of the body, this does not contradict the biblical mandate for righteous judgment, which is necessary for correction and restoration. Bickle clarifies that Jesus taught us to judge, but with the right spirit and purpose, aiming for redemption rather than condemnation. He stresses that true judgment involves tenderness, grace, and confidentiality, and is ultimately an expression of God's love and care for His people. The sermon calls believers to confront sin within the community, ensuring that such actions are done in a spirit of humility and love.
John Wesley's Explanatory Notes - Matthew 18
By John Wesley0ForgivenessHumilityMAT 5:29MAT 6:14MAT 10:40MAT 16:19MAT 18:1MAT 19:14MRK 9:43LUK 17:3LUK 19:10John Wesley expounds on Matthew 18, emphasizing the necessity of humility and childlike faith to enter the kingdom of heaven. He warns against causing offenses and stresses the importance of addressing wrongs directly and privately, following Christ's prescribed steps for reconciliation. Wesley highlights God's care for the 'little ones' and the severe consequences of failing to forgive others, drawing a parallel between our forgiveness from God and our obligation to forgive others. He concludes with a powerful reminder of the weight of our offenses against God and the importance of genuine forgiveness in our relationships.
Anyone Who Does Not Come to Table Before the Verse
By St. Benedict of Nursia0PRO 13:18PRO 15:32MAT 18:15LUK 17:31CO 14:40St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of discipline and order during communal meals, instructing that those who do not come to the table on time for the verse and oration should be corrected and, if necessary, separated from the group until they amend their behavior. He also addresses the consequences for those who are not present for the post-meal verse. Additionally, St. Benedict highlights the significance of accepting offerings from the Superior and the consequences of refusing them, stressing the need for proper satisfaction and amendment.
Matthew 6:14, 15. Christ Declares Whom God Will Forgive.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0PSA 32:5MAT 6:14LUK 17:3ROM 12:19EPH 4:32COL 3:131JN 1:9Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the importance of forgiveness in prayer, emphasizing that God expects us to forgive others in order to receive His forgiveness. He explains that true forgiveness involves letting go of grudges, refraining from speaking ill of the offender, and genuinely wishing good for them. Mortimer highlights that forgiveness is impossible through human nature alone but can be achieved through the work of the Holy Spirit, filling us with love for God and others. He stresses that genuine prayers are accepted only from those whose hearts have been renewed by God's grace, urging believers to come to God through Jesus and offer sincere, heartfelt prayers.
What to Do When a Fellow Christian Wrongs You Matthew 18:15-35
By David Servant0LUK 17:3David Servant preaches on Jesus' instructions for handling conflicts among believers, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness, reconciliation, and mercy. He highlights the process outlined in Matthew 18:15-17, starting with private confrontation and escalating to church involvement if necessary, all with the goal of restoring relationships. The sermon underscores the need for humility, self-examination, and a willingness to forgive as God forgives us, regardless of the number of times we are wronged.
The Duty of Forgiveness. — Sensational Scene at Birkenhead.
By Gwilym Hughes0MAT 6:14MRK 11:25LUK 17:3EPH 4:32COL 3:13Gwilym Hughes preaches about the duty of forgiveness, emphasizing the importance of clearing obstacles such as unforgiveness to make room for God's presence. The sensational scene at Birkenhead during the Welsh revivalist mission reveals a powerful moment of repentance and reconciliation, with individuals fervently praying for forgiveness and unity. The congregation experiences a deep spiritual awakening, leading to tearful confessions and a collective effort to forgive and seek God's mercy. The service culminates in a moving rendition of hymns and prayers, highlighting the transformative power of forgiveness and the unity found in Christ.
A Closer Look at Forgiving
By David Servant0MAT 6:15MAT 18:23LUK 17:3ACT 7:60REV 6:9David Servant preaches on the importance of forgiveness, emphasizing the need to show mercy to others as we have received mercy from God. He delves into Jesus' Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, highlighting the consequences of unforgiveness and the requirement for us to forgive others in order to receive forgiveness from God. Servant explains that forgiveness leads to reconciliation, illustrating this through biblical examples and teachings. He addresses common misconceptions about forgiveness and provides insights on when and whom God expects us to forgive, emphasizing the significance of repentance in the process of forgiveness.
Day 77, Mark 12
By David Servant0MAT 23:24MRK 1:4MRK 11:25MRK 12:33LUK 3:3LUK 12:48LUK 17:3ACT 2:38David Servant delves into the importance of forgiveness as highlighted in Mark 11, emphasizing the necessity of forgiving others in order to receive forgiveness from God. True forgiveness leads to reconciliation, which involves confronting the offender and seeking repentance. God forgives those who repent, and Jesus instructs us to rebuke and forgive those who sin against us. It is crucial to prioritize loving God and others over religious rituals and traditions, as demonstrated by the scribe who understood the weight of these commandments.
The Universal Law of Forgiveness.
By Edward Payson0PSA 103:12MAT 18:21LUK 17:3EPH 4:321JN 1:9Edward Payson preaches about the importance of forgiveness, emphasizing that just as Jesus is ready to forgive us repeatedly when we repent, we should also be willing to forgive others who trespass against us. He highlights the need for deep conviction in God's boundless mercy to prevent guilt and despair, and the significance of understanding the types of trespasses that require forgiveness. Payson stresses that Jesus, as our brother and Savior, is always ready to forgive our repentant hearts, no matter how many times we may have trespassed against Him.
Temptation, Sin, Forgiveness, Faith and Obedience Luke 17:1-10
By David Servant0LUK 17:3David Servant emphasizes the importance of obedience to God above all else, highlighting that God desires obedience that stems from a heart filled with love for Him. He discusses the significance of avoiding temptation and the severe consequences for those who lead others into sin. Additionally, he delves into the importance of helping fellow believers stay away from sin through gentle rebuke and forgiveness. David also explores the relationship between faith and obedience, emphasizing that obedience, not miracles, is the true indicator of faith in Jesus. Lastly, he warns against the sin of pride that can arise from obedience, stressing the need to view ourselves as humble servants of God.
The Universal Law of Forgiveness
By Edward Payson0PSA 103:12MAT 18:21LUK 17:31JN 1:9Edward Payson preaches about the importance of forgiveness, emphasizing that just as Jesus is ready to forgive us repeatedly when we repent, we should also be willing to forgive others who trespass against us. He highlights the need for believers to have deep conviction in Christ's boundless mercy, as many struggles and sins stem from not fully grasping His willingness to forgive. Payson explains that Christ's forgiveness is not limited by the number of times we repent, but by our genuine repentance, and encourages believers to approach Christ with confidence for forgiveness and restoration.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
If thy brother trespass - See the notes on Mat 18:21, Mat 18:22.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
(See on Mat 18:15-17; Mat 18:21-22).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day,.... For good men are frequently apt to fall into sin, and offend both God and man; see Pro 24:16 "and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent"; as often as he sins, and appears to be truly sensible of it, and humble for it, and makes acknowledgments of it; and not only barely in words professes his concern for it, but there is reason to believe that he is heartily grieved for it, and to hope that he will behave better for the future: thou shalt forgive him; this seems to be occasioned by Peter's putting such a question to Christ, how often a brother might sin against him, and he forgive him; see Mat 18:21. The Jews plead for great tenderness and readiness to forgive penitents, when they ask for forgiveness; which they insist upon should be done: they say (q), "it is forbidden an injured person to be cruel, and not forgive; this is not the way of the seed of Israel: but when he that has done the injury asks of him, and prays him once and again, and he knows that he has returned from his sin, and hath repented of his evil, he ought to forgive him; and whoever makes haste to forgive, is praiseworthy.'' But then, they say (r), "if he brings all the rams of Nebaioth that are in the world, he is not to have pardon, unless he asks it of him.'' And they seem also to have set times for it, as well as restrain the frequent repetition of it: they observe (s); "if a man returns by repentance, in the intermediate time, (i.e. as the gloss explains it, between the beginning of the year, or New Year's Day, and the day of atonement,) they pardon him; but if he does not return in the intermediate time, though he brings all the rams of Nebaioth in the world, they do not pardon him.'' A man that was always forgiving, was reckoned by them an extraordinary man: it is said (t) of Mar Zutra bar Nachman, that he was , "forgiving every day"; but yet they do not seem to care to carry it to so great a length, and to repeat it so often as our Lord directs; they allow a man to forgive three times, but not a fourth; See Gill on Mat 18:22. (q) Maimon. Hilchot Chobel Umezik, c. 5. sect. 10. (r) T. Bab. Bava Kama, fol. 92. 1. (s) T. Bab. Rosh Hashama, fol. 17. 2. (t) Juchasin, fol. 90. 2.